Australian dad launches world-first product for babies.

Em’s 4 Bubs are the world’s first earmuffs created specifically to protect the hearing of little babies less than 18 months of age.

Weighing just 100grams the earmuffs are made from high quality, lightweight thermoplastic and feature two shells that fully encase the ears safely and a material headband that gently keeps them secure.

The first of its kind in the world, Em’s 4 Bubs was founded by Brisbane entrepreneur and musician Daniel Gibney.

Daniel’s profession meant his newborn daughter was often exposed to high levels of noise and, not wanting to damage her hearing, he looked into purchasing child-friendly hearing protection.

When he struggled to find something suitable, like all good entrepreneurs he created it himself.

The design process involved with the new range of earmuffs was lengthy as a baby’s head is so soft and delicate the fit had to be perfect.

After 18 months of research and design, the earmuffs will be unveiled this weekend at the Pregnancy, Baby & Children’s Expo in Brisbane.

“In the developmental stages of a child’s life their hearing is particularly sensitive to loud noise, and since hearing damage is permanent, it’s essential to take every possible precaution to protect it,” says Daniel Gibney, founder of Em’s 4 Bubs.

Em’s 4 Bubs were designed to protect the smallest of ears from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) which is now recognised by the World Health Organisation as a devastating disability that is virtually 100% preventable.

As the world’s population and industrialisation grows so does the levels of recreational and occupational noise and the numbers of NIHL cases.

The Em’s 4 Bubs earmuffs reduce noise by 22 decibels which is significant for a young baby’s ears.

The humble backyard lawnmower has an average decibel rating of 90db and can damage ears within two hours; this compared with a music concert which has an average rating of 110db and can affect hearing in just two minutes.

“More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise – loud music, workplaces and recreational equipment are just some of the sources. If children are taught the dangers of noise exposure from an early age, they are more likely to look after their hearing in their teen years,” says Gibney.

“We have had enquiries from parents who are concerned about taking their little babies along to firework shows, speedboat races, air shows and even the movies and now we finally have the perfect product for them,” says Gibney.

The Em’s 4 Bubs headband is available in three colours – pink with white polka-dots, blue with white checks and purple camouflage.

Em’s 4 Bubs are available in two sizes:

Small: from zero to six months;

Large: from six – 18 months.

The RRP is $29.99 plus postage and handling and available from: www.earmuffsforkids.com.au