Abstract: A hands-free telephone assembly according to the present invention comprises a speech network mounted in a base and having an input channel and an output channel, the speech network being connected to a telephone interface which is selectively connectable to a telephone line. Also included are a gain-controllable amplifier in said input channel, a primary transducer including a primary speaker connected to the output of said gain-controllable amplifier, and a primary microphone, and a gain and frequency controllable amplifier connecting the primary microphone to said input channel. The primary transducer is mounted in a housing separate from the base, said housing being constructed and arranged so as to fit within the ear canal of a user and to be releasably maintained therein. Finally, the assembly contains a cancellation mechanism for suppressing positive feedback between the primary microphone and the primary speaker.

Abstract: A user can alternately send information to one of two parties on different telephone lines by mounting a microphone/speaker transducer in each ear, and connecting each transducer to a speech network device that is operatively connected to the respective telephone lines such that each transducer is connected to a different one of the telephone lines. The user may speak exclusively to only one of the parties by selectively muting the transmission of microphone signals through the speech network device connected to the telephone line connected to other party. Because the transducers are of the hands-free type, the user can easily manipulate the muting switch of one or the other of the speech network devices in accordance with which of the two parties to whom he wishes to speak in private.