Abstract: An earpiece device includes a microphone and a speaker having a common acoustic channel to reduce complexity and minimize components in an ear canal region. The earpiece device also includes a logic circuit operatively connected into an earpiece, where the microphone is configured to sample an acoustic signal traveling from either end of an acoustic channel. The earpiece device further includes a selective attenuation mechanism for varying the acoustic energy from one end of the acoustic channel or combining the acoustic energies in a controlled ratio from both ends of the acoustic channel before reaching the microphone.

Abstract: A sound recording and reproduction system for testing hearing and hearing aids is disclosed. Recordings of sound are made in a real word acoustic environment, for example, which are stored as audio signals. In a testing environment, a plurality of loudspeakers is located about a listening position where a test subject is placed during a testing procedure. The plurality of loudspeakers receive at least a portion of the plurality of the stored audio signals, and convert those audio signals received into a combination of sounds that produce, at the listening position, acoustic elements of the real world acoustic environment where the recordings were made. The system enables, in a clinical or other test setting, the evaluation of hearing and/or hearing aid performance as if in a real world environment.

Abstract: A communications system is disclosed that allows users to effectively communicate.

Abstract: An earphone monitoring system is disclosed that provides for user information and control regarding ambient and monitored sound levels.

Abstract: A directional microphone array system generally for hearing aid applications is disclosed. The system may employ a broadside or an endfire array of microphones. In either case, the signals generated by the microphone are added using a plurality of summation points that are connected together via a single signal wire or channel. In the case of the endfire array, all but one of the signals is delayed so that the summation of the signals are in phase. The summation of the signals is then used to generate an output signal for a speaker of a hearing aid or the like.

Abstract: A microphone assembly generally for hearing aid and communications applications is disclosed. The microphone assembly operates in both directional and non-directional or omni-directional modes. The microphone assembly has front and rear sound inlet tubes, and an actuator switch that may be moved between a first position in which the rear tube is plugged, defining the omni-directional mode, and a second position in which the rear tube is unplugged, defining the directional mode. Circuitry senses the position of the actuator switch and selects a microphone output based on the position sensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting acoustic devices. In particular embodiments, barrier are useful for preventing a variety of solid, liquid, and vapor contaminants from modifiying or damaging the performance of acoustic transducers, while at the same time providing essentially an acoustically transparent passage of sound.