LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- New customized earplugs used by U.S. Air Force combat pilots protect hearing and enables greater communication.

Officials say the attenuating custom communications earpiece system, used by pilots in the cockpit and on the flight line, offer greater hearing protection and also provide a platform for enhanced radio communication, the Air Force reported.

"Now (communication is) much clearer and the amount of information we are able to process is increased," Capt. Brian Stahl, an Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot, said in a statement.

Previously, a pilot's communication in the cockpit traveled through a protective foam earplug. Officials say that despite the protection, the foam acted as a barrier to sounds, including crucial communications from the headset. With the new ACCES technology, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory with technologies from Westone Laboratories, the customized earplugs perform both hearing protection and headset functions.

"To make the ACCES plugs, audiologist put hardening foam in the pilots' ears and a customized mold is shaped. The mold is then sent to a contracted company which builds the plugs and equips them with radio ear buds," the release said.

"The custom molded plugs, because they are made specifically for an individual's ears, are much more comfortable for prolonged periods of time," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bealer, Norfolk Naval Station audiologist said. "So you get much more consistent use with this."