Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL), monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and upon detecting the acute sound and its proximity, reproducing the acute sound within an ear canal, where the ear canal is at least partially occluded by an earpiece. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A tailored active noise control design method is presented that provides for improved noise attenuation performance for each individual user and improved hearing protection in a specified noise field as a function of a specified metric indicative of a noise reduction objection. Characteristics of individual users, behavior of the associated passive hearing protection, and the external noise environment are all concurrently accounted for in an automatic method for designing an active controller that limits the exposed noise level for a specific individual. The controller manufacturing process and implementation may be performed in-situ for each individual automatically. The design method may also account for actuator limitations and can be applied equally well to any passive/active noise control devices including headphones and earplugs.

Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: An actuator for use with active noise control (ANR). The present invention satisfies design goals commensurate with active noise reduction devices used in small enclosed volumes and moderate-to-high noise environments. An ANR voice coil speaker is cylindrical in shape, with a diaphragm to motor diameter less than unity and fits into the ear canal. The rear cavity volume is on the same order of magnitude as the volume of the front cavity defined by the space between the diaphragm and the eardrum. The relatively balanced front/back volume of the ANR speaker reduces the required force to achieve a specific displacement required for high sound pressure output. An ANR balanced armature actuator uses a modified cabinet design, and a segmented or stiffened diaphragm made of light materials, and a sheet-type coupling between the armature and the diaphragm to reduce or eliminate resonances and phase lag within a desired control band.

Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at, the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A tailored active noise control design method is presented that provides for improved noise attenuation performance for each individual user and improved hearing protection in a specified noise field as a function of a specified metric indicative of a noise reduction objection. Characteristics of individual users, behavior of the associated passive hearing protection, and the external noise environment are all concurrently accounted for in an automatic method for designing an active controller that limits the exposed noise level for a specific individual. The controller manufacturing process and implementation may be performed in-situ for each individual automatically. The design method may also account for actuator limitations and can be applied equally well to any passive/active noise control devices including headphones and earplugs.

Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: An actuator for use with active noise control (ANR). The present invention satisfies design goals commensurate with active noise reduction devices used in small enclosed volumes and moderate-to-high noise environments. An ANR voice coil speaker is cylindrical in shape, with a diaphragm to motor diameter less than unity and fits into the ear canal. The rear cavity volume is on the same order of magnitude as the volume of the front cavity defined by the space between the diaphragm and the eardrum. The relatively balanced front/back volume of the ANR speaker reduces the required force to achieve a specific displacement required for high sound pressure output. An ANR balanced armature actuator uses a modified cabinet design, and a segmented or stiffened diaphragm made of light materials, and a sheet-type coupling between the armature and the diaphragm to reduce or eliminate resonances and phase lag within a desired control band.