Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record: Advanced Custom Hearing Protection & 3D Ear Scanning Technology

Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record - Advanced Custom Hearing Protection Precision-Engineered from Its Proprietary 3D Ear Scanning Technology

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, September 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record for Advanced Custom Hearing Protection Solutions Precision-Engineered from Its Proprietary 3D Ear Scanning Technology

Aware Defense, a leader in custom in-ear devices powered by its proprietary eFit 3D ear scanning technology and a division of Aware CBW, has been awarded a sole-source Program of Record contract by the Naval Air Systems Command's Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) to advance hearing protection. This prestigious selection underscores Aware’s innovative technology and commitment to protecting the warfighter.

"We are honored to be chosen as the sole-source supplier for this critical program to deploy custom hearing protection built from each warfighter's unique ear anatomy using Aware's patented 3D ear scanning technology," said Sam Kellett, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Aware. "Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities, and it is preventable. Because every ear is different, our eFit scanner and advanced additive manufacturing deliver precision-built protection and communications for mission-critical environments, custom fit at scale. This award reflects the U.S. Navy's commitment to preventing hearing loss and sets a new standard for protecting the warfighter."

The five-year contract establishes Aware Defense as the U.S. Navy's exclusive end-to-end source for 3D digital ear scanning to capture ear canal geometry, manufacture custom hearing protection and Communications Earplugs (CEP), and deliver devices precision-engineered to the individual ear anatomy of Naval Aviation aircrew and flight-line maintainers. The PMA-202 program is anchored by Aware's eFit scanner, the only non-contact optical 3D scanning system that uses radial illumination to capture the true geometry of the ear and ear canal past the second bend with dimensional accuracy of less than 90 microns.

The sole-source contract builds on proven execution and field validation. Under initial program funding, Aware Defense conducted on-site 3D ear scanning events nationwide and delivered 6,373 custom-fit devices from September 2025 to July 2026, while working alongside NAVAIR Aeromedical Safety Officers and Navy audiologists to fit service members. Under PMA-202, Aware will scale to 42,000 custom-fit units starting August 1, 2026, at Naval Air Stations across the United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

"Aware Defense is ready to execute at fleet scale," said Stu Booker, President of Aware Defense. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Navy to accelerate the fielding of advanced hearing protection. We know that gear that fits gets worn, and every ear scan and custom-fit device advances our mission to protect warfighters and preserve long-term hearing health. Our team has proven its ability to seamlessly scan 700 personnel in five days and have precision-fit devices in the warfighters’ ears within 60 days, enabling rapid program expansion across Naval Aviation."

Hearing loss remains one of the most common and costly injuries across the Department of Defense. With Aware Defense’s Program of Record, custom hearing protection will become integral to how the U.S. Navy protects the hearing of its aviation personnel while supporting clear communications and operational readiness.

[NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2026-0572. Distribution Statement A - "Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.” Approved 8/17/2026 by PAO (Katie Coughlan)]

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Aware Custom Biometric Wearables is the parent company of Aware Defense and a leader in custom in-ear devices for hearing protection, communications, and biometric monitoring, all powered by proprietary 3D ear scanning technology. Aware Defense is led by retired DoD military personnel with deep operational experience, keeping development and fielding anchored to end-user requirements. Proudly made in America. www.awarecbw.com and www.awaredefense.us

Ashley Russ
Aware Custom Biometric Wearables
+1 678-231-6525
aruss@awarecbw.com
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