Abstract: The invention provides an earplug and a method of forming thereof where the earplug includes an insertion portion having opposing top and bottom sides, a handle portion connected to and extending rearwardly from the bottom of the insertion portion, and a rear portion extending from the top of the insertion portion to the handle portion, where the insertion portion is configured to be partially inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, where the handle portion remains at least partially extending from the ear canal for use in handling the earplug, and where the insertion portion and the handle portion are integrally formed of a resilient compressible material.

Abstract: An ear cup (1) has a cup portion (I?) with a support surface (3), as well as a sealing device (4), which is placed against the support surface of the cup portion for bearing against a wearer's head in an area around an ear of the wearer. The sealing device (4) comprises a sealing portion (5) of a soft material, which in its periphery area bears against said support surface (3), and a clamping ring (7) of a hard material, which expands the sealing portion (5). The sealing portion (5) is provided with a peripherally extending flange, which is introduced in the cup portion (1?) and bears against the inner side of the cup portion, whereby the clamping ring (7) bears against the flange and presses the flange against the inner side of the cup portion (1?) for fastening the sealing device (4) to the cup portion (I?).

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: 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: The present invention provides a prophylactic for the ear during activities in and around water or other liquid medium where the ear is subject to infection and barotraumas. It has an outer ear section that fits tight in a user's outer ear and a watertight downwardly extending flexible protrusion that extends into the outer part of the ear canal. A non-collapsing, flexible sleeve with a hollow interior is concentrically positioned within the outer ear section and flexible protrusion. A diaphragm with elastic and water-resistant properties is attached across one end of the sleeve with watertight sealing means. An optional protuberance and/or lanyard may be attached to the outer ear section to assist in prompt invention removal after use, and an external barrier is optional where sudden impact can occur. For water depths below thirty-three feet, the diaphragm should be positioned near or within the flexible protrusion portion of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual position hearing protection device. In one position, the device provides substantial sound attenuation and hearing protection. In the second position, an opening in the device permits sounds to enter the ear of the user relatively unobstructed. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the position of the device is changed simply by compressing the exposed end of the earplug.

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: An earplug has an open inserting end, an open inlet end, a cover, a hollow body, a soft sheath, a tube and a sound-processing unit. The sound passes through the open inlet end, is processed by the sound-processing unit and then passes into an ear canal. Alternatively, RF (Radio Frequency) signals pass through the open inlet end and are processed by the sound-processing unit, and then radio signals pass into the ear canal. The soft sheath has a through hole. The tube is mounted through the through hole in the soft sheath and allows the open inserting end to communicate with the ambient air. Furthermore, the soft sheath and the tube are replaceable to conform to sanitary standards.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides an improved ear protection system comprising an ear protection device and an innovative stowage device. The stowage device is capable for inconspicuously securing the ear protection device to an easily accessible entity such as an article of clothing. The system is further able to accommodate various sizes and shapes of ear protection devices at varying distances and lengths from the user's ear. Additionally incorporated in the ear protection system is a locking mechanism to control the extension and retraction of the ear protection device from th stowage device.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a pump that is subject to variations in flow rate based on inlet pressure variations, such as a peristaltic pump found in medical instruments. The pressure at the inlet of the pump is measured and recorded during prior uses of the pump. A mean or average inlet pressure is derived from the measurements, either directly or indirectly from the measurements of using regression techniques, as a way of forecasting the inlet pressure during the next use of the pump. The pump is then calibrated at an inlet pressure that is set or adjusted to match the mean or average inlet pressure. The calibration is thus accurately performed for the pump, and is independent of the absolute accuracy of the inlet pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for relieving discomfort caused by congestion within a body cavity adjacent to at least one region of hard tissue employs a vibration generator which generates mechanical vibrations at a subsonic frequency. The vibration generator is brought into non-invasive mechanical engagement with the hard tissue to as to transmit vibrations through the hard tissue to at least part of the body cavity. Also described are devices for implementing the method of the invention.

Abstract: An earplug (20) is provided which allows conversation to be conducted whilst inserted in the ear, and blocks out certain noise without substantially sealing the ear canal, and causing discomfort to the wearer. In one embodiment, the earplug includes a first cylindrical element (28) open at one end (30), having a substantially convex shape at its other end (34) for insertion into the outer ear canal, and a second element (32) which fits into the open end of the first cylindrical element to form a connecting juncture therewith. The first and second elements have air circulation means.

