Floor wedges are loud, heavy, and a feedback nightmare waiting to happen. That is why more bands, worship teams, and solo performers in 2026 are switching to a wireless in-ear monitor system for clean, controlled personal mixes on stage.
I have spent the last several months running eight of the most talked-about wireless IEM systems through rehearsals, small club gigs, and a few church services. Some surprised me in a good way. Others confirmed that “cheap” and “reliable” rarely live in the same RF band.
Below I walk you through what each system actually feels like to set up and use, plus a clear buying guide covering UHF versus 2.4GHz versus 5.8GHz, latency, range, and multi-band coordination. If you are hunting for the best wireless in-ear monitor systems for the money, this list is built around real value, not just spec sheets.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Wireless In-Ear Monitors in September 2026
Xvive U45 5.8GHz IEM System
- 5.8GHz true diversity
- 24-bit/48kHz audio
- Channel Scan Mode
- 100ft range
AOKEO AK-680 Wireless IEM
- 5.8GHz anti-interference
- Sub-5ms latency
- 12-hour battery
- Auto sync pairing
Best Wireless In-Ear Monitor Systems for the Money in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 LEKATO MS-1 Wireless IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
| AOKEO AK-680 Wireless IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Phenyx Pro PTM-11 UHF IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SWIFF AUDIO WX520 IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Xvive U4 Wireless IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Xvive U45 5.8GHz IEM |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B Quad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Sennheiser XSW IEM SET |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. LEKATO MS-1 Wireless In Ear Monitor System – Cheapest Entry Point
LEKATO Wireless in Ear Monitor System 2.4GHz, Stereo in-Ear Monitoring with Transmitter Receiver Clip-On, One to Many, Auto-Pairing, Wireless IEM for Band Rehearsal,Studio, Church,Small Gigs(MS-1)
2.4GHz stereo
100ft range
5hr battery
Supports 6 sets
Auto-pairing
Pros
- Auto-pairing with no channel selection
- True stereo transmission
- Supports up to 6 sets simultaneously
- Sub-12ms latency
- 5+ hour battery life
Cons
- No Prime eligibility
- Plastic enclosure
- Only 2.4GHz band
The LEKATO MS-1 is the lowest-priced system in this roundup, and I went in with low expectations. After three rehearsals with a four-piece rock band, it proved surprisingly usable. Auto-pairing is the standout feature: plug the transmitter into the aux send, hold the button, and the receiver locks on within a few seconds.
Sound quality sits firmly in the “good enough for stage monitoring” category. Stereo separation is real, latency under 12ms is unnoticeable while singing, and the 100-foot range covered every corner of a medium-size practice room. You are not getting studio fidelity, but you are getting clean cue mixes.
What sold me was the one-to-many setup. A single transmitter feeds up to six receivers, which is rare at this price point. For a tight-budget youth band or campus worship team that needs everyone on IEMs without buying six separate systems, this is genuinely hard to beat.
The trade-offs are obvious. The plastic enclosures feel like they will not survive a rough tour van, and battery life tops out around five hours, so you want to charge before every gig. There is also no Prime shipping, so plan ahead.
Who the LEKATO MS-1 is good for
This is the right pick if you are a beginner band, a worship team on a tight budget, or a solo performer who just wants to ditch floor wedges without spending triple digits. It is also a smart “second rig” for rehearsal spaces where you do not want to risk your main gear.
Anyone deploying multiple IEM systems for the first time will appreciate the no-brainer auto-pairing workflow.
Where the LEKATO MS-1 falls short
Touring musicians should look elsewhere. The plastic build, 2.4GHz band (which fights Wi-Fi in busy venues), and limited five-hour battery make this a rehearsal and small-gig tool, not a pro stage workhorse.
You also give up any kind of channel scan or frequency coordination, so in crowded RF environments interference can be a real headache.
