Abstract: A device and method for the continuous monitoring of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) levels on an individual worker uses as a pair of earpieces each featuring an external microphone, an internal microphone and a pair of miniature receivers. An adaptive filtering noise rejection processing of the measured distortion product OAE (DPOAE) is used to further improve the Signal-to-Noise ratio in frequencies where passive isolation remains insufficient. The adaptive filtering noise rejection technique relies on a Normalized Least-Mean-Square (NLMS) algorithm that uses the ipsilateral external microphone and the contralateral internal microphone to reject the noise from the measured DPOAE signals for each in-ear OAE probe. A DPOAE signal extraction algorithm provides for an increase in results reliability on a greater dynamic range in DPOAE magnitudes than known methods of DPOAE signal extraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A device and method for the continuous monitoring of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) levels on an individual worker uses as a pair of earpieces each featuring an external microphone, an internal microphone and a pair of miniature receivers. An adaptive filtering noise rejection processing of the measured distortion product OAE (DPOAE) is used to further improve the Signal-to-Noise ratio in frequencies where passive isolation remains insufficient. The adaptive filtering noise rejection technique relies on a Normalized Least-Mean-Square (NLMS) algorithm that uses the ipsilateral external microphone and the contralateral internal microphone to reject the noise from the measured DPOAE signals for each in-ear OAE probe. A DPOAE signal extraction algorithm provides for an increase in results reliability on a greater dynamic range in DPOAE magnitudes than known methods of DPOAE signal extraction.

Abstract: A method, and device, for enhancing speech generated from bone and tissue conduction of a user of an In-ear device in a noisy environment, the Intra-aural device having an in-ear microphone adapted to be in fluid communication with the ear canal of the user and an outer-ear microphone adapted to be in fluid communication with the environment outside the ear. The method comprises applying an adaptive filter on the in-ear microphone signal, using the outer-ear microphone signal as a reference for the ambient noise and interrupting the application of the adaptive filter to the In-ear microphone signal upon detecting speech by the user.

Abstract: An earpiece adapts to the acoustics characteristics and needs of its user to provide a perceptually transparent hearing protection, apart from uniform loudness reduction. An occlusion effect (OE) active noise control (ANC) system reduces the augmented perception of one's own voice while occluded. This occlusion effect active control adapts to the specific acoustic characteristics of the user to provided better control of the details occlusion effect reduction, and enhanced performances relative to fixed or one-size-fits-all solutions. An isolation effect (IE) filtering algorithm adapts itself to the user's acoustic characteristics to provide a uniform attenuation either in dB or in phons. Additionally, the device may be used as an in-ear monitor that also adapts to its user characteristics to provide in-ear quality sound.

Abstract: An earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?) provides advanced communication to the user thereof, for controlling a total sound dose (TND), including an audio output from an audio source (16) reaching an ear of the user occluded at the outer ear canal (15) by an in-ear device (14), for allowing an external ambient sound to be heard by the ear of the user, and for allowing a voice (NSV) of the user to be transmitted to a telecommunication transmission link (TTL). The present invention also contemplates a method of operation of the earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?).

Abstract: An earpiece adapts to the acoustics characteristics and needs of its user to provide a perceptually transparent hearing protection, apart from uniform loudness reduction. An occlusion effect (OE) active noise control (ANC) system reduces the augmented perception of one's own voice while occluded. This occlusion effect active control adapts to the specific acoustic characteristics N of the user to provided better control of the details occlusion effect reduction, and enhanced performances relative to fixed or one-size-fits-all solutions. An isolation effect (IE) filtering algorithm adapts itself to the user's acoustic characteristics to provide a uniform attenuation either in dB or in phons. Additionally, the device may be used as an in-ear monitor that also adapts to its user characteristics to provide in-ear quality sound.

Abstract: A device and method for the continuous monitoring of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) levels on an individual worker uses as a pair of earpieces each featuring an external microphone, an internal microphone and a pair of miniature receivers. An adaptive filtering noise rejection processing of the measured distortion product OAE (DPOAE) is used to further improve the Signal-to-Noise ratio in frequencies where passive isolation remains insufficient. The adaptive filtering noise rejection technique relies on a Normalized Least-Mean-Square (NLMS) algorithm that uses the ipsilateral external microphone and the contralateral internal microphone to reject the noise from the measured DPOAE signals for each in-ear OAE probe. A DPOAE signal extraction algorithm provides for an increase in results reliability on a greater dynamic range in DPOAE magnitudes than known methods of DPOAE signal extraction.