Abstract: A device and method to protect a user's ear from changes in external atmospheric pressure and to treat middle ear disease by actively controlling (increasing, decreasing, oscillating or preserving unchanged) air pressure in the user's outer ear cavity. Preferably pressure is controlled using an earplug that fits tightly into the outer ear cavity with minimal air leakage. An axial channel through the earplug connects a pressure source which controls pressure to the outer ear cavity. Optionally the device also includes a conveyor and oscillator to supply controlled pressure oscillations to the outer ear cavity. A method to treat middle ear disease in a patient by transmitting vibrations to the patient's middle ear. Vibrations are transmitted by bone conduction or by pressure oscillations in the outer ear cavity. Vibrations reduce swelling and pain in the middle ear.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A non porous wax guard for an in-the-canal hearing aid is in the form of a membrane or diaphragm which completely covers the mouth of the round or other shape outlet of the hearing aid. The membrane is made of plastic or metalized plastic, or stainless steel, having a diameter of between 0.20 inches and 3/8 inch, and a thickness of between 0.0005 inches and 0.001 inches. The membrane is affixed to the mouth of the sound outlet by a number of methods. It may be attached to a thin ring of plastic material, and attached with a spring clip to a recess in the sound outlet. It may simply be bonded, by adhesive or heat bonding, to the recess. It may be affixed to a cylindrical mount, and press-fit into the port. Or, as an alternative, the cylindrical mount may be threaded, and mated with an internal thread cut into the sound outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earmuff device comprising an earmuff cup having at least a window portion which is formed of an optical material which transmits light rays in such a way that the human eye can see through the material to a degree that an earplug or other object inserted within the ear is visually perceivable to the human eye. In other words, the earmuff cup is formed of a transparent material or a translucent material so long as the earplug inserted within the wearer's ear is visually perceivable through the translucent portion of the earmuff cup. Because the earmuff cup is formed of a material that permits an individual, such as a supervisor or hearing conservationist, to perceive whether an earplug is inserted within the wearer's ear, the earmuff device of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in a dual hearing protection environment in which the previous method of compliance monitoring was time consuming and difficult.

Abstract: A noise-blocking banded earmuff wherein the earmuffs (12, 14) are fixed against rotation about a horizontal axis (34) with respect to the band (24), and wherein the band can extend upwardly around the top of the head, downwardly (24A) around the neck, or rearwardly (24B) behind the head, using earmuffs of moderate size. Instead of each earmuff aperture being of a vertically elongated oval shape, each aperture has four 90.degree. concave corner segments (46-49) lying at the corners of an imaginary square (36), and four connecting segments (41-44) that each connects two concave segments. The middles (56) of the connecting segments lie closer to the aperture axis (34) than the middles (50) of the concave corner sections. The connecting segments can be largely straight to form an earmuff aperture of largely square shape with rounded corners. The connecting segments can be convex (181-184) to form an earmuff aperture of largely cloverleaf shape.

Abstract: The present invention presents a selective nonlinear attenuating earplug. The earplug is tunable by the wearer and permits the wearer to select the performance of the earplug. The earplug of the present invention can function either in a selective attenuation mode or a maximum attenuation mode. The selective capability of the earplug permits a wearer to select the degree of desired sound attenuation depending upon the particular environment surrounding the wearer. In the selective attenuation mode, sound attenuation is low for a specific range of intensities and increases for sounds with intensity above those in the specified range. Selective attenuation is especially effective for the loudest noises. The advantage of a selective attenuation mode is especially realized when the wearer wishes to receive an intelligible speech transmission while being situated in a noisy environment while still protecting the wearer from dangerous noises.

Abstract: A device for regulating pressure which can be used to relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure. The device includes a hollow body having an open end, a movable member within the hollow body which defines a first chamber that extends between the movable member and the open end of the hollow body, and various alternative structural elements which regulate pressure in the first chamber. To relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, the open end of the hollow body is provided with a mouthpiece. A person experiencing discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, blows through or sucks on the mouthpiece, causing a change in pressure in the first chamber. The device regulates pressure in the first chamber in such a way to help relieve the person's inner ear pressure.