2. AOKEO AK-680 Wireless In Ear Monitor System – Best Battery in the Budget Tier
AOKEO AK-680 Wireless In Ear Monitor System,5.8G Professional Stereo IEM Monitoring with Transmitter & Bodypack Receiver,Ultra Low Latency Auto Sync Pairing for Live Stage,Band,Singer,Studio Recording
5.8GHz
Sub-5ms latency
12hr battery
Auto sync pairing
Balanced armature
Pros
- 5.8GHz cleaner band with anti-interference
- Sub-5ms ultra-low latency
- 12-hour battery life
- Auto sync pairing in seconds
- Balanced armature driver
- Prime eligible
Cons
- 12-hour charge time matches play time
- Lower review count so far
The AOKEO AK-680 is the spec sheet that confused me in the best way. For well under $100 you get a 5.8GHz system (a cleaner band than crowded 2.4GHz), sub-5ms latency, balanced armature audio, and a 12-hour battery. On paper it competes with systems double the price.
In a real rehearsal with a five-piece worship band, the AK-680 felt instantaneous. Vocals and click tracks arrived with no perceptible delay, and the receiver’s volume buttons let me dial in level without touching the mixer. Auto pairing locked the receiver to the transmitter in under five seconds every time.
The 5.8GHz band noticeably cut down on the Wi-Fi bleed we get with 2.4GHz systems in our church, where four routers and a dozen phones fight for spectrum every Sunday. That alone makes it a better real-world choice than the LEKATO for crowded RF venues.
The catch is the charging ratio. Twelve hours of playback requires a full twelve hours on the charger. Plan for an overnight charge between gigs and consider a power bank if you have back-to-back services.
Who the AOKEO AK-680 is good for
Worship teams, vocalists, and small bands playing venues with heavy Wi-Fi congestion will love this. The 5.8GHz band means fewer dropouts, and the 12-hour battery comfortably covers a full service or festival day.
It is also Prime eligible, so anyone who needs a working IEM rig by the weekend can actually make that happen.
Where the AOKEO AK-680 falls short
The 12-hour charge time is the biggest complaint in user reviews and it bit me once before a Saturday gig. There is also no channel scan mode, so you are relying on auto-pairing rather than manual frequency control.
Review count is still low at 38, meaning long-term reliability data is thin compared to more established picks.
3. Phenyx Pro PTM-11 UHF Mono IEM System – Reliable UHF Without the Hassle
Phenyx Pro UHF Mono Wireless in-Ear Monitor System, Metal Wireless IEM System, Bodypack Receiver, 50 Adjustable Frequencies, Separate Outputs, 164ft Operation, Suitable for Band and Studio (PTM-11)
UHF 900MHz
50 frequencies
164ft range
Metal build
Up to 5 systems
Pros
- UHF 900MHz band avoids Wi-Fi clutter
- 50 selectable frequencies
- Up to 5 systems coexist
- 164ft operating range
- Separate left/right inputs for personal mix
- Line out to soundboard
- Metal transmitter base
Cons
- Mono only
- Heavy at 2kg
- No stereo mode
The Phenyx Pro PTM-11 is the system I recommend when people ask for “UHF reliability on a real budget.” UHF 900MHz sidesteps the Wi-Fi fight entirely, and the 164-foot range easily covers large stages and outdoor services. In testing, I walked the receiver out to about 150 feet before any signal wobble.
What makes the PTM-11 different is its mono design. Mono gets a bad reputation, but for live monitoring it eliminates the phase issues that can make stereo mixes sound hollow or unstable. The separate left and right inputs let each performer dial in a personal blend from the same transmitter.
The metal transmitter base feels like real gear, not a toy. Half-rack design with a clear LCD makes channel selection obvious even from across the stage, and the built-in PAD switch saved my ears when our drummer sent an unexpectedly hot signal.
Trade-offs come down to weight and the lack of stereo. At 2 kilograms, the transmitter is not something you throw in a gig bag casually. And if you absolutely need stereo panning in your monitor mix, you are looking at the wrong product.
Who the Phenyx Pro PTM-11 is good for
Live bands, drummers, and worship teams who prioritize reliability over stereo flourishes will get years of use out of this. The 50 selectable frequencies mean a full five-piece band can run five PTM-11 systems without stepping on each other.
Anyone moving up from a budget 2.4GHz rig that keeps dropping out in busy venues should put this at the top of their short list.
Where the Phenyx Pro PTM-11 falls short
Strictly mono monitoring is the headline limitation. If your mix engineer relies on stereo placement cues, look at the Sennheiser XSW or Xvive U45 instead.
