Casio Launches 'earU', Open-Ear Hearing Assist Earphones Delivering Natural Sound

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. will leverage its digital audio control technology, cultivated through electronic musical instruments and other devices, to launch a new brand, 'earU', designed to solve hearing difficulties. As the first release, the 'ER-100' hearing assist earphones, featuring an open-ear cuff design that provides a comfortable fit and natural sound, will be launched on May 28.

In recent years, the number of people at risk of hearing loss has been increasing globally, making hearing issues a growing social problem (*1). Consequently, the demand for hearing assistance devices is expanding, but many of these devices face challenges such as the feeling of pressure or blockage from plugging the ear, as well as aesthetic resistance.

*1 According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 50% of young people (aged 12-35) listen to loud volumes on personal audio devices, and 40% do so in bars and clubs, meaning the risk of hearing loss is increasing regardless of age.

The newly introduced 'earU' ER-100 is a new kind of hearing assist earphone that feels as if you are wearing nothing at all, featuring a unique design meant to be 'shown off' rather than 'hidden', and a comfortable fit that makes you 'want to wear it all the time'. The cuff design, which does not block the ear canal, minimizes issues like stuffiness and pain. With a lightweight design of approximately 8g per ear (*2), it can be worn comfortably for long periods. In terms of audio processing, external sounds and digitally corrected sounds overlap naturally, making it easier to perceive the distance and direction of sounds, delivering the voices you want to hear clearly. Furthermore, it suppresses unwanted resonance that causes howling and reduces sound leakage using anti-phase audio, allowing for considerate use around others.

Additionally, interchangeable style accessories for the main unit allow users to customize the design according to their mood or location.
*2 Without style accessories attached.

Hearing adjustments can be easily made using the dedicated smartphone app. It can automatically adjust volume and sound quality by checking the user's hearing status, and supports switching settings based on the usage scene, such as offices, outdoors, restaurants, and meeting rooms.

It features a battery capable of long continuous use (*3) and a case that automatically charges the device when stored, making it easy to use on the go. In addition to making conversations and surrounding sounds easier to hear, it can also be used as standard wireless earphones for enjoying music and phone calls.
*3 Approximately 9.5 hours of continuous use in listening mode, and 14 hours in streaming mode.

Under our purpose of 'Bringing the joy of exceeding today to everyone with the power to make surprises accessible,' we aim to realize a society where people's hearts and lives are enriched. Through the 'earU' brand, we will support communication experiences through sound and provide new value that accompanies each person's daily life.

■ Product Lineup
Name: earU
Model: ER-100PT-NB
Color: Navy Black
Price: Open Price
Release Date: May 28

Name: earU
Model: ER-100PT-WY (*4)
Color: Ivory White
Price: Open Price
Release Date: May 28

Name: earU
Model: ER-100SH-WY (*4)
Color: Ivory White
Price: Open Price
Release Date: May 28
*4 The ER-100PT-WY and ER-100SH-WY come with different style accessories.

Name: Style Accessory
Model: SU-110-SR
Color: Silver
Price: Open Price
Release Date: Mid-June

Name: Style Accessory
Model: SU-110-PG
Color: Pink Gold
Price: Open Price
Release Date: Mid-June

Name: Style Accessory
Model: SU-120-NB
Color: Navy Black
Price: Open Price
Release Date: Mid-June

Name: Style Accessory
Model: SU-120-PG
Color: Pink Gold
Price: Open Price
Release Date: Mid-June

App Name: earU
Price: Free
Release Date: May 28

< About 'earU' >
■ Our unique design and distinctive aesthetic that makes you want to wear it all the time
■ Unique technology embedded in 'earU'
We achieved a natural hearing experience tailored to each individual, a design that prevents howling and sound leakage without blocking the ear canal, and all-day comfort, creating a feeling as if wearing nothing, all through our proprietary 'Cuff Technology'. We pursued not just making human voices audible, but 'how naturally they can be heard.'

■ Open-ear type that doesn't block the ear canal
Because it does not block the ear canal, users can perceive the distance and direction of sound compared to standard closed-type earphones. Users won't be bothered by the echo or muffling of their own voice. It is lightweight at about 8g per ear, and features a frame structure using nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy and a unique cuff shape that fits broadly behind the ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit even during light exercise.

■ Stable and natural voices even at loud volumes
By suppressing unwanted resonance according to the shape and characteristics of the ear, we achieved more natural hearing with less discomfort. Comprehensive digital correction that factors in the characteristics of the driver and earpiece allows users to adjust the volume with peace of mind.

■ Anti-phase technology suppresses sound leakage for considerate use
By layering anti-phase sound against the sound leaking from the speaker, sound leakage is effectively canceled. Even with an open-ear design, sound leakage to the surroundings is minimized. Additionally, the structure makes it difficult for the microphone to pick up leaked sound, successfully suppressing howling.

■ Delivering easy-to-hear sound matched to your hearing and environment
Using the dedicated smartphone app, users can adjust the hearing for their left and right ears individually. Based on the results, it automatically adjusts to the optimal hearing state, realizing personalized sound control. Switching settings to match scenes like 'office' or 'restaurant' can also be done easily.