Abstract: A hearing protection device (500) arranged to provide an acoustic barrier is disclosed. The hearing protection device (500) includes a microphone (502) arranged to measure sound behind the acoustic barrier. The device (500) determines whether a sound level characteristic of the sound measured by the microphone (502) is above a predetermined threshold. When the sound level characteristic measured by the microphone (502) is above the predetermined threshold, the device (500) compares the sound level characteristic of the sound behind and outside the acoustic barrier to determine an attenuation of the device (500). If the determined attenuation is below a cut-off level of attenuation, the device (500) provides an alert.

Abstract: A system including an acoustic barrier suitable for wearing in or on an ear of an individual mammalian subject, and a processor. The acoustic barrier defines at least one sound path therethrough and includes a microphone for measuring sound pressure inside the acoustic barrier. The processor is arranged to receive measurements from the microphone and determine a risk that a sound dose limit will be reached before a predetermined time associated with the dose limit. The system is arranged to provide an indication of the determined risk.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound comprising a primary circuit portion and a secondary circuit portion. The primary circuit portion is adapted to alternate between a first state of operation and a second state of operation. In the first state, the primary circuit portion is adapted to monitor sound. The primary circuit portion is adapted to periodically enter the first state with a predetermined frequency. The secondary circuit portion is adapted to monitor sound while the primary circuit portion is in the second state and provide an indication of the sound monitored to the primary circuit portion. The system is adapted to dynamically adjust the frequency with which the primary circuit portion enters the first state based on the indication.

Abstract: A device (1) for insertion into an ear canal of a mammalian subject. The device includes a body (2) having a sound path extending therethough and a tensioned membrane (10) in the sound path. The tensioned membrane has at least one corrugation (12). The device further includes an adjustable member (6) arranged to bear against the membrane to adjust the tension of the membrane and thereby to alter an acoustic response of the sound path. The adjustable member may include a compressible portion (8).

Abstract: A system including an acoustic barrier suitable for wearing in or on an ear of an individual mammalian subject, and a processor. The acoustic barrier defines at least one sound path therethrough and includes a microphone for measuring sound pressure inside the acoustic barrier. The processor is arranged to receive measurements from the microphone and determine a risk that a sound dose limit will be reached before a predetermined time associated with the dose limit. The system is arranged to provide an indication of the determined risk.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound comprising a primary circuit portion and a secondary circuit portion. The primary circuit portion is adapted to alternate between a first state of operation and a second state of operation. In the first state, the primary circuit portion is adapted to monitor sound. The primary circuit portion is adapted to periodically enter the first state with a predetermined frequency. The secondary circuit portion is adapted to monitor sound while the primary circuit portion is in the second state and provide an indication of the sound monitored to the primary circuit portion. The system is adapted to dynamically adjust the frequency with which the primary circuit portion enters the first state based on the indication.

Abstract: A device for insertion into an ear canal of a mammalian subject, including a body, a first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion, a second adjustable acousto-mechanical portion and an adjustment arrangement. The body has at least one sound path extending therethrough. The first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion incudes an adjustable channel forming at least part of the sound path, and the second adjustable acousto-mechanical portion includes an adjustable membrane. The second adjustable acouto-mechanical portion is arranged acoustically in series with the first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion. The adjustment arrangement is configured for simultaneously adjusting the first and second adjustable acousto-mechanical portions to alter an acoustic response of the at least one sound path.

Abstract: A device (2) for insertion into an ear canal of a mammalian subject defines at least one sound path (16) therethrough. The second path (16) has an attenuating arrangement (14) therein which has a first configuration having a first level of attenuation and a second configuration having a second level of attenuation, higher than the first level. The attenuating arrangement (14) is such that upon application of an electrical control signal thereto, it is caused to change between the first and second configurations. The attenuating arrangement is stable in both first and second configurations such that the attenuating arrangement only draws electrical current from a power source when changing between the first and second configurations. The device further comprises a receiver (36) for receiving a command signal (34) from outside the device such that receipt of the command signal (34) causes the electrical control signal to be applied to said attenuating arrangement.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of voice detection and discrimination apparatus for controlling a voice operated system. A protective ear terminal element in the apparatus protects the ear by providing acoustic attenuation. An inner electroacoustic transducer element on an inner side of the ear terminal element detects a first acoustic field and provides a first electronic signal representing the first acoustic field. An outer electroacoustic transducer element on an outer side of the ear terminal element detects a second acoustic field and provides a second electronic signal representing the second acoustic field. An electronics unit is connected with the electroacoustic transducer elements and includes first and second comparison members.