Abstract: An ear-mounted microphone device configured for being supported in the ear. The microphone device includes a microphone element contained within a housing which is configured at one end to be mounted at a user's ear canal. When the housing is so mounted, the microphone element is positioned closely adjacent to the user's head such that the housing and the user's head cooperatively alter the sensitivity of the microphone so as to provide an enhanced directional orientation and sensitivity of the microphone element toward the user's mouth to a greater degree than is provided when the housing and microphone element are not mounted at the ear canal, so as to enhance pickup of the user's voice. A speaker element may be included within the ear device and can be decoupled mechanically by a gasket bridge between the housing and microphone so as to avoid feedback.

Abstract: An ear piece device configured for being supported in the ear and providing a microphone which primarily detects only sounds originated by the user is contained within a housing which is configured at one end to fit snugly at the ear canal of the user, but not to extend within the ear canal. A microphone element is coupled within the housing in a position such that the microphone element is separated from contact with the skull of the user by the housing. This microphone element is contained within a case which is mechanically and acoustically isolated from vibrations occurring within the housing. A support gasket formed of acoustical absorbing materials is interposed around the microphone case forming a bridge between the housing and the microphone case and contained active element.