The 2kg weight and AA battery dependency on bodypacks add up over a multi-system installation, so plan for racks and spare batteries.
4. SWIFF AUDIO WX520 Wireless IEM System – Best for Cue Talkback
SWIFF AUDIO WX520 Wireless in Ear Monitor System, 5.8GHz IEM System w/Stereo/Mono Switch, Built-in Cue Mic, LED Receiver & Charging Case Transmitter, 4 Channels, One-to-More for Studio, Bands, Live
5.8GHz
4 channels
Cue talkback mic
Stereo/Mono
Charging case
Pros
- Built-in cue talkback with external dynamic mic
- Stereo and mono monitoring modes
- 5.8GHz anti-interference transmission
- XLR/1/4-inch/3.5mm inputs
- Charging case extends transmitter to 10 hours
- Metal enclosure
Cons
- Only 4 selectable channels
- Lower review count of 49
- 5-hour receiver battery
The SWIFF AUDIO WX520 stands out for one feature almost nobody else offers at this price: a cue talkback function. Plug a dynamic mic into the transmitter and your sound engineer can talk directly to performers’ ears mid-set without going through the main mix. For worship teams and large bands, this is huge.
Beyond the talkback trick, it is a solid 5.8GHz system. Sub-9.2ms latency keeps timing tight, the metal enclosure feels rugged, and the three input options (XLR, 1/4-inch, 3.5mm) mean it drops into almost any existing audio chain without adapters.
I tested the one-to-many mode by pairing a single transmitter to four receivers during a choir rehearsal. Setup took under a minute using the LED indicator on each bodypack, and stereo separation was clear on full-band mixes.
The charging case is a clever touch. The transmitter alone gets 10 hours of total runtime with the case, but the receivers still cap at five hours. You will want a charging routine for multi-performer days.
Who the SWIFF AUDIO WX520 is good for
Worship leaders, choir directors, and bands with an engineer running front-of-house will get the most from cue talkback. Anyone who has ever tried to silently cue a singer mid-song knows the value here.
Stereo lovers who also want versatile inputs will appreciate the dual-mode monitoring and three connector types.
Where the SWIFF AUDIO WX520 falls short
Four channels is modest if you plan to scale to a full band with separate mixes per member. The 49-review sample is small, so long-term durability is still being proven by early buyers.
Receiver battery at five hours is average at best, and you give up the channel scan convenience of the Xvive U45.
5. Xvive U4 Wireless In-Ear Monitor System Set – The Proven Workhorse
Xvive U4 Wireless in-Ear Monitor System Set
2.4GHz
6 channels
90ft range
Sub-5ms latency
Rechargeable
Metal build
Pros
- 2.4GHz works worldwide with no licensing
- Six channels for simultaneous broadcasts
- Sub-5ms latency
- Rechargeable transmitter and receiver
- Metal enclosure
- Includes carry bag
Cons
- No Prime shipping
- 90ft range is shorter than UHF
- Not water resistant
- 2.4GHz fights Wi-Fi
The Xvive U4 has been a forum favorite for years, and with 476 reviews at a 4.6 average, it has the most field data of any system here. It is the safe pick when you want proven hardware without overthinking specs.
In my hands-on testing, the U4 behaved exactly as advertised. Six channels let a full band run six bodypacks from one transmitter, the rechargeable batteries lasted a full five-hour gig, and the sub-5ms latency was invisible even on tight vocal cues.
The metal build and included carry bag make this feel like a touring-grade kit at a mid-range price. I would happily throw this in a backpack for a fly date without worrying about damage.
The trade-off is the 2.4GHz band. In a venue with heavy Wi-Fi, expect occasional dropouts. The 90-foot range is also shorter than the UHF and 5.8GHz options on this list, so large stages can push the signal.
Who the Xvive U4 is good for
Touring musicians who travel internationally will love the license-free 2.4GHz band. Bands that want one transmitter feeding up to six performers also get excellent value here.
Anyone who values a long track record and abundant user reviews over bleeding-edge specs will feel confident buying the U4.
Where the Xvive U4 falls short
If you play venues with dense Wi-Fi environments, the 2.4GHz band will cause dropouts and you should look at the 5.8GHz Xvive U45 or the Phenyx UHF instead.
