Abstract: An in-ear device configured to help a subject manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear device. Also disclosed is a method of helping manage at least one symptom associated with TMD by providing an in-ear device for wear while the subject is awake and providing a bite guard for wear at night while the subject is sleeping.

Abstract: Hearing protection devices and kits may include an earplug body and an adjustable sound attenuation assembly composed of an attenuator case and an attenuator insert that is removably insertable into the attenuator case. The attenuator case has a hollow barrel portion that accommodates the attenuator insert and a hollow extension portion connected to the hollow barrel portion. The hollow extension portion includes a soundpath channel therethrough defining a soundpath axis. The attenuator insert is rotatable within the hollow barrel portion of the attenuator case about a rotation axis that is noncollinear with the soundpath axis. The attenuator insert has a thickness along the soundpath axis that varies with respect to a rotation angle of the attenuator insert within the attenuator case. Thereby, sound waves that enter the soundpath channel through the distal opening are attenuated proportionally to the thickness of the attenuator insert along the soundpath axis.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug, including a flexible cord material having a particular cross-section. An earplug having a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a handle portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. The handle portion including at least two openings physically displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends within the handle portion and with at least one of the openings having a cross-section different than the cross-section of the cord material. An end portion of the flexible cord material is inserted into the at least one opening extending within the handle portion.

Abstract: An adjustably attenuating ear plug adapted for use in an ear canal, includes a flexible body, and a valve assembly further comprising a disk and knob translatable relative to the disk, wherein the knob defines at least one inlet, the disk alternately defines at least one shield and hole, and the inlet is alternatively aligned with the hole and shield to varying degrees, so as to selectively and variably expose the canal to the environment.

Abstract: A device includes a core, a membrane, at least one first electrode coupled to the core, at least one second electrode coupled to the core or the membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The collapsible polymer element is configured to extend from or extend around at least a portion of the core where the element is in an expanded configuration without application of a voltage and in a collapsed configuration with the application of the voltage or in a collapsed configuration without application of a voltage and in an expanded configuration with the application of the voltage. The voltage is applied via the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The in-ear device is shaped to fit a wearer's ear morphology. The device includes a main body having at least three generally convex sides, an innermost face and an outermost face. A first side is shaped to fit the tragus of a wearer's ear, and a second side is shaped to fit an antitragus of a wearer's ear. At least three tips, generally rounded, join respective two adjacent sides. The main body is within an outer ear plane substantially perpendicular to an entrance of an ear canal of a wearer's ear.

Abstract: In a hearing protection earplug made of foamed material, provision is made in order to attain a defined attenuation and avoid annoyances caused by self-generated sounds, that the surface of the hearing protection earplug has hollows in the area of the inner end face. The hearing protection earplug includes a main body having a central center longitudinal axis and in the direction of this central center longitudinal axis an axially inner end face and an axially outer end face. In the area of the inner end face, surface area enlarging inner hollows are provided, one of which, in the form of an inner central longitudinal hollow, extends inward longitudinally relative to the center longitudinal axis, starting from the inner end face. Also provided is an outer central longitudinal hollow that extends inward longitudinally relative to the center longitudinal axis, starting from the outer end face.

Abstract: The cannula support includes a helical cord flexible along its length to permit selective axial displacement of adjacent coils for insertion of a cannula tube therein and a breathable material that permits prolonged skin contact substantially without irritation. Furthermore, the cannula support includes an exterior surface having a coefficient of friction substantially preventing sliding movement along the length of the cannula tube when mounted thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sealing an ear canal for retaining a solution in the ear canal. Adhesive earplugs are provided through which the solution can be delivered, and which, following delivery, retain the fluid in the ear canal. The systems and methods may also be useful for delivering an anesthetizing solution to the ear canal of a human patient and for maintaining the solution therein for use with an iontophoresis system for anesthetizing the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A foamable article is disclosed. The article includes a substrate and an outer layer covering at least a portion of the substrate and including an unactivated expandable sphere foaming agent and an unactivated chemical foaming agent. The unactivated foaming agents may be activated to increase the volume of the outer layer.

Abstract: Orifice insertion devices are provided. An orifice insertion device includes a stent and a plurality of sealing elements. Each sealing element is attached to the stent. At least one sealing element includes an expandable section configured to exert a pressure on an ear canal wall to seal an ear canal, without appreciable deformation of the ear canal wall. At least two of the plurality of sealing elements are formed from different materials.