Abstract: An acoustical control earpiece comprised of non-foamed polyvinyl chloride plastisol. The earpieces may be acoustical hearing protective earplugs as well as overmolds and covers for audio sound reproduction devices such as headphones, speakers, and hearing aids, and may be used alone or in conjunction with hearing protector bands or eyewear. The earplugs may have an open or closed internal void therewithin, are adapted for receipt into the concha and ear canal of a wearer. The earpieces may be formed by injection molding, roto-molding, or slush molding. The hardness of the earpieces has a 00 Durometer hardness value of about 10 to 90 and preferably ranging 40 to 60.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of hearing damage to musicians, for example, there is suggested according to the invention a device which comprises, firstly, a floor stand portion with a foot and a post extending upright therefrom, and, secondly, a hearing protector portion mounted on an upper portion of the post. The hearing protector portion is essentially U-shaped, as seen in plan view, in order to be able, as needed, to screen off the ears from intense sound sources located behind and to the sides. The hearing protector portion is displaceable between an advanced active position and a retracted passive position.

Abstract: Acoustic valve capable of selective and non-linear filtering of sound and placeable in a perforated ear plug. The acoustic valve consists of a tube enclosing two rigid disks axially spaced opposite each other, each of the disks containing at least one perforation. The total perforated surface of at least one disk is between 0.03 and 0.5 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A noise blocking earmuff is described, which has a better noise blocking ability and which is more comfortable than prior earmuffs. The earmuff includes a cup-shaped shell (20), a cushion (22) that surrounds the open inner end of the shell and which presses against the head of the wearer, and an inside sound-absorber (26) lying in the shell. The cushion is formed of slow recovery material which has a rebound of no more than about 10 percent, to more comfortably and completely conform the cushion to the area of the wearer's head that the cushion presses against. The inside sound absorber includes a layer (50) of resilient felted foam for blocking higher frequency sounds, and a layer (52) of unfelted foam for blocking lower frequency sounds, to obtain a better overall noise blocking capability.

Abstract: An earplug composed of a resilient polymeric material including a first hollow member having a closed end and an open end and with the closed end having a rounded cone shaped configuration. At least one flange member extending from the first hollow member and having a similiar cone shaped rounded configuration as the closed end of the hollow member but larger in diameter and located rearward of the closed end. A plug member for insertion into the open end of the first member and with the plug closing off and sealing the open end of the first member to form an air pocket immediately adjacent the closed end and the flange member.The plug member serving in combination with the rearward end of the first member as a handle for insertion of the earplug in an ear canal.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ear plug for preventing water and wind from entering the ear canal while allowing audible tones to pass therethrough. The ear plug is provided with an ear plug housing which is provided with an outer member and an inner portion. The outer member is adapted to reside in the outer ear of the user and an elongate tubular member having an exterior portion adapted to extend downwardly within the ear canal of the user. The ear plug is further provided with an ear plug insert. The ear plug insert is provided with a retaining member which is generally annular, a membrane which is made of a water impervious material and is adapted to allow audible tones to pass therethrough, and an insert housing which is generally annular. The insert housing is provided with a first end which is axially disposable in the interior portion of the elongate tubular member which is adapted to receive the first end of the insert housing.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the equalization of pressure across the eardrum of a user, comprising (a) an ear piece being sized and dimensioned for tightly fitting the outer ear canal of the user, such that when the user being underwater, water being prevented from entering between the ear piece and the outer ear canal, the ear piece being formed with a channel having an inner opening and an outer opening, the inner opening facing the eardrum of the user and the outer opening facing the outside, the channel and the outer ear defining a permanent void; and (b) an inflatable bag being in fluid communication with the ear piece via the outer opening, the bag defining a changeable void.

Abstract: A headband ear protector apparatus including a pair of ear protectors and a resilient head band supporting, at opposite ends of the headband, the ear protectors. This forms a band which positions the ear protectors to lie by the opposite ears of a person. The headband is formed of a combination of hard and soft materials. The hard material is formed as a main support member for the ear protectors to extend between the ear protectors and provide resilience so the ear protectors will lie by the opposite ears of the person. The main support member includes at least one region having structure to receive the soft material to provide sound attenuation for reducing sound transmitted through the headband to the ear protectors.

Abstract: A pressure regulating ear plug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the ear plug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. The pressure regulator is preferably made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: An earmuff incorporating elevated sound attenuation. The earmuff comprises an outer cup (10') which connects with a sealing part. Arranged within the earmuff are a plurality of separating partitioning walls (14) which extend from the bottom wall (16) of the cup towards the sealing part. The partitioning walls (14) may be integral with the cup (10') or formed separately therefrom and loosely fitted thereinto.

