Hear Gear from Victoria makes a brand new helmet to assist deaf AFL gamers with listening to

Victorian firm Hear Gear has redesigned conventional head safety put on, worn by athletes, to cushion implants from knocks on the sphere whereas nonetheless permitting sound to penetrate.

Common, off-the-rack headgear dulls sounds, making it tough for deaf and laborious of listening to gamers to catch crew cues.

Some additionally proceed taking part in after a whistle has blown, as they don’t realise the match has ended.

The brand new padded helmets — that are lower than a 12 months within the making — had been created by rugby league model Steeden and funded by Colgate.

“Athletes require protecting headgear to assist preserve their listening to system safely in place,” a spokesman for Steeden and Colgate mentioned.

“By eradicating the padding and making a recess for a listening to system to take a seat in order that soundwaves can attain the listening to system, we have now redesigned the usual headgear, permitting gamers to be protected with out limiting sound.”

In keeping with Deaf Sports activities Australia, there are 227 junior Auskick gamers who’re deaf or laborious of listening to, whereas 395 senior Australian guidelines athletes undergo listening to difficulties.

And whereas Hear Gear has been designed to be used throughout Australian guidelines, Steeden and Colgate mentioned it has the potential to increase into different contact sports activities the place head safety is important.

AFLW participant Jamie Howell, 24, was the primary feminine athlete to check the brand new prototype and mentioned it has been a “actually particular” expertise.

“The very first thing I seen after I put Hear Gear on for the primary time was improved readability of sound,” she mentioned.

“Not solely may I hear the sport, however I may additionally hear my teammates and the individuals who have all the time supported me as nicely.

“Hear Gear has been an actual gamechanger for me, and I can solely think about will probably be a useful choice to different athletes round Australia who’re deaf and laborious of listening to.

“There’s a want for better inclusivity and so it’s so essential that developments like this are made, so that everybody has an excellent taking part in discipline.”

Hear Gear, which might be obtainable to all gamers subsequent 12 months, is searching for deaf or laborious of listening to athletes over 18 years previous to trial the brand new expertise.

You could find out extra data or register at www.heargear.com.au.

Initially revealed as Feminine deaf QAFLW athlete Jamie Howell helps launch breakthrough expertise