The IDF is planning to give its top combat soldiers new earplugs that allow for selective hearing. The specialized earplugs can block outside noise while allowing soldiers to continue to hear human voices.

They will be given to soldiers in the elite Duvdevan and Yamas units in Judea and Samaria (Shomron).

The devices reduce background noise and completely block anything louder than 80 decibels. They are tuned in to communications devices, allowing soldiers to continue to hear orders.

Major Yuval Yaron, head of the Central Command branch for technology and combat equipment, noted that the earplugs are also significantly more comfortable than those used by combat soldiers.

Currently soldiers face a dilemma, he said, “If they shoot without earplugs, their hearing is likely to be damaged. If they use the existing earplugs, they cannot speak to or hear the other members of their team or the commanders.”

“The new earplugs solve the problem and allow them to talk to one another with no problem,” he said.