Army's Smart Earplug Damps Explosive Noise, But Can Enhance Whispers
NPR recently aired an accurate and well produced piece about the Army's newest efforts to address communication and hearing conservation for soldiers.
Similar technology is available for hunters, construction workers, and others in need of situational awareness as well as sound isolation from high intensity impulse sounds... but it tends to look so much cooler when paired with fatigues and worn by a guy who's name is "Sgt. Bacon".