Abstract: A headgear-earwear assembly and a method of assembling the same. The headgear-earwear assembly can include an earwear and a headgear adapted to be coupled together. The earwear can include an elongated member, such as a cord, having a length, and an earpiece coupled to the elongated member. The headgear can include a major surface and a channel oriented substantially along the major surface of the headgear. The channel can be configured to removably house at least a portion of the length of the elongated member. The method can include positioning at least a portion of the elongated member in the channel, such that at least a portion of the length of the elongated member is removably housed in the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug, including a flexible cord material and a pair of earplugs. Each earplug has a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a rear portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. Each rear portion has a pair of openings physically displaced from each other and/or angularly displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends through the rear portion. A short portion of the flexible cord material is inserted through the at least one opening extending through the rear portion. The short portion of the flexible cord material is then inserted into the other opening to have the short portion of the flexible cord material physically displaced and/or angularly displaced along its length to lock the flexible cord material to the rear portion of the earplug.

Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an earplug that includes a cylindrical body having a pair of faces positioned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body, and indicia printed on at least one face of the pair of faces. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and a system for producing the earplug having indicia thereon. The method includes forming the earplug with the cylindrical body and the pair of faces, and printing the at least one indicia on at least one face of the pair of faces. The system includes an extrusion machine configured to form the earplug, a smoothing roller configured to smooth the earplug, and a printing apparatus configured to print the indicia on the earplug. The earplug is formed silicone comprised of 60-90% vinyl stopped dimethypolysiloxane, 10-30% treated fumed silica and 0.5% or less of a fluoropolymer by weight.

Abstract: An earplug is provided and includes a tip for use in forward and lateral sealing, which is formed to define a rearward recessed cavity, and a stem. The stem includes a user graspable elongate portion configured with a stiffness in a first direction that is greater than a stiffness in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, and a member, disposed at a forward end of the elongate portion and configured to be insertable into the cavity, the member including a surface to be adhered to an interior facing surface of the cavity and on which a channel is defined to allow for outflow from the cavity, and the member being formed with a shape to complement that of the cavity to axially and circumferentially align the tip and the stem.

Abstract: A push-in earplug including an elongate core and outer layer is disclosed. The outer layer includes a sound attenuating portion having a first average density and a stem portion having a second average density, and the second average density is greater than the first average density.

Abstract: An earplug for insertion into an ear canal of a user has a front, a back, a side extending between the front and the back, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. A core structure is selectively moveable from an un-deformed position to a deformed, insertable position suitable for insertion of the earplug into the ear canal of the user. A cover covers at least a portion of the core structure and is adapted for contact with the ear canal of the user. An actuator is operatively connected to the core structure for moving the core structure from the un-deformed position to the deformed, insertable position upon application of a force to the actuator.

Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: The invention provides a stem for an earplug and an earplug incorporating the stem where the stem includes an attachment portion configured to receive and retain a sound attenuating element, the attachment portion extending substantially along an attachment axis, and a handle portion extending from the attachment portion substantially along a handle axis, where at least part of the handle axis is non-collinear with respect to the attachment axis.

Abstract: A headgear-earwear assembly and a method of assembling the same. The headgear-earwear assembly can include an earwear and a headgear adapted to be coupled together. The earwear can include an elongated member, such as a cord, and an earpiece coupled to the elongated member. The headgear can include a major surface and a channel oriented substantially along the major surface of the headgear. The channel can be configured to removably house at least a portion of the length of the elongated member. The headgear can further include an aperture positioned adjacent the channel and open to the channel. The aperture can include an undulating shape along at least a portion of its length. The method can include positioning at least a portion of the elongated member in the channel, such that at least a portion of the length of the elongated member is removably housed in the channel.

Abstract: An eyeglass attachment for interchangeably coupling with eyeglasses having at least one lens having an outer peripheral edge, and a frame including a nose bridge and two spaced-apart side ear-stems. The ear-stems are pivotally connected to the outer peripheral edges of the lens and include a distal end having a catch. A pair of removable tips connect to corresponding distal ends of the ear-stem and include a hollow cavity member having a rectangular downwardly facing notch having an abutment surface. The attachment means includes an adjustable strap means integrally coupled between a pair of clip assemblies each including a removable means for connecting with the catch of the ear-stems. The clip assemblies include a fastening means for connecting to the adjustable strap, and a pin for pivoting the removable and fastening means about an axis. The pin includes an earpiece holding means for securing a wire therein.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a base section defining an opening dimensioned to accommodate the passage of the ear through the opening and a top section releasably engageable with the base section defining a compartment therebetween. A first stint can be arranged on an anterior surface of the base section to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the ear essentially in an area of the antihelix and the superior limb of the triangular fossa. A second stint can be placed in an area of the scapha of the ear to maintain a desired contour of the scaphal area. A conchal stint can be placed in the concha to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the concha. The top section can be engaged to maintain a desired amount of stabilizing pressure on the ear, the first stint, the second stint, and conchal stint.