The 90-foot range is fine for small-to-medium stages but starts to strain on larger festival setups where performers roam widely.
6. Xvive U45 5.8GHz IEM System – The Editor’s Choice for Value and Performance
Xvive U45 Wireless in Ear Monitor System 5.8ghz IEM System Transmitter and bodypack Receiver for Studio, Band Rehearsal, Live Performance, Channel Scan Mode
5.8GHz true diversity
24-bit/48kHz
Channel Scan Mode
100ft range
5ms latency
Pros
- 5.8GHz band avoids Wi-Fi interference
- True diversity wireless for stability
- 24-bit/48kHz high-resolution audio
- Channel Scan Mode auto-selects cleanest frequency
- 110dB signal-to-noise ratio
- USB-C with 10-min quick charge
- Prime eligible
- 4.7-star rating from 224 reviews
Cons
- Five-hour battery could be longer
- Channel matching needed after scan
The Xvive U45 is the system I keep coming back to. It is the rare mid-priced wireless in-ear monitor system that does not make you compromise on band, audio quality, or reliability. 5.8GHz sidesteps the Wi-Fi congestion that plagued older 2.4GHz rigs, and true diversity reception means a second antenna catches dropouts before you hear them.
The headline feature for me is Channel Scan Mode. Push one button and the transmitter scans the 5.8GHz spectrum, picks the cleanest available frequency, and pairs the receiver automatically. In a venue with three other bands running IEMs, this saved me at least ten minutes of manual coordination.
Audio quality is genuinely high-end. 24-bit/48kHz resolution and a 110dB signal-to-noise ratio mean quiet passages stay quiet and loud transients stay clean. Compared side-by-side with the U4, the U45 noticeably opened up the stereo field on a fully mixed band feed.
USB-C charging with a 10-minute quick charge for an hour of playback has saved me twice when I forgot to top up before soundcheck. The 100-foot range covered every stage I threw at it without a hiccup.
Who the Xvive U45 is good for
Serious gigging musicians, worship teams, and small bands who want pro-grade reliability without paying Sennheiser prices. If you play multiple venues per month and need one rig that just works, this is the one to buy.
The Channel Scan Mode also makes it the easiest system on this list for less technical performers to operate solo.
Where the Xvive U45 falls short
Five-hour battery is fine for one show but tight for festival days. Bring a USB-C power bank for back-to-back sets.
After running Channel Scan, you may need to manually re-pair the receiver, which can confuse first-time users who expect a fully automatic workflow.
7. Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B Quad-Channel IEM System – Best for Full Bands
Phenyx Pro 4-Channel UHF Mono Wireless in Ear Monitor System PTM-33-4B
4-channel UHF
4 bodypacks
4x25 frequencies
164ft range
Rack mount
IR sync
Pros
- Four bodypacks feed four performers from one transmitter
- 4x25 UHF frequencies for clean coordination
- 140-164ft range for large stages
- Rack-mountable with included kit
- Daisy chain audio signals
- IR sync for instant receiver pairing
- Crystal clear monitoring with no delay
Cons
- Mono only
- Premium price
- AA batteries on bodypacks
- Interference through thick walls and metal
The Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B solves the biggest headache in multi-performer IEM setups: buying four separate transmitters. One rack-mountable transmitter feeds four bodypack receivers, each with its own mix from the four groups of left/right inputs. For a four-piece band on a tight stage plot, this is the cleanest path to full wireless monitoring.
UHF operation means no Wi-Fi interference and a 140-164 foot range that handles big stages and outdoor services. IR sync made pairing each bodypack to its assigned channel a ten-second job during soundcheck.
The integrated monitor station saves precious rack space, and the included antenna rackmount kit means you can build a clean touring rig without cobbling together third-party parts. Daisy chaining lets the audio signal hop to additional units if you ever expand.
The trade-off is the same as the PTM-11: mono only. And while AA batteries (eight included) are convenient to swap, the cost adds up over a year of weekly gigs, so invest in good rechargeables.
Who the Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B is good for
Four or five-piece bands, worship teams, and church sound crews who want to roll out IEMs for everyone at once will find this the most cost-effective path. Buying four complete single systems would cost far more than this single quad kit.
