Military FAQs

What is ACCES?
ACCES stands for Attenuating Custom Communications Earpiece System. It is a modular system consisting of custom-molded earpieces combined with a communications cord with specialized electronics to deliver clear communications while protecting the ear from damaging noise levels. The primary benefit of ACCES is it offers greatly improved speech intelligibility.

What airframes are currently approved to use ACCES?
F/A-22, F-16, F-15, A-10, B-2, B-1, B-52, T-38, and C-17 are currently approved by ACC to fly with ACCES. If your aircraft type is not listed and you would like ACCES, ACC advises that you work through your Operations Group Commander to create the proper documentation package to submit to ACC for evaluation. ACC/A3TOA maintains the most current list of aircraft approved to use ACCES. ACC will introduce ACCES to new airframes as ACCES matures.

What cable should I use for my airframe?
Westone recommends the following communication cables be used with the particular airframe:

Can ACCES be used with a headset?
Yes! Headset users can also reap the benefits of wearing ACCES earpieces. David Clark has two headsets (Model No. 12510G-27 and 40699G-08) equipped to accept the ACCES system. For those that want to convert their current headset we have a modification kit (P/N 79725) available.

How much does ACCES cost?
Click here to view our GSA price list.

What are the color options for ACCES?
Click here to view our ACCES Product Reference Guide.

Can you swryl colors on the Stereo ACCES?
Unfortunately no we cannot offer Stereo ACCES with color combinations.

How many characters of Laser Engraving can you have and does it cost extra?
On the ACCES earpieces, you may have up to 7 characters laser engraved. Most people choose to have their callsign engraved on their earpieces. Other suggestions are your initials followed by the last 4 of your SSN. CEP earpieces and military hearing protection devices can be engraved with up to 3 characters. Laser engraving is included in the price of ACCES, CEP, and military hearing protection device earpieces.

How long will it take to receive my order?
We normally complete and ship an order within 30 days of receiving a complete order and good ear impressions. Any missing required information on the order form or incomplete ear impressions will delay this time frame.

Can you ship outside the US?
Yes we can.

Can a military member contact you to place a personal order?
Absolutely. Just give us a call at 800-525-5071 and ask for extension 362 or fill out an order form and email it to us at military@westone.com.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit cards, cash, checks, and electronic funds transfers on Net 30 terms.

What is the casting fee for?
This fee normally applies only to personal orders. Some personal products require altering or trimming the original impressions used to make your government-purchased order. To maintain the integrity of the original impressions we clone (cast) them and can make the necessary alterations without destroying your original impressions.

What is your remake policy?
We will remake an earpiece within the first 90 days at no charge if the earpiece was lost in transit, Westone made an error in style, material or acoustic modification, or the earpiece does not fit properly.

Who can take ear impressions?
We recommend that only a licensed Audiologist or someone with a medical background who has attended and was certified at our Standardized Ear Impression Training (SEIT) course take ear impressions.

What is the Standardized Ear Impression Training (SEIT) course?
The SEIT course is a 2-day class taught at our facility in Colorado Springs. Students get hands-on training in the general procedures and practices common to the hearing healthcare field. The course includes a written and practical exam. At the end of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.

How do I sign up for the SEIT course?
Click here to sign up for the course or call one of our Military Sales representatives at 800-525-5071 ext 362.

Who should be trained in the SEIT course?
The Air Force recommends that a SEIT technician be one of the following in order of preference:

What is the schedule for the SEIT course?
Classes are held approximately every two months at our facility in beautiful Colorado Springs. Click here to view our current schedule.

Can you provide the SEIT course on-base?
In special circumstances we can travel to your base and teach the SEIT course. Call us at 800-525-5071 ext 362 to discuss your particular needs and the cost.

Can my Stereo ACCES (AXSWC) be repaired, what does it cost and where do I send it?
Yes we can repair your Stereo ACCES. We can replace the speaker drivers as well as replace the cable.

Please click here to view our GSA price list for current pricing. Send your Stereo ACCES earpieces to us at 2235 Executive Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, ATTN: ACCES