Abstract: A headphone that is especially useful to test the efficacy of an earplug installed in an ear canal, by using the headphone to produce sound and by sensing sound pressure at the ear drum despite the presence of the earplug. Applicant uses the speaker (42) in the headphone to produce a smooth and reasonably “flat” frequency response by reversing the speaker orientation. In the reversed orientation, the front side of the speaker diaphragm (50) faces into the headphone cup and away from the ear. The rear side of the speaker that has a circle of holes (52), faces toward the ear. The headphone frame has a cylindrical passage (40) for carrying sound to the person's ear, which has an outer end (78) that is tapered to encompass the holes in the speaker back side (44). The axial distance (L) from the speaker rear side to the ear, is at least 0.6 inch to accommodate the protruding end of an earplug.

Abstract: A headphone that is especially useful to test the efficacy of an earplug installed in an ear canal, by using the headphone to produce sound and by sensing sound pressure at the ear drum despite the presence of the earplug. Applicant uses the speaker (42) in the headphone to produce a smooth and reasonably “flat” frequency response by reversing the speaker orientation. In the reversed orientation, the front side of the speaker diaphragm (50) faces into the headphone cup and away from the ear. The rear side of the speaker that has a circle of holes (52), faces toward the ear. The headphone frame has a cylindrical passage (40) for carrying sound to the person's ear, which has an outer end (78) that is tapered to encompass the holes in the speaker back side (44). The axial distance (L) from the speaker rear side to the ear, is at least 0.6 inch to accommodate the protruding end of an earplug.

Abstract: An implantable microphone assembly for use with a hearing prosthesis, such as a fully implantable cochlear stimulation system, includes a diaphragm mounted to an outside surface of an hermetically sealed case. The mounting is made, in one of various embodiments, by way of an hermetic weld around the diaphragm circumference. A gap is created on the underside of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is lifted with internal pressure. An acoustic channel or groove is formed in the wall of the hermetic case to which the diaphragm is mounted. A first end of the channel or groove opens into the gap at a location that is at or near the center of the underside of the diaphragm. A second end of the channel or groove opens to the interior of the hermetic case at a location that is near the periphery of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An implantable microphone assembly for use with a hearing prosthesis, such as a fully implantable cochlear stimulation system, includes a diaphragm mounted to an outside surface of an hermetically sealed case. The mounting is made, in one of various embodiments, by way of an hermetic weld around the diaphragm circumference. A gap is created on the underside of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is lifted with internal pressure. An acoustic channel or groove is formed in the wall of the hermetic case to which the diaphragm is mounted. A first end of the channel or groove opens into the gap at a location that is at or near the center of the underside of the diaphragm. A second end of the channel or groove opens to the interior of the hermetic case at a location that is near the periphery of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A moisture-resistant, wideband microphone subassembly for a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing device, provides a barrier to perspiration and rain, while maintaining a good frequency response. The microphone subassembly is contained in the case of the BTE hearing device and comprises a microphone, a boot, and a moisture-resistant membrane. The boot structurally supports the microphone, provides a moisture seal around the microphone case, and provides the microphone with isolation from vibrations in the case of the BTE hearing device. The membrane resists the passage of moisture, while providing an acoustic window permitting sound waves to reach the microphone. In one embodiment high compliance washers sandwich the membrane to improve frequency response. A preferred embodiment provides a substantially flat acoustic frequency response to beyond 10 KHz.

Abstract: A moisture-resistant, wideband microphone subassembly for a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing device, provides a barrier to perspiration and rain, while maintaining a good frequency response. The microphone subassembly is contained in the case of the BTE hearing device and comprises a microphone, a boot, and a moisture-resistant membrane. The boot structurally supports the microphone, provides a moisture seal around the microphone case, and provides the microphone with isolation from vibrations in the case of the BTE hearing device. The membrane resists the passage of moisture, while providing an acoustic window permitting sound waves to reach the microphone. In one embodiment high compliance washers sandwich the membrane to improve frequency response. A preferred embodiment provides a substantially flat acoustic frequency response to beyond 10 KHz.