Abstract: A communications headset having an antenna on each earpiece and having an RF switch for determining which antenna is receiving the superior signal and selecting that signal for amplification and distribution to headset speakers. A cable, supported and secured to a headband of the headset, connects the two earpieces for signal and power transfer. An illustrated embodiment has a transceiver and a speaker in an earpiece, with the RF switch, switching logic, and audio processor in one earpiece. Other configurations are within the scope of the invention. The RF switch selects the superior signal responsive to signal strength, signal to noise ratio, and/or similar figures of merit. Monitoring for signal superiority is at a high bandwidth to prevent granularity in the switching becoming noticeable to the user. The antenna corresponding to the superior signal is also used for transmitting from the headset.

Abstract: A communications headset having an antenna on each earpiece and having an RF switch for determining which antenna is receiving the superior signal and selecting that signal for amplification and distribution to headset speakers. A cable, supported and secured to a headband of the headset, connects the two earpieces for signal and power transfer. An illustrated embodiment has a transceiver and a speaker in an earpiece, with the RF switch, switching logic, and audio processor in one earpiece. Other configurations are within the scope of the invention. The RF switch selects the superior signal responsive to signal strength, signal to noise ratio, and/or similar figures of merit. Monitoring for signal superiority is at a high bandwidth to prevent granularity in the switching becoming noticeable to the user. The antenna corresponding to the superior signal is also used for transmitting from the headset.

Abstract: Headphones with acoustically resistant ear cups, an external noise sensor mounted thereto that monitors ambient noise, and internal sensors to monitor noise within each ear cup are disclosed. A processing system monitors the external and interior sound detected by the sensors and compares the level inside the ear cups with the detected level of ambient noise. It activates a transducer such as a vibrator, buzzer, or light as needed to indicate when the level within the ear cups has exceeded the predetermined criteria thereby indicating improper fit of the headphones. Alternative embodiments include wirelessly communicating the collected data to an auxiliary computer for remote data collection, storage and monitoring. The headphones may also provide a sound dosimeter; bandpass filtering; automatic noise reduction with feed forward and/or feed back; wireless voice and data communication; and a voice activated switch, all using elements of the headphone fit detection circuitry.