Abstract: An earphone of adjustable size to fit the ears of different users includes a housing, a speaker, an air path, an inflatable earplug, and a control assembly. The speaker and at least one part of the air path are arranged in the housing. The inflatable earplug communicates with the air path and is detachably attached to the housing. The control assembly is arranged outside of the housing and configured to inflate and deflate the inflatable earplug through the air path.

Abstract: An earpiece, earphone, earbud or earplug includes an inflatable element operatively attached to a distal end by an inflation channel, and an anti-distal end of the inflation channel that provides a pressuring force via fluid transfer of a fluid to maintain an expansion of the inflatable element. The inflatable element can be pressurized to a gauge pressure range between 0.05 bar and 3.0 bar. In some embodiments, the inflatable element is pressurized to a gauge pressure range from 0.3 bar to 0.25 bar and maintains such gauge pressure range for at least 12 hours. In some embodiments, the inflatable element uses a material of a predetermined permeability for a given density of fluid and a given thickness of the inflatable element such that an inflation pressure drops from 1.2 atmospheres to 1 atmospheres in 8 hours after the inflatable element is pressurized to 1.2 atmospheres. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for occluding a duct and attenuating sound may be provided. In some embodiments, a system may include a toroidal component enclosing an interior volume. The interior volume may contain a fluid and may have an extended state and a retracted state. When the toroidal component is in the extended state, a distal portion of the toroidal component that defines a distal tip is configured to extend in a distal direction and a proximal portion of the toroidal component may define a proximal end of the toroidal component. When the toroidal component is in the retracted state, a portion of the inner surface may extend proximally beyond the proximal end of the toroidal component. A fluid composition and methods for attenuating sound may also be provided. In some embodiments, the fluid composition may be a suspension that includes an interstitial fluid and a plurality of gas-filled spheres.

Abstract: A push-in earplug is provided. The push-in earplug comprises an elongate core comprising a core material. The push-in earplug also comprises an outer layer comprising a foam material, the outer layer covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the elongate core. The push-in earplug also comprises a channel extending through the elongate core from a first end of the elongate core to the second end of the elongate core.

Abstract: A deep insert, inflatable hearing protection earplug is provided that is easy for an untrained user to insert correctly, reliably providing high acoustic attenuation and remaining both secure and comfortable for long durations in a human ear. The earplug comprises a soft elastomer shell that forms a sealed volume filled with an inert fluid. The earplug can comprise a slender, flexible stem that is easily insertable into the ear canal when deflated. The proximal end of the earplug can be situated outside the ear canal, within the concha of the ear, and incorporates a bulb with a hemispherical, bistable cap. After inserting the shaft of the earplug into the ear canal, the wearer applies force with a finger to invert the cap, which transitions elastically from a convex to a concave external geometry, displacing a fixed volume of fluid to inflate a sheath that forms the outer covering of the stem, filling and sealing the ear canal.

Abstract: Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a redistribution layer comprising a first face and a second face opposite to each other; a first die electrically connected to the first face of the redistribution layer; a molding compound comprising a third face and a fourth face opposite to each other, wherein the third face of the molding compound is combined with the first face of the redistribution layer, and the molding compound encapsulates the first die on the side of the first face of the redistribution layer; and a sensing element electrically connected to the redistribution layer. The package assembly of the sensor allows more elements to be packaged together, and provides a better structural support or provides a better heat distribution for the package assembly, and at the same time, reduces the volume and costs of the entire package assembly.

Abstract: An earpiece, earphone, earbud or earplug includes an inflatable element operatively attached to a distal end by an inflation channel, and an anti-distal end of the inflation channel that provides a pressuring force via fluid transfer of a fluid to maintain an expansion of the inflatable element. The inflatable element can be pressurized to a gauge pressure range between 0.05 bar and 3.0 bar. In some embodiments, the inflatable element is pressurized to a gauge pressure range from 0.3 bar to 0.25 bar and maintains such gauge pressure range for at least 12 hours. In some embodiments, the inflatable element uses a material of a predetermined permeability for a given density of fluid and a given thickness of the inflatable element such that an inflation pressure drops from 1.2 atmospheres to 1 atmospheres in 8 hours after the inflatable element is pressurized to 1.2 atmospheres. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.

Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. Different support components may provide specific amounts and types of additional rigidity at specific portions of an exterior surface of an outer eartip body that may be expected to interface with specific portions of an ear canal geometry when an eartip subassembly is positioned within the ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may conform to the various shapes of the ear canal while maintaining an acoustic seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sealing an ear canal for retaining a solution in the ear canal. Adhesive earplugs are provided through which the solution can be delivered, and which, following delivery, retain the fluid in the ear canal. The systems and methods may also be useful for delivering an anesthetizing solution to the ear canal of a human patient and for maintaining the solution therein for use with an iontophoresis system for anesthetizing the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A sensor insert is provided for measuring head dynamics and kinematics. The sensor insert includes at least one sensor embedded in the insert. The insert is configured to fit relatively substantially immovably within a portion of a user's external auditory canal passing through the temporal bone. A system including the sensor and insert further includes an electronic data collection and processing unit connected to the sensor. A method of measuring head dynamics and kinematics involves use of the aforementioned system to detect and collect data measuring head dynamics and kinematics of a user's skull for analysis thereof.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for filtering acoustic energy include a first conduit substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis and defining a first opening for receiving incident acoustic energy from the environment. A cavity in fluid communication with the first conduit selectively amplifies and/or dampens the acoustic energy based on an associated resonance frequency. A moving element disposed in the cavity may be displaced relative to the cavity in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in an amount related to a sound pressure level of acoustic energy in the cavity. A second conduit substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with the cavity selectively attenuates acoustic energy from the cavity based on the sound pressure level by receiving at least some of the acoustic energy from the cavity and/or the moving element when it is displaced from the cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to custom-fit in-ear audio devices. The custom-fit earpieces disclosed herein may include features providing superior retention in a user's ear while also maintaining desirable comfort and sound quality. The superior retention is generally provided by a curable filler disposed in a bladder that is deformed to conform to the shape of a user's outer ear as the filler material is cured. It has been found that a desired comfort level and sound quality can be achieved in a custom-fit earpiece by physically separating or at least partially decoupling the audio output member from other portions of the earpiece that are designed to enable the retention of the custom-fit earpiece within the user's ear.

Abstract: An embodiment of the technology includes Tri-Ear Buds for a wireless in-ear utility device that provides in-ear frequency filtering and can also offer a horn that increases the wireless in-ear utility device's ability to deliver sound. The horn effect can provide higher sound levels while consuming lower battery power. The channels can provide increased safety and comfort for the user. Embodiments of the technology can include accommodation for a balance between the wearable in-ear devices and hearing aids, such as to accommodate the wearable device requiring more sealing in the ear canal for better sound quality, to accommodate the hearing aid seals requiring more leakage for allowing for the user's voice to have an increased naturalness in sound, where the balance between the both can be frequency leakage in the 50 Hz to 300 Hz, which can allow for the seal to produce high quality performance for the two platforms.

Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. Different support components may provide specific amounts and types of additional rigidity at specific portions of an exterior surface of an outer eartip body that may be expected to interface with specific portions of an ear canal geometry when an eartip subassembly is positioned within the ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may conform to the various shapes of the ear canal while maintaining an acoustic seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sealing an ear canal for retaining a solution in the ear canal. Adhesive earplugs are provided through which the solution can be delivered, and which, following delivery, retain the fluid in the ear canal. The systems and methods may also be useful for delivering an anesthetizing solution to the ear canal of a human patient and for maintaining the solution therein for use with an iontophoresis system for anesthetizing the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system without puncturing the tympanic membrane (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can also be advanced into the middle ear through a puncture created in the tympanic membrane. Branches of the facial nerve in the middle ear can then be stimulated directly (e.g., by application of electrical current). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or as chronically-implanted/inserted variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention.

Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece that includes a fluid in a reservoir where the composition of the fluid or the pressure of the fluid can be modified to vary the insertion loss value of the earpiece.

Abstract: An orifice insertion device includes a stent and a plurality of sealing elements where each sealing element is operatively attached to the stent. Two sealing elements of the plurality of sealing elements include an expandable section configured to be disposed within the orifice and to exert a pressure on an orifice wall sufficient to seal the orifice without appreciable deformation of the orifice wall. The two sealing elements are formed from different materials and a further one of the plurality of sealing elements is configured to seal an opening of the orifice. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An expansible ear canal insert for treating TMJ disorders and headaches which acts directly on the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures to reduce stress and loads placed on the articulator disc located between the temporal bone and the mandible, as well as supportive muscles and ligaments near the TMJ. The insert is adapted to expand by application of body heat. In the expanded condition, the insert provides support to the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures.

Abstract: Earpieces and expandable insertion devices are provided. An earpiece includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM); an ear canal microphone (ECM); an ear canal receiver (ECR); and an inflatable sealing section. The sealing section includes at least one pressure valve. The at least one pressure valve opens when the pressure in the sealing section is greater than an ambient pressure.

Abstract: An earplug for insertion into an ear canal of a user has a front, a back, a side extending between the front and the back, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. A core structure is selectively moveable from an un-deformed position to a deformed, insertable position suitable for insertion of the earplug into the ear canal of the user. A cover covers at least a portion of the core structure and is adapted for contact with the ear canal of the user. An actuator is operatively connected to the core structure for moving the core structure from the un-deformed position to the deformed, insertable position upon application of a force to the actuator.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earplug comprising: at last a partially flexible distal end; an inflatable element; and a flexible anti-distal end, where the anti-distal end has at least one portion that is deformable, where the inflatable element is operatively attached to the distal end by an inflation channel, where when the at least one portion is deformed the inflatable element expands to an adjustable pressure, where at least one portion of the anti-distal end provides a pressurizing force to maintain the expansion of the inflatable element.

Abstract: Sealing devices are presented. The sealing device includes a first material and a second material. The first material responds to energy inputs differently than the second material. The first and second material are operatively connected and configured to be inserted into an orifice.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to stimulation. The apparatus comprises a plugging device configured to constrain the movement of endolymph fluid within a semicircular canal, and a control module coupled to the plugging device that causes the plugging device to maintain a set actuated position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of anchoring an earpiece is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member of moldable expandable, semi-adhesive material. The flexible member has a predetermined shape. The method of anchoring an earpiece includes the steps of placing an earpiece in the ear. The method also includes the steps of shaping the flexible member into a ball and placed the shaped flexible member into the concha portion of the ear, such that the shaped flexible member is disposed the earpiece and the antihelix and the earpiece anchor expands to retain the earpiece in the ear.

Abstract: An anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces.

Abstract: A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug, including: a stem, at least one support joined with the stem and extending radially outward from the stem, and a shell engaging the support and encircling the stem to form a space between the shell and the stem. At least one of the support material and the shell material is a deformable-resilient material.

Abstract: An inflatable in-ear device incorporates a pressure regulating mechanism, for example a simple length of tubing or a relief/unloader valve, at the inflow or outflow from the inflating sheath inserted within the ear canal, thus allowing pressure regulation of the settable compound being injected for inflation of the sheath while avoiding excesses in pressure in the inflating compound and ensuring the comfort of the individual.

