Comply CEO talks about the secret story behind the development of earphone chips that change music listening (1/3) --PHILE WEB

Comply ^TM is well-known among earphone enthusiasts as a US brand that handles replacement foam chips for earphones. As a recent topic, it is also new to remember that the new earphone chip with waterproof and sweatproof specifications developed for sports was announced at "2015 International CES" (related news).

Comply Foam Chip, which is very popular among earphone fans, has announced a new model developed for sports at CES. Comply ^TM foam chip products are flexible by adopting a proprietary low-resilience urethane material. It is characterized by the fact that it is possible to change the shape, which improves the fit to the ear canal, which has a different shape depending on the individual, and at the same time, has excellent sound insulation. This is a foam material that softens with body temperature, and the point is that it can be used without discomfort even when worn for a long time (Click here for details on ^ComplyTM products). This time, Phile-web caught the information that the company is currently developing a new earphone chip using a special foam material. We talked to Robert Oliveira, President and CEO of Hearing Components, the founder of the Comply brand. Mr. Robert Oliveira ■ Comply ^TM , which started from the hearing aid business and the development of foam chips for the military --- This time, I would like to ask you about new products. First of all, please tell us about the outline of the brand called Comply ^TM , which was founded by Mr. Oliveira, with the meaning of a review. Mr. Robert Oliveira (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Oliveira): Thank you. Prior to founding Comply ^TM , I worked for 3M, and was in charge of artificial inner ear technology development (* technology that inserts electrodes into the inner ear of the deaf and gives the sensation of hearing sound). I did. At that time, we developed the world's first cochlear implant for medical use, but after that, 3M recommended that we work on the development and promotion of new technologies. Therefore, we launched the ^ComplyTM brand as a venture company engaged in the hearing aid business, making use of the knowledge gained through the development of cutting-edge technologies related to ears and hearing. It was in 1986. While I was enrolled in 3M for a while, I was also engaged in the hearing aid business of Comply ^TM at the same time, but in 1990 I left 3M and set up an office at home, and now I am doing the Comply ^TM business independently. increase. In this interview, Mr. Oliveira (left)'s partner, Mr. Dee Oliveira (right), was also present-he is. By the way, you said that you were a hearing aid company at first, but when did you start developing earphone chips? Oliveira: Since I became independent in 1990. However, even though it was an earphone chip, it was a military product at first. The military uses earphones for communication, but even in an environment where you are riding a helicopter and the sound of the propeller is noisy from beginning to end, you must be able to hear the words from the earphones correctly. Since that time, we have been developing earphone chips with the intention of ensuring solid sound insulation by fitting them to the shape of the ear. --You said that "the sound insulation is improved by fitting the shape of the ear", but the basic idea is the same as the current development of earphone chips for consumers. Oliveira: That's right. Since that time, we have been paying attention to improving sound insulation and protecting ear safety by improving the fit. The ear canal in the ear where the earphone chip is inserted is a thin and soft place, so if you do not make something that fits the shape, you will hurt the ear itself. Therefore, we have developed a soft foam material that matches the shape of the ear. Originally, the brand name " ^Comply " was also derived from the word "compliant". --I understand. By the way, when did you develop the foam chip for consumer earphones? Oliveira: We launched the replacement foam tip for consumers as a stand-alone product in 2004. It's just the time when the portable audio player market has risen with the advent of the iPod. By the way, the first model was the "P series" that is still on sale. When it comes to developing foam chips for music listening, we have a different commitment than military models. P-series Cross-sectional view of P-series --- The P-series is a vertically long model with high sound insulation, isn't it? Next, I would like to ask you about the "stickiness of foam chip development unique to music listening" that you just mentioned.