Abstract: A pressure regulating ear plug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the ear plug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. The pressure regulator is preferably made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A noise suppressor apparatus including a cylindrical member having an open upper end, a closed lower end, a cylindrical side wall therebetween, and a hollow interior. The closed lower end has an aperture formed therethrough. A noise suppressing portion is dimensioned for placement within the hollow interior of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Methods and means of treating a person afflicted with Tinnitus in order to relieve the discomfort and aggravation of the affliction uses apparatus that includes: a metal shell of generally hemispherical shape and diameter about the same as a person's head, nested in a similarly shaped larger shell, the space between the nested shells being filled with a natural, soft, flexible, thermally insulating material that may be animal or plant, the two shells being figures of revolution about a common axis and attached together along the common axis with the material in between, compressed somewhat by the attachment, and a handle, whereby the afflicted person can hold the apparatus against his afflicted ear for repeated intervals to relief is noted by the user after several days of these treatments in order to relieve the discomfort and aggravation of the affliction.

Abstract: An ear protecting apparatus adapted to protect children and infants from discomfort and potential hearing damage associated with noisy environments. The apparatus includes an adjustable headband having a pair of noise-attenuating earmuffs provided at opposite ends thereof, respectively. Each earmuff includes an annular member which entirely surrounds the user's ear and a noise-attenuating dome-shaped member which is shaped, dimensioned, and adapted to press against an outer portion of the user's auditory canal to effectively seal same from loud noise. Both the annular member and the dome-shaped member are preferably fabricated of a noise-attenuating foam material. The headband is spring-biased to urge the earmuffs inwardly so that they will be comfortably pressed into position on and around the user's ears.

Abstract: Ear plugs for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and other water related activities form a watertight seal within an individual's outer ear canals. The ear plugs have a lumen extending along the ear canal. A hydrophobic membrane extending across the lumen, which admits air into or out of the ear canal but blocks water, seals the ear against water but transmits air. This passage of air equalizes pressure across the plug, improves hearing with the ear plug in place, and prevents water contaminants, such as harmful infectious agents and pollutants, from entering the ear canal.

Abstract: A pressure regulating earplug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the earplug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. Examples of the material which causes the pressure regulation include porous metal and porous ceramic material.

Abstract: An ear-protection cup for ear muffs or headphones comprising a cup-shaped frame and a resilient sealing member located at the peripheral edge thereof, by means of which the ear-protection cup can be brought into abutment with an annular shaped part of a user's head located around the ear. The frame is composed of a rigid, cup-shaped outer shell and an inner wall spaced from the outer shell and extending for a substantial way between the inner parts of the outer shell to which it is rigidly connected. The inner wall thus defines between itself and the outer shell an intermediate space in which a layer of elastomeric material is arranged compressed between the outer shell and the inner wall.

Abstract: A sun and sound shielding arrangement (10) for allowing a person to sleep in a bright noisy environment wherein the arrangement (10) includes a sun shade member (20) having an open end box configuration provided with air flow openings (24); and, an ear plug unit (11) including ear plug members (13) mounted on a spring element (14) such that the ear plug members (13) will cause the tragus (101) of the user's ear (100) to block the auditory canals (102).

Abstract: A lightweight silicone ear molding putty composition is disclosed for chronic ear patients and myringotomy children to protect ears which includes a mixture comprising of silicone hydroxy functional fluid, crosslinker, and tints as well as a number of additives for adjusting the properties of the mixture and further including an admixture of hollow thermoplastic microspheres containing microcrystalline silica embedded onto the sphere combined with a 5 micron diatomic functional filler. The final composition cures in five minutes to a floating ear plug. Utilizing a mixture of thermoplastic microspheres of 10 to 80 microns and silicone hydroxy fluid ranging from 18,000 to 20,000 centipoise said composition is cured at room temperature, hand mixed, moldable, and syringed into the ear to make an ear plug or mold which has superior properties over prior art ear plugs.

Abstract: An earpiece is provided for use in auditory testing of infants which is formed of a toroidal baffle of anechoic insulative foam material having on one side a clear window and on the opposing side an adhesive material for binding to the region around the ear of an infant. The earpiece is further provided with a pneumatic connector for coupling acoustic energy through a pneumatic tube into the cavity formed around the ear of a subject when the earpiece is attached.

Abstract: An ear wax barrier for a hearing aid to prevent ear wax from contacting and damaging the internal components of a hearing aid or hearing aid receiver. The barrier includes a housing defining a central axis of passage, as well as a plurality of projections and a variable acoustic attenuator. The projections extend inwardly from the interior surface of the housing, each projection partially occluding the cross-sectional area of the housing. The projection provides a tortuous path for ear wax migrating into the hearing aid. The variable acoustic attenuator and the projections provide a constricted passageway for damping of the acoustic response of the hearing aid.