Abstract: An inflatable in-ear device includes a core member with a platform provided with a sealing assembly in the form of a locating recess for the registration of a retention ring formed around a defining opening of a sheath arranged in close circumjacent manner around the platform attached to the core member, an abutment surface being formed on a capping for the platform and the core member whereby in use positive location of the retention ring within the recess is achieved by the closure of the recess by the abutment surface. A space is defined between the sheath and the core member for the injection of a settable material used for the inflation of the sheath once the device is emplaced within the ear canal of the ear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling an expandable in-ear device having in-flow and out-flow canals including a plurality of chambers with elastic membranes in which the components of a settable polymer are held under high relative pressure. The component chambers are connected to a common mixing element which mixes the components before they are applied to the in-flow canal of an in-ear device. A sealed relief chamber is connected to the out-flow canal of the in-ear device and receives excessive mixed compound as it exits the in-ear device. The relief chamber is in contact with the elastic membranes of the component chambers such that when the elastic membranes contract the pressure in the relief chamber decreases, maintaining the pressure within a pre-determined pressure range.

Abstract: An airway obstruction correction apparatus including an expandable bladder configured to fit within a user's external auditory canal, a pump configured to expand the bladder with a pumped fluid, a passage coupled with the pump and with the bladder and configured to convey a fluid between the pump and the bladder, a microcontroller coupled with the pump and configured to affect an activation condition of the pump, and a reservoir coupled with the pump and configured to retain sufficient fluid to expand the bladder into contact with a surface of the auditory canal when transferred to the bladder by the pump. At least one of a local data processing means and/or a remotely located data processing means can be configured to receive data from the apparatus and transmit data to the apparatus via a data networking means and/or at least one of a wired or wireless signal.

Abstract: Self-fitting device for location in ear canal, including first end portion joined with second end portion. First end portion including first resilient bladder and first chamber of fluid and second end portion including second resilient bladder and second chamber of fluid. The bladders are in communication via the chambers. First bladder is deformable between at-rest position to in-ear position to insertion position such that first bladder has first cross-sectional area in at-rest position, second cross-sectional area in in-ear position and third cross-sectional area in insertion position. First cross-sectional area is greater than second cross-sectional area which is greater than third cross-sectional area. Second bladder is deformable to cause first bladder to be deformed from at-rest position to insertion position before device is located in ear canal.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: A self-fitting device for location in an ear canal. The device includes a body having a body ear end, an opposite body user end, and a shaft extending from the ear end to the user end. A resilient bladder is joined with the body ear end and a chamber is defined inside the resilient bladder where the chamber is in communication with the shaft and the resilient bladder has a wall portion and is deformable from an at-rest position to an in-ear position. The resilient bladder has a variable strength profile in the wall portion of the bladder.

Abstract: Self-fitting device for location in ear canal and related method, including a bladder joined with a pump assembly via a valve assembly. The pump assembly transfers air to the bladder and achieves a predetermined pressure with the chamber regardless of ear canal size. The predetermined pressure may be achieved by reducing excess air pressure through the valve assembly.

Abstract: An assembly, system, and method particularly adapted for a magnetic resonator apparatus in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning system. Provided is a restraining assembly supportable by the supporting assembly and including at least a system that is selectively operable for positioning and restraining at least a portion of the body to be imaged, thereby optimizing image quality.

Abstract: An earplug comprising a foam composition containing a polyvinyl chloride resin and less than about 5 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the foam composition, is described. The foam composition may include a plasticizer containing less than or equal to about 2 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the plasticizer. The earplugs have slow recovery times from 60 percent compression to 10 percent compression of about 10 to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug, including: a stem, at least one support joined with the stem and extending radially outward from the stem, and a shell engaging the support and encircling the stem to form a space between the shell and the stem. At least one of the support material and the shell material is a deformable-resilient material.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongate stem component having a first end and an opposite second end, a first flange disposed on the stem proximate the first end, a second flange disposed on the stem adjacent the first flange, a third flange disposed on the stem adjacent the second flange, opposite the first flange, and proximate the second end, a rib support element formed on the first, second, and third flanges, wherein, the first, second, and third flanges comprise generally hemispherical flange elements extending from the stem in a direction toward the second end such that a generally annular space is formed between inner surfaces of the first, second, and third flanges and the stem, and wherein the rib support element is formed on the inner surfaces.

