{
  "id": 506317,
  "title": "What you need to know about your hearing health and wired earbuds, and why this Kickstarter campaign emphatically gets my backing as someone who tests IEMs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-hearing-health-and-wired-earbuds-and",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-10T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/audio/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-hearing-health-and-wired-earbuds-and-why-this-kickstarter-campaign-emphatically-gets-my-backing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saccater, a brand, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new type of in-ear monitor called aéra. These IEMs aim to protect users' hearing while also being visually appealing. According to the RNID and Hearing Health Foundation, about one-third of adults in the UK and US experience some degree of hearing loss. This suggests that earbuds placed in the ear canal, which is in close proximity to the ear drum, may not be doing our hearing any favors.\n\nThe aéra feature 9.6mm planar magnetic drivers, silver-plated copper wire, and dual-sided concentric coils. These technical specifications indicate that the buds are designed for audiophiles who value high-quality sound reproduction. However, the makers at Saccater have also incorporated features specifically to protect users' hearing health. These include a zero-pressure fit design and a remarkably lightweight construction at just 4g per bud. The zero-pressure fit is intended to prevent discomfort and encourage users to maintain a lower volume, rather than turning it up to compensate for discomfort.\n\nIn addition to the buds, the aéra package includes a hearing manual to guide users on best practices for earbud use and protection. Saccater has also included a selection of their other earplugs in the box, acknowledging that many people inadvertently damage their hearing by using their devices at high volumes.\n\nThe aéra support high-quality playback capabilities, including 24 bit / 96kHz resolution and a 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. They also come with various ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit for different users. Despite focusing on hearing health, the aéra maintain a minimalist aesthetic that eschews the flashy designs common in modern IEMs. While the effectiveness of the aéra remains to be seen, their Kickstarter campaign has already been fully funded, demonstrating a significant interest in hearing-friendly earbuds.",
  "summary": "A popular Kickstarter campaign promises in-ear monitors that protect your hearing, and they're also remarkably light and good-looking",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}