Press Release –For Immediate Release

Howard Leight’s “HearForever” Initiative is the Next Generation of Hearing

Conservation

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA — September 14, 2009 — Howard Leight® today
formally introduced HearForever™, a major initiative aimed to raise awareness of the
dangers, risks and consequences of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) at work and at home.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the world’s most permanent and preventable
occupational diseases,” said Renee S. Bessette, COHC, Marketing Manager for Howard
Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC. “The goal of HearForever is to spark fresh
consciousness and immediate action about NIHL among people from all walks of life.”

“The founding of the HearForever initiative—along with the considerable resources and
investment dedicated to it and related outreach efforts—represents Howard Leight’s 30-
year-long commitment to preventing occupational hearing loss by introducing innovative
new hearing protection technology and products and promoting progressive Hearing
Conservation Programs," Bessette said.

HearForever personalizes the Hearing Conservation experience through a series of new

advertisements and a special microsite, www.hearforever.org.

The ad series addresses the connections between human interactions and hearing loss
through thought-provoking images that question, inspire and empower people to make
healthy hearing decisions as part of everyday life.

HearForever.org provides information on the latest advances, research and discoveries of

noise-induced hearing loss detection and prevention. The site is an extensive source for
educational, informative and motivational materials to help prevent noise-induced hearing
loss both on and off the job.

Using a “Learn, Educate, Connect” approach, HearForever.org is focused on Hearing

Conservation for everyone exposed to hazardous noise. Facts, statistics, case studies,
regulations, news updates and tools focused on Hearing Conservation can be found in the
“Learn” section. The “Educate” section provides participants with valuable tools for outlining
a detailed Hearing Conservation Program. The “Connect” section empowers users to interact
with HearForever and take action through blogs and “What Can I Do” activities.

”Over the years, we’ve met thousands of people all over the world who have shared their
own personal stories, questions and comments about hearing loss,” said Bessette. “We aim
to connect those involved with Hearing Conservation and hearing loss prevention activities,
to share their challenges and success stories, and ultimately inspire others.”

“The HearForever initiative is especially timely given the proposed EPA rule change affecting
the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for hearing protection products, testing and usage. These
impending changes will create many questions among users and purchasers of hearing
products. The HearForever microsite will be an extensive educational portal that will answer
these questions,” Bessette said.

Additional HearForever actions include Hearing Conservation seminar tours in the United
States in September and October. The seminar will include the distribution of materials
including free motivational posters, educational tools, and other outreach activities. More
information on these activities can be found on www.hearforever.org.

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and
intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For
over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss
through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and
the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the
highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for
optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-
changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards
international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye,
respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative
products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and
services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext's
Eurolist and on the SBF120.

Note to Editors:
• Press contacts:
o Don Goncalves, Tiziani Whitmyre, 781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com
o Jennifer Guimond, Tiziani Whitmyre, 781-793-9380, jguimond@tizinc.com
• Download high resolution photos for publication from: http://bit.ly/4yf9X1