Aware Defense eFit 3D Ear Scanning Technology For U.S. Navy Program

U.S. Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

What is eFit by Aware Defense and why did its 3D digital ear scanning technology become a U.S. Navy Program of record? Because advanced hearing protection is the name of the game for each Amercian warfighter and Aware Defense delivers with custom in-ear devices powered by its proprietary eFit. A division of Aware CBW (Custom Biometric Wearables), they were awarded a $10 million, sole-source Program of Record contract by the Naval Air Systems Command’s Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) to advance hearing protection because hearing loss in preventable. The Sports Techie community blog is honored to showcase Aware’s innovative technology and commitment to protecting each seaman with technology that protects, connects, and enhances those who operate where failure is not an option.

“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.”

Aware Defense and CBW

Atlanta based, Aware Defense, is a defense-focused technology company delivering advanced hearing protection, communications, and human-performance solutions for mission-critical operators. Built by practitioners, Aware Defense integrates real-world operational experience with precision engineering to improve situational awareness, communication clarity, and operator survivability in high-noise, high-stress environments.

Aware CBW’s bio-metrics platform is built for next-gen performance: biometric data, EEG sensing, readiness tracking, and cognitive monitoring.

The bio-metrics platform is built for next-gen performance: biometric data, EEG sensing, readiness tracking, and cognitive monitoring

U.S. Navy Program Award

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 non-contact eFit scanner captures precise ear canal geometry in under 2 minutes — no foam, no silicone, and reduced infection risk.

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).

Sports Techie, I was inside Lumen Field as a fan when Marshawn ‘BeastMode’ Lynch scored the game sealing touchdown vs the New Orleans Saints during a NFC Wildcard playoff game in 2010-2011, setting off a ‘Beastquake’ seismic event due to 67,000 rabid, screaming fans. My ears hurt leaving the stadium and all in attendance, including the players and coaches, could have used custom hearing protection for sure.

Customizing CEP’s via eFit for elite sports teams delivers technology that performs when it matters most, as it already does for Aware Defense partners including government customers and industry leaders.

The Iran war or conflict is ongoing, and the U.S. Navy has the all-important task of securing the Strait of Hormuz and protecting vital oil tankers that supply worldwide. Servicemen need the best hearing protection possible from the loud noises and extreme decibel levels produced by naval warplanes and aircraft, various sized artillery, and from precision drone bombs and missiles.

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.

“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.”

Aware Defense — built for those who operate at the edge.

See you later sportstechie in Seattle, Atlanta and around the world!

Sports Techie Social Media Networks

Sports Techie Twitter: @SportsTechieNET: http://twitter.com/SportsTechieNET

THE #SportsTechie Twitter: @THESportsTechie: https://twitter.com/THESportsTechie

Sports Techie Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/SportsTechie

Sports Techie YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/sportstechie

Sports Techie LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2958439/

Sports Techie LinkedIn (Robert Roble): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertroble

Sports Techie Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportstechie

Sports Techie Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/SportsTechie/

Sports Techie Skyword: http://bobroble.skyword.com/