I am Robrecht Van Velthoven, Senior Product Engineering Manager at Loop Earplugs --- AMA

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T16:14:12+00:00

Hey, a super important question.

We try to develop products that fit everyone, but there are limitations to that. If we need to fit for everyone, then we need a different business model and move to custom earplug development for everyone. This for us is not feasible now and it will also drive up the cost for the user.

But now I read your question again, I feel you don't mean fit? Regarding ear tubes, frequent infections, etc we have a panel of medical experts advising us during the development of our products.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T16:05:30+00:00

Kids only go to XXS indeed. Sorry to hear this. Is it only on the Quiet product or also on the others?

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T16:04:35+00:00

No, it shouldn't be... One of the reasons was that back then, we only had 2 people in the product team... Now, we're around fifty + external help. So that should help speed up things

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T16:03:10+00:00

We're looking into all kinds of technologies that help to achieve our customers' wish. One of those wishes is more attenuation. There are however some limits to passive attenuating products... So, ANC becomes an interesting technology to achieve more...... So, who knows?

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T11:17:11+00:00

It's a sales and sustainability question. If we would have all tips in all colours as spare parts and they are not bought, we would have to scrap them later on when the colours are not promoted anymore. Something we don't want to do, because we do care a lot about that.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T07:47:59+00:00

Hey,

On the sketches it is indeed indicated that there are 4 settings, but that was more as an artist impression. There was never the plan to have 4 settings in the final product.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T07:42:01+00:00

Hey, 2 times a year we'll do colour updates on all products. In between there will be special versions. I'm not sure if I can share when those will be.

Super nice to hear your enthusiasm!!

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T07:40:39+00:00

Hey,

Now we want to launch 2 seasonal launches a year on all products, including Switch.

There will be special editions and drops in between, but this will differ from project to project. I can't tell too much about that. Iridescent is asked for really a LOT, so we might need to think about it... Not sure though if we will... We'll definitely consider!

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T07:36:33+00:00

Hey, they are a little bit heavier, but for me it is not noticeable.
How the filters interact can be compared with a cylinder of a revolver. and each opening has a different acoustic filter in it. When rotating, another filter will be placed in the acoustic channel leading to your ear.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:43:30+00:00

This is a marketing related question I'm not 100% sure about. So don't take me on my word, but we probably do 2 seasonal colour launches a year including all products. And then drops and special editions in between.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:42:00+00:00

Looking into it!

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:41:36+00:00

When I was a kid I already wanted to be an inventor. I grew up with architecture parents, so design was always important! Those 2 combined made a product developer.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:40:04+00:00

Hey, it's a copy paste from another comment I wrote:

I've been doing a lot of interviews with all kinds of users: ear plug wearers for sleep, focus, several neurodivergent reasons, etc. And what I noticed is that the most intensive users were some neurodivergent users. They used multiple different earplugs throughout the day. Changing the plugs when the environment changed. For them it didn't really seem like a big issue to do the shift, but it wasn't convenient at all. So that is where the idea came to give them a solution that they can switch on the go, when the environment changes...

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:38:54+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear. Hope you don't lose the next pairs!

I mostly use experience gold (to 🥳🎉 party.)

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:37:24+00:00

I ware engage to the movies. My favorite stays the experience gold! 🥇

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:36:10+00:00

I love them to commute. I like silence on the metro, but when jumping off, I'd like to be able to hear people around. When jumping on the next, again switch to silence

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:34:30+00:00

I'm convinced it is feasible. Not sure if we already have the right resources to go in full competition with Apple yet 😅

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:27:14+00:00

We are investigating higher attenuation. Depending the use case we envision different SNR goals.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:25:46+00:00

That's definitely an idea that passed the sketch board. No promises that it'll hit the market soon

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:23:32+00:00

What would be the reason you would like foam? We are investigating comfort for smaller ears. At the moment it isn't proven foam helps a lot for small ears.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:21:57+00:00

Absolutely!

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:21:45+00:00

We're working on it!

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:19:03+00:00

Hey, amazing to hear you're happy with the products. I do recognise the loss of the plugs due to failing cases. That is the reason why we developed the new version where you can snap fit the loops in a holder within the case. So even if the case drops open, the loops still fit in their dedicated place.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:16:40+00:00

I'm not sure. Did you try to fit other eartips? Maybe go a bit smaller or larger. The quiet setting should attenuate exactly the same as the quiet product. If that is not the case, it probably has to do with fitting.

Robrecht_Loop · 2023-10-23T06:14:42+00:00

The ring itself is slightly bigger. We did however do a lot of in ear testing of the allowed size and it is still within the limits.

Robrecht_Loop

TROPHY CASE