Abstract: A hybrid headphone includes a variable aperture device configured to reversibly switch the hybrid headphone between an open-back mode of operation and a closed-back mode of operation. Closed-back mode may be used to provide acoustic isolation from ambient noise to improve audio intelligibility of content due to a reduction and/or elimination of the ambient noise. The hybrid headphone may automatically be switched from the open-back mode to the closed-back mode when ANC is activated or in response to a signal or data. The hybrid headphone may include a semi-open-back mode that is between the open-back and closed-back modes. The variable aperture device may be commanded to an open position for the open-back mode, a closed position for the closed-back mode, and a partially open position for the semi-open mode. The variable aperture device may include a shutter, a hole, a port, or a port including a variable acoustic impedance material.

Abstract: A headset (e.g., on-ear headphone, over-ear headphone, earphones, earbuds, in-ear headphone, etc.) may include one or more transducers (e.g., microphones, accelerometers, vibration sensors, etc.) operative to measure leakage of sound generated by a loudspeaker(s) of the headset (e.g., leakage from an imperfect seal between a headset interface and a pinna interface). The headset may receive content from a memory, a wireless communications link (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC) and/or from a wired communications link (e.g., a headphone cable or a USB cable). The headset may include systems to detect the leakage and adjust audio parameters (e.g., frequency response, equalization, etc.) caused by the leakage. Active noise cancellation and/or active leakage path(s) may be used to adjust the audio parameters.