Etymotic Research
5 verified products
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Read our full verification: Is Etymotic Research Made in USA?Est. 1983
Etymotic Research has been manufacturing products in Elk Grove Village, IL since 1983. We carry 5 verified American-made Etymotic Research products.
Heritage & History
Etymotic Research was founded in 1983 by Mead Killion, a hearing scientist and engineer who had spent his career studying how humans hear and how hearing loss occurs. Killion's insight was that the audio industry was solving the wrong problem — instead of making louder and punchier headphones, he wanted to make earphones that reproduced sound as accurately as the ear perceives it in a concert hall. The name 'Etymotic' comes from the Greek word for 'true to the ear.'
The ER4 studio reference earphone, introduced in 1991, became the reference standard for audio engineers, audiologists, and researchers who needed accurate, flat frequency response for critical listening. Its balanced armature driver design, borrowed from hearing aid technology, provided detail and accuracy that dynamic driver earphones could not match at any price. The ER20 and ER20XS high-fidelity earplugs represented the same philosophy applied to hearing protection — instead of dulling and distorting sound, they attenuate all frequencies equally so musicians and concert-goers could protect their hearing without losing the music's character.
Made in Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Etymotic's design and manufacturing facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois represents four decades of accumulated expertise in hearing science applied to consumer and professional audio products. The ER4SR (Studio Reference) and ER4XR (Extended Response) earphones deliver the flat, accurate response that audio engineers use to mix recordings, with the deep insertion fit that blocks 35-42 dB of ambient noise for distraction-free critical listening.
The ER3SE (Studio Edition) and ER3XR provide the Etymotic sound signature at a more accessible price point, using a single balanced armature driver tuned to the same flat reference standard. For hearing protection, the ER20XS high-fidelity earplugs are the choice of professional musicians, sound engineers, and concert-goers who need -12 to -20 dB of protection without the muffled, distorted sound of foam plugs. Illinois-made, science-driven, and trusted by the hearing healthcare community for over 40 years.
Quick Picks
Etymotic ER20 ETY Earplugs — Standard Size, Clear
Etymotic Research
Electronics
Etymotic ER20 ETY Earplugs — Standard Size, Blue
Etymotic Research
Electronics
Etymotic ER20XS ETY Earplugs — Standard Size, Frost
Etymotic Research
Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Etymotic Research made in the USA?
Yes. Etymotic Research manufactures 5 verified products in Elk Grove Village, IL. Etymotic Research has engineered high-fidelity earphones and hearing protection in Elk Grove Village, Illinois since 1983, founded by hearing researcher Mead Killion with a mission to design hearing products using the same science that governs hearing health.
Where is Etymotic Research manufactured?
Etymotic Research is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL. Manufacturing takes place in Elk Grove Village, IL.
What Etymotic Research products can I buy?
We carry 5 verified Etymotic Research products across Electronics. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Etymotic Research founded?
Etymotic Research was founded in 1983. Etymotic Research has engineered high-fidelity earphones and hearing protection in Elk Grove Village, Illinois since 1983, founded by hearing researcher Mead Killion with a mission to design hearing products using the same science that governs hearing health.
Does Etymotic Research ship from Amazon?
Yes, all Etymotic Research products listed here are available on Amazon with free shipping for Prime members.