Abstract: An electronic audio device for use with at least one earpiece, the earpiece having a microphone and a speaker located therein includes circuitry coupled to the microphone and speaker and a processor to evaluate a seal quality of the earpiece to a user's ear based on seal quality measurements made while driving or exciting a signal into the speaker located in the earpiece and then to adjust the circuitry operatively coupled to the microphone and speaker according to the evaluated seal quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic audio device for use with at least one earpiece or a pair of earpieces, or a pair of earpieces in a headphone, each earpiece having a microphone and a speaker located therein, including circuitry operatively coupled to the microphone and speaker, and a processor operatively coupled to evaluate a seal quality of the earpiece to a user's ear based on seal quality measurements made while driving or exciting a signal into the speaker located in the earpiece and then to adjust the circuitry coupled to the microphone and speaker according to the evaluated seal quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing for the wearable device, a first microphone within or on the housing, a communication module within or on the housing, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the logic circuit and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit cooperatively initiate control of media content or initiate operations of the wearable device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) configured to measure a background noise signal, an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) configured to deliver audio to an ear canal, and an optional Ear Canal Microphone (ECM) configured to convert an internal sound within an ear canal of a user to an internal sound signal, and a processor operatively coupled to the ASM, the ECR and optionally the ECM. Note, internal sounds can also include residual background noise related to ambient sounds in the environment. The processor is configured to maintain a natural audio level based on a combined measurement of the background noise signal and the internal sound signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis system has at least one monitoring assembly that includes at least one microphone to monitor an acoustic field proximate the monitoring assembly. The at least one microphone produces at least one microphone signal responsive to the acoustic field. The analysis system further includes a data storage device configured to buffer the at least one microphone signal and an audio analysis system configured to analyze a content of the data storage device where the audio analysis system is configured to analyze the content of the buffer to process at least a sound into a response or action.

Abstract: A device includes a core, a membrane, at least one first electrode coupled to the core, at least one second electrode coupled to the core or the membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The collapsible polymer element is configured to extend from or extend around at least a portion of the core where the element is in an expanded configuration without application of a voltage and in a collapsed configuration with the application of the voltage or in a collapsed configuration without application of a voltage and in an expanded configuration with the application of the voltage. The voltage is applied via the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Control devices are provided. A control device includes an input, an output, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive an input signal through the input. The input signal is generated from a user interface on a media device. The processor sends a control signal through the output to a sound reproduction device. The output signal controls audio generated by the sound reproduction device. The input, output, and processor are not included in the media device and are not included in the sound reproduction device.

Abstract: An earpiece is provided that can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) to measure ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) to deliver audio to an ear canal, an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM) to measure a sound pressure level within the ear canal, and a processor to produce the audio from at least in part the ambient sound, actively monitor a sound exposure level inside the ear canal, and adjust a level of the audio to within a safe and subjectively optimized listening level range based on the sound exposure level. An audio interface can deliver audio content from a media player. The processor can selectively mix the audio content with the ambient sound to produce the audio in accordance with a personalized hearing level (PHL) to permit environmental awareness of at least one distinct sound in the ambient sound. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for audio processing suitable for use with an earpiece are provided. A method includes delivering audio to an ear canal, measuring a residual background noise level within the ear canal, and adjusting the audio based on characteristics of the residual background noise level to maintain a natural audio level. A mixing of an ambient sound signal and an ear canal signal can be used to calculate the residual background noise level. The method can include compensating the residual measurement based on microphone sensitivities.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer devices are provided. A device includes a membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The element is in an expanded configuration without voltage application and is in a collapsed configuration with a voltage application. The element is covered by the membrane.