Why Standard Headphones Fail on a Loud Worksite
Standard noise-cancelling headphones work by generating an opposing sound wave that cancels ambient noise. That's genuinely good tech for a plane cabin's constant drone. On an industrial site, it's the wrong tool entirely, because it can't tell the difference between hazardous noise and the warning shout, alarm, or reversing beeper a worker actually needs to hear.
- Compromised situational awareness: workers become oblivious to their immediate environment, increasing the risk of accidents
- Impeded communication: to talk to a colleague, workers have to remove hearing protection entirely, exposing their ears to damaging noise even briefly
- A false sense of security: ears are protected from noise, but the worker is left unable to hear physical dangers approaching
How SENS Technology Actually Works
Sensear's SENS (Speech Enhancement, Noise Suppression) technology takes a different approach entirely. Rather than a blunt sledgehammer that blocks everything, it acts more like a precise filter, constantly listening to the environment, suppressing harmful background noise, and actively enhancing the frequencies of human speech and alarms.
In practice, that means a worker can hold a normal conversation with someone standing next to them, hear an approaching vehicle or an alarm, and stay connected on their two-way radio, all without removing their hearing protection.
Three Things SENS Actually Delivers
- 360-degree situational awareness: external microphones pick up ambient sound and pass it through at a safe volume, so a worker can pinpoint the direction of a warning or approaching vehicle
- Natural face-to-face communication: the system distinguishes human voice from industrial noise and enhances it, without shouting or removing the headset
- Radio and Bluetooth integration: Sensear headsets connect directly to leading two-way radio brands including Motorola, Tait and Hytera
Choosing the Right Sensear Model
Sensear's range covers everything from a straightforward radio-powered headset through to intrinsically safe models certified for explosive atmospheres. Here's what Mobile Systems currently stocks.
| Model | Key Feature | Best For | Price (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM1R Series | Radio-powered, no battery required, lighter and simpler | General industrial sites wanting a straightforward, low-maintenance option | From $897 |
| SM1B Series | Battery-powered, wireless capable | Teams wanting cable-free flexibility on site | From $1,015 |
| SM1P2 Series | Bluetooth streaming, noise-cancelling boom mic | Manufacturing and construction sites wanting the full feature set | From $1,238 |
| SM1P-EX Series | Intrinsically safe, ATEX/IECEx certified, SLC80 26-31dB | Mining, oil and gas, and any explosive gas atmosphere | From $2,079 |
| SM1P2-EX Dual Protection | Intrinsically safe with additional dual hearing protection for extreme noise | Hazardous sites with noise exposure exceeding 100 dB(A) | From $2,457 |
The Sensear SM1P-EX: intrinsically safe and ATEX/IECEx certified for explosive atmospheres.
All models are available in over-the-head, behind-the-neck, or helmet-mounted styles, and we also stock the connector cables to match Motorola, Tait and Hytera radios.
Meeting NZ Hearing Protection Standards
Protecting your team's hearing in New Zealand isn't just good practice, it's a legal duty under health and safety law. Sensear's headsets are certified to AS/NZS 1270:2002, the hearing protector standard that applies across NZ and Australia, alongside international standards including ANSI S3.19 and the EN352 series.
The SLC80 rating you'll see on a datasheet describes how much a headset attenuates sound for 80% of wearers under laboratory conditions. Higher numbers mean more protection, and the right rating for your site depends on your actual measured noise exposure, not a generic assumption.
For hazardous locations specifically, the intrinsically safe SM1P-EX carries ATEX and IECEx certification and includes a programmable in-ear volume limiter capped at 82 dB(A), keeping in-ear exposure at a safe level regardless of the ambient noise outside.
Getting the Right Fit from Mobile Systems
Picking the right headset isn't a shelf-browsing exercise. It depends on your specific noise profile, whether you're dealing with a constant machinery drone or sudden impact noise, and whether your site carries any explosive atmosphere risk.
Full Sensear Range
From entry-level SM1R through to intrinsically safe Dual Protection models, matched to your site.
Seamless Radio Integration
We fit the right connector cable for your existing Motorola, Tait or Hytera fleet.
Compliance Support
Advice on matching SLC80 ratings and IS certification to your actual site risk.
Ongoing Support
Servicing and replacement parts from our Mount Maunganui workshop, not a generic retailer.
Get in touch for a proper consultation, or browse our headsets and headset cables range.