Abstract: An earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?) provides advanced communication to the user thereof, for controlling a total sound dose (TND), including an audio output from an audio source (16) reaching an ear of the user occluded at the outer ear canal (15) by an in-ear device (14), for allowing an external ambient sound to be heard by the ear of the user, and for allowing a voice (NSV) of the user to be transmitted to a telecommunication transmission link (TTL). The present invention also contemplates a method of operation of the earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?).

Abstract: An earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?) provides advanced communication to the user thereof, for controlling a total sound dose (TND), including an audio output from an audio source (16) reaching an ear of the user occluded at the outer ear canal (15) by an in-ear device (14), for allowing an external ambient sound to be heard by the ear of the user, and for allowing a voice (NSV) of the user to be transmitted to a telecommunication transmission link (TTL). The present invention also contemplates a method of operation of the earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?).

Abstract: An energy harvester device located into an in-ear device and harvesting energy from dynamic motion of the wall of the outer ear canal receiving the in-ear device therein, with an external sheath of the in-ear device generally assuming the contour of the ear canal wall. The energy harvester device has an energy harvesting module mounting on an inner portion of the in-ear device adjacent the external sheath, and is at least partially elastically deformable under a displacement of the ear canal wall to generate energy corresponding to the displacement of the wall. An energy storage module mounts onto the in-ear device and connects to the energy harvesting module to receive energy there from and supplying the stored energy to an electronic device of the in-ear device. The in-ear device having the energy harvester device therein is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A head-mounted support device for carrying at least one un-inflated inflatable or expandable inner portion of an in-ear device thereon includes a main body adjustably mountable on a user's head, with at least one settable compound delivery device mounted thereon, and a at least one receptacle to receive an inflatable in-ear device inner portion. The invention also refers to a head-mounted settable compound delivery system kit, along with the earphone wire assembly that receives the customized in-ear device inner portions thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling an expandable in-ear device having in-flow and out-flow canals including a plurality of chambers with elastic membranes in which the components of a settable polymer are held under high relative pressure. The component chambers are connected to a common mixing element which mixes the components before they are applied to the in-flow canal of an in-ear device. A sealed relief chamber is connected to the out-flow canal of the in-ear device and receives excessive mixed compound as it exits the in-ear device. The relief chamber is in contact with the elastic membranes of the component chambers such that when the elastic membranes contract the pressure in the relief chamber decreases, maintaining the pressure within a pre-determined pressure range.

Abstract: An in-ear device comprises a main body for placement in the outer ear of a wearer and has at least two derivative canals each containing a filtering medium differing from one another in terms of their frequency suppression capabilities, and a preferably rotatable knob enabling selection of the respective filtering canal without the need for removal of the device from the ear.

Abstract: An energy harvester device located into an in-ear device and harvesting energy from dynamic motion of the wall of the outer ear canal receiving the in-ear device therein, with an external sheath of the in-ear device generally assuming the contour of the ear canal wall. The energy harvester device has an energy harvesting module mounting on an inner portion of the in-ear device adjacent the external sheath, and is at least partially elastically deformable under a displacement of the ear canal wall to generate energy corresponding to the displacement of the wall. An energy storage module mounts onto the in-ear device and connects to the energy harvesting module to receive energy there from and supplying the stored energy to an electronic device of the in-ear device. The in-ear device having the energy harvester device therein is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: An earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?) provides advanced communication to the user thereof, for controlling a total sound dose (TND), including an audio output from an audio source (16) reaching an ear of the user occluded at the outer ear canal (15) by an in-ear device (14), for allowing an external ambient sound to be heard by the ear of the user, and for allowing a voice (NSV) of the user to be transmitted to a telecommunication transmission link (TTL). The present invention also contemplates a method of operation of the earpiece device (10, 110, 210, 210?).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.