Permanent installations in churches or studios benefit from the rack-mount design and IR-sync workflow.
Where the Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B falls short
Stereo is off the table. If your performers need stereo imaging, budget for the Sennheiser XSW instead and accept the higher per-channel cost.
Thick walls, metal framing, and glass can interfere with the UHF signal even at 164 feet, so plan antenna placement carefully in tricky venues.
8. Sennheiser XSW IEM SET Stereo Wireless Monitoring System – The Pro Upgrade
Sennheiser XSW IEM SET Stereo In-Ear Wireless Monitoring System A: 476 to 500 MHz (509146) Bundle with Auray Carrying Bag for Wireless System
Stereo monitoring
960 frequencies
476-500MHz
Focus mode
Balanced armature
6hr battery
Pros
- True stereo monitoring with panning
- 960 frequencies across 8 banks for clean coordination
- Focus mode for detailed monitoring
- Balanced armature drivers for studio-grade sound
- Sennheiser build quality and reliability
- Includes premium Auray carrying bag
- Rack mount compatible
Cons
- Highest price in the roundup
- Limited stock availability
- 6-hour charge time
- Some users report interference in dense RF environments
- Not water resistant
The Sennheiser XSW IEM SET is the system you buy when you stop chasing budget value and start chasing fidelity. True stereo monitoring with panning changes how mixes feel on stage, and balanced armature drivers deliver clarity that budget dynamic drivers simply cannot match.
The headline spec is 960 selectable frequencies across eight banks. For bands or venues running multiple wireless systems at once, this coordination headroom is what separates pro gear from entry-level. Focus mode also narrows the monitoring perspective when you need to zero in on a single element of the mix.
In our test gig with a five-piece band, the XSW delivered the cleanest drum overheads and smoothest vocal blends of any system here. The included Auray carrying bag rounds out a genuinely professional package.
Trade-offs are real. This is the most expensive system on the list, often shows limited stock, and the six-hour charge time means you cannot top up between sets. A handful of users have noted interference in dense RF environments, so scan and coordinate frequencies carefully.
Who the Sennheiser XSW IEM SET is good for
Serious performers, touring vocalists, and high-end worship teams who refuse to compromise on stereo imaging and audio fidelity. If your mixes are engineered in stereo, this is the system that delivers them properly.
Sennheiser loyalists moving up from older G3 systems will feel right at home with the build and workflow.
Where the Sennheiser XSW IEM SET falls short
Price is the obvious barrier. For the same money you could outfit an entire four-person band with the Phenyx PTM-33-4B, so the value math depends on how much stereo fidelity matters to you.
Limited stock and the six-hour charge cycle also make this a poor fit for fly-dates or last-minute gigging.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wireless IEM System for the Money?
Choosing the right wireless in-ear monitor system comes down to five decisions: frequency band, latency, range, channel count, and stereo versus mono. Get those right and the rest follows.
UHF vs 2.4GHz vs 5.8GHz
The single most important spec is the wireless band. 2.4GHz systems like the LEKATO MS-1 and Xvive U4 are license-free worldwide but share spectrum with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and microwaves, so they drop out in tech-heavy venues. 5.8GHz systems like the Xvive U45 and AOKEO AK-680 sit in a cleaner band and suffer less Wi-Fi interference. UHF systems like the Phenyx PTM-11 and Sennheiser XSW avoid Wi-Fi entirely and offer the longest, most stable range, but require careful frequency coordination in multi-system setups.
For most gigging musicians in 2026, I recommend 5.8GHz as the sweet spot. It avoids the worst Wi-Fi congestion without the regulatory headaches of UHF.
Latency: How Low Is Low Enough?
Latency under 10ms is generally imperceptible for vocal monitoring. Anything above 15ms starts to throw off timing, especially for drummers and backing vocalists. The Xvive U4 and U45, AOKEO AK-680, and Phenyx PTM-11 all stay under 5ms, which is essentially flawless. The LEKATO MS-1 at under 12ms is borderline but workable for non-critical monitoring.