Abstract: An earplug (10) with a body front portion (22) for insertion into a person's ear canal, has a pocket (30) to increase comfort and is constructed to enhance noise attenuation. The pocket, which allows easier compression of the body front portion for increased comfort, has a plurality of baffles (50) that attenuate sound better than a pocket without baffles. The pocket with baffles is formed by a core pin (80) that lies in an injection mold (82) and that forms the pocket, the core pin having a plurality of slots (81) that form the baffles. The pocket includes a rear portion (36) that forms a wide passage, and the earplug includes a blocker portion (90) that partially or completely closes off the rear pocket passage.

Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.

Abstract: A device for non-invasively correcting a human external ear is disclosed. The device comprises a flat fixture with an adhesive for sticking the fixture together with two fold parts on an ear which is folded about a folding line along a zone which is to be corrected with a permanent deformation. The fixture can be fixed on the ear easily and conveniently. In attached state, it is hardly visible, and the patient does not feel the fixture as something unpleasant and irritating to wear. The fixture can advantageously be used for correcting a small child's jug-ear which particularly easily can be given a permanent shape within the first few weeks after birth where the concentration of oestradiol is highest.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that includes a soft foam body (14) and a more rigid core (16) that stiffens the body during its insertion into the ear canal, is mass produced so the front end (30) of the stiff core cannot rub along the surface of the ear canal during insertion. The core is elongated and bonded to the body, and the core has a front end (30) that is recessed from the front end (36) of the body, so the soft foam material of the body prevents the front end of the core from contacting the ear canal. The earplug can be mass produced by extruding the soft foam through an extrusion head (42), around the cores, with a long core device having been cut into the cores and with the extrusion (52) cut at locations to leave foam material forward of each core front end.

Abstract: A disposable plug has a mask with an orifice aligned at the entry into the ear canal when the plug is inserted into the ear. A sealed envelope has a leading elastic tip that extends forward of the orifice into the ear canal and a trailing reservoir that extends rearward of the orifice. A super-cooled liquid salt substantially fills the envelope. The envelope is sized to contain a sufficient quantity of the liquid salt to deliver heat to the inner ear at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period. A convex disk in the reservoir can be manually popped to concave after the tip of the envelope has been inserted into the ear canal to shrink the reservoir and expand the tip into deeper extension into and compliance with the ear canal and to activate solidification of the liquid salt to generate heat into the ear canal.

Abstract: An ear plug to be inserted into the external auditory canal, having a compressible sleeve member and a core member attached therein, the improvement in which plural projections or a single projection are formed intermittently or continuously on an exterior of the core member, and vent is formed through or along the projection to make the external auditory canal communicate with the external atmosphere when inserted into the external auditory canal. A communicating passage or vent to an effective degree for remarkably decreasing the pressure difference between the inside of the external auditory canal and the external atmosphere as well as preventing leakage of sound causing so-called howling.

Abstract: An earplug arrangement enables low cost manufacture and storage of earplugs and convenient dispensing of individual earplugs. The earplugs are formed from an extrusion of a maximum diameter of about 12 mm and with narrow locations spaced apart by about 1 to 5 cm to separate the extrusion into a chain of at least ten earplugs, where the last earplug of the chain of earplugs formed by the extrusion can be cut from the rest of the chain for insertion into a person's ear canal. The chain of earplugs is stored in a plurality of loops in a container, as in a plurality of loops wrapped about a cylinder. The extrusion can include a stiffening core of stiff first material and an extruded covering of a soft resilient foam second material surrounding the core, the thickness of the second material being less than half as great at the narrowed locations as at maximum diameter locations while the core is of uniform cross-section along the entire length of the extrusion.