Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of operating an audio device comprising: calculating estimated sound pressure levels for drive signals directed to an ear canal receiver (ECR) during a time increment ?t; calculating an estimated SPL_Dose during the time increment ?t using the estimated sound pressure levels; and calculating a total SPL_Dose at the time t of the audio device using the estimated SPL_Dose.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of operating an audio device comprising: measuring sound pressure levels (SPLECM) for acoustic energy received by an ear canal microphone (ECM) during a time increment ?t; and calculating a SPL_Dose?t during the time increment ?t using SPLECM.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal microphone (ECM) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECM calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear at a time t. In one exemplary embodiment, the total SPL_Dose is calculated by determining SPL_Dose for periods ?t as measured at the ECM. The logic circuit then may then select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal microphone for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECR calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear at a time t. In one exemplary embodiment the total SPL_Dose is calculated by determining estimated SPL_Dose for periods ?t. The logic circuit then may then select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system for monitoring a sound pressure level dose at an ear which includes an audio transducer adapted to be placed within an ear to receive sound at the ear. The audio transducer outputs a sound signal. A sound level threshold detector receives the sound signal and determines whether a sound pressure level of the sound signal is at a minimum level and outputs a sound pressure level signal corresponding to a sound pressure level of the sound pressure level when the sound pressure level is not at the minimum level. A clock calculates a time period during which the sound pressure level is not at the minimum threshold level. A listening fatigue calculator receives the sound signal and the time period and determines whether a cumulative effect of exposure to the sound at the ear over a monitored time period will cause harm to the ear. At least a portion of the system is disposed in situ at the ear.