Wireless Range and Stage Size
Manufacturer range claims are line-of-sight best-case numbers. Real-world range shrinks dramatically when walls, metal framing, or crowds of bodies sit between transmitter and receiver. For small clubs, 90-100 feet is fine. For large stages, outdoor services, or worship auditoriums, look for 140 feet or more from UHF systems like the Phenyx PTM-11 and PTM-33-4B.
Channels: Planning for the Whole Band
Single-channel systems work for solo performers or anyone happy with a shared mix. If each member needs their own personal mix, plan for one bodypack per performer. Systems like the Phenyx PTM-33-4B bundle four bodypacks and are far cheaper than buying four separate systems. The Xvive U4 and U45 also support one transmitter feeding multiple receivers, which is a budget-friendly alternative.
Stereo vs Mono Monitoring
Stereo sounds richer, with real panning and spatial cues, but it can introduce phase issues that thin out a live mix. Mono eliminates phase problems and is the live-sound industry default for personal monitoring. If your engineer builds stereo mixes, the Sennheiser XSW or Xvive U45 make sense. For straightforward cue mixes, mono systems like the Phenyx are perfectly serviceable and often more reliable on stage.
Battery Life and Charging Workflow
Five hours is the floor for a single gig day. The AOKEO AK-680 leads the budget tier at 12 hours, while most others land between five and six. Pay attention to charge time, too. A 12-hour battery that takes 12 hours to refill (like the AK-680) requires planning, while USB-C quick-charge options like the Xvive U45 can top up an hour of runtime in ten minutes.
Build Quality and Touring Reliability
Plastic enclosures like the LEKATO MS-1 are fine for rehearsal but rarely survive a rough tour. Metal builds from Xvive, Phenyx, SWIFF, and Sennheiser are the better choice for working musicians. Rack-mountable transmitters like the Phenyx PTM-33-4B and Sennheiser XSW make permanent installations and touring rigs much cleaner.
FAQs
What is the best wireless in-ear monitor system?
The Xvive U45 is the best overall wireless in-ear monitor system for most musicians, combining 5.8GHz anti-interference transmission, 24-bit/48kHz audio, Channel Scan Mode, and a 100-foot range at a mid-range price. For full bands, the Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B quad-channel system offers the best value per performer.
What is the best budget friendly IEM system?
The LEKATO MS-1 is the cheapest entry point at well under $100, with auto-pairing and support for up to six simultaneous sets. The AOKEO AK-680 is the best value budget pick, offering 5.8GHz transmission, sub-5ms latency, and a 12-hour battery for under $100.
Are wireless IEMs worth it?
Yes. Wireless IEMs eliminate floor monitor feedback, give performers clean personal mixes, protect hearing through volume limiting, and free musicians to move on stage. Even budget systems like the LEKATO MS-1 deliver a noticeable upgrade over stage wedges for rehearsal and small gigs.
UHF vs 2.4GHz vs 5.8GHz for wireless IEMs?
2.4GHz is license-free worldwide but fights Wi-Fi and drops out in busy venues. 5.8GHz is cleaner and resists Wi-Fi interference, making it the sweet spot for most gigging musicians. UHF offers the longest range and cleanest signal but requires careful frequency coordination and may need licensing in some regions.
How many wireless IEM channels do I need for a band?
Plan one channel per performer who needs a personal mix. A four-piece band typically needs four channels. The Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B bundles four bodypacks in one rack-mountable transmitter, which is usually cheaper and cleaner than buying four separate single-channel systems.
Final Verdict: Best Wireless In-Ear Monitor Systems for the Money in 2026
For most gigging musicians, worship teams, and small bands in 2026, the Xvive U45 hits the sweet spot of price, fidelity, and reliability. It is the system I would buy with my own money after testing all eight.
On a strict budget, the AOKEO AK-680 delivers premium specs (5.8GHz, sub-5ms latency, 12-hour battery) for under $100, while the LEKATO MS-1 wins as the absolute cheapest entry point. Full bands should jump straight to the Phenyx Pro PTM-33-4B quad-channel kit, and anyone who refuses to compromise on stereo fidelity should invest in the Sennheiser XSW IEM SET.
Pick the band and channel count that matches your stage, and you will have a wireless in-ear monitor system that pays for itself the first time it saves your hearing.