Female deaf QAFLW athlete Jamie Howell helps launch breakthrough technology

Hundreds of deaf and hard of hearing footy players will be able to hear their teammates for the first time with new technology that could help others. This is how it works.

A new technologically for hearing-impaired athletes has been designed to allow athletes to hear the game as well as their teammates. Picture: Supplied

Exclusive: Hundreds of deaf footy players will be able to hear their teammates for the first time, thanks groundbreaking new headgear.

Victorian company Hear Gear has redesigned traditional head protection wear, worn by athletes, to cushion implants from knocks on the field while still allowing sound to penetrate.

Regular, off-the-rack headgear dulls sounds, making it difficult for deaf and hard of hearing players to catch team cues.

Some also continue playing after a whistle has blown, as they do not realise the match has ended.

The new padded helmets — which are less than a year in the making — were created by rugby league brand Steeden and funded by Colgate.

“Athletes require protective headgear to help keep their hearing device safely in place,” a spokesman for Steeden and Colgate said.

“By removing the padding and creating a recess for a hearing device to sit so that soundwaves can reach the hearing device, we have redesigned the standard headgear, allowing players to be protected without limiting sound.”

Jamie Howell wearing the new Colgate Headgear. Picture: Supplied.

According to Deaf Sports Australia, there are 227 junior Auskick players who are deaf or hard of hearing, while 395 senior Australian rules athletes suffer hearing difficulties.

And while Hear Gear has been designed for use across Australian rules, Steeden and Colgate said it has the potential to extend into other contact sports where head protection is necessary.

AFLW player Jamie Howell, 24, was the first female athlete to test the new prototype and said it has been a “truly special” experience.

“The first thing I noticed when I put Hear Gear on for the first time was improved clarity of sound,” she said.

“Not only could I hear the game, but I could also hear my teammates and the people who have always supported me as well.

“Hear Gear has been a real gamechanger for me, and I can only imagine it will be an invaluable option to other athletes around Australia who are deaf and hard of hearing.

“There is a need for greater inclusivity and so it’s so important that developments like this are made, so that everyone has an even playing field.”

Hear Gear, which will be available to all players next year, is looking for deaf or hard of hearing athletes over 18 years old to trial the new technology.

You can find out more information or register at www.heargear.com.au.