Abstract: An earplug with a stem (22) and with fins (31-34) extending at rearward and radially-outward inclines from the stem, is constructed for comfort and for high noise blocking. The stem has a multiplicity of air pockets (60) lying in an imaginary band (62) that lies on the earplug axis (20). The band has opposite band sides (64, 66) spaced radially inward of the periphery (40) of the stem, the air pockets helping to block the passage of noise. A plurality of the fins are of constant thickness with parallel front and rear surfaces (50, 52), and with the fins being stubby with a fin thickness (T) at least 20% of the fin length (E), and with the front surface (50) of each fin being at least 20% longer than the fin length (E), all as seen in a sectional view taken along the earplug axis (20). Stem peripheral parts (80) that lie between adjacent fins, extend continuously at rearward and radially inward inclines of more than 15°.

Abstract: An earbud (10) for carrying sound from a source (16) to a person's ear canal, includes a soft foam body (20) and a sleeve (26) of stiffer material lying within the body. The body is molded around the sleeve and is chemically bonded to the sleeve without an adhesive between them. The earbud is molded around the sleeve by placing the sleeve on a mandrel pin (42) within a mold cavity (32) placing foamable material in the mold and closing the mold. The mold has shoulders with one mold shoulder (52) that abuts one end (46) of the sleeve and another mold shoulder (60) that lies within 0.1 millimeter of the other sleeve end (62), to prevent foaming material from leaking into the space (64) between the mandrel pin and the sleeve passage.

Abstract: A hearing protective earplug for insertion into the human ear canal of a user where the human ear canal has sidewalls and a typical curved portion. A soft resilient body has a main body element with a front end for insertion in the human ear canal. An elongated stem has two ends with one end attached to the main body element. The stem extends outward from the main body element and away from the front end. The other end of the stem forms a handle portion of the stem. The stem is sufficiently stiff as to allow manipulation of the main body element into the ear canal of the user. The stem member has a crooked or wavy configuration within the ear canal as it extends outward from the main body to the handle portion of the stem. As the front end of the main body element is inserted into the ear canal, the stem member is rotated during insertion with the handle portion to fit around the typical curved portion in the human ear canal.

Abstract: An ear canal pressurization device optimized for aural acoustic immittance testing is disclosed. Changes in volume of a first flexible chamber, due to motor movement, produce changes in ear canal pressure based on Boyle's law. A vent may be opened to allow ear canal pressure to gently equalize to ambient air pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps free of pressure baseline offset. The vent may be closed to set a static ear canal pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an incidental baseline offset. The vent may be controlled to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an intended baseline offset. The device produces ear canal pressure proportional to drive voltage, so any desired pressure versus time function can be generated by applying a coil driving voltage with the appropriate amplitude versus time function.

Abstract: A diaphonic valve utilizing the principle of the Synthetic Jet is disclosed herein. A diaphonic valve pump is provided for the inflation of an in-ear balloon. More complex embodiments of the present invention include stacks of multiple synthetic jets generating orifices as well as an oscillating, thin polymer membrane. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a novel application is provided for the creation of static pressure to inflate or to deflate an inflatable member (balloon). In addition, sound can be utilized to inflate or deflate an inflatable member in a person's ear for the purpose of listening to sound.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to an ear cup for use in a hearing protector unit including two ear cups, and a device to fasten the hearing protector unit to a wearer' s head, the device being connected to the ear cups. The ear cup may include a cup portion with a support surface; and a sealing device, placed against the support surface of the cup portion and intended to bear against a wearer' s head in an area around an ear of the wearer.

Abstract: An earplug is provided and includes a tip for use in forward and lateral sealing, which is formed to define a rearward recessed cavity, and a stem. The stem includes a user graspable elongate portion configured with a stiffness in a first direction that is greater than a stiffness in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, and a member, disposed at a forward end of the elongate portion and configured to be insertable into the cavity, the member including a surface to be adhered to an interior facing surface of the cavity and on which a channel is defined to allow for outflow from the cavity, and the member being formed with a shape to complement that of the cavity to axially and circumferentially align the tip and the stem.

Abstract: An ear plug (1) for a hearing aid is made of a resilient material and provided with an extraction cord (4) for providing a grip by which a user can pull the ear plug (1) out of an ear canal. The extraction cord (4) is arranged partly in the resilient material and partly outside the ear plug. A securing bulge (6) is arranged on the part of the extraction cord arranged in the resilient material, in order to secure the position of the extraction cord in the resilient material. The extraction cord is bonded to the resilient material. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing the ear plug.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions with enhanced sound attenuation characteristics for use in earpieces, for example, user-disposable foam members such as foam tips for sound control devices including sound transmission devices and earplugs in which a relationship between the size of the pores and the volume of the cells of the polymeric may be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug including a flexible cord material having a particular cross-section. An earplug having a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a handle portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. The handle portion including at least two openings physically displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends within the handle portion and with at least one of the openings having a cross-section different than the cross-section of the cord material. A end portion of the flexible cord material is inserted into the at least one opening extending within the handle portion.

Abstract: A multi-flanged earplug is provided, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first flange has a shape that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while at least a portion of the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.

Abstract: An earplug is provided and includes a tip for use in forward and lateral sealing, which is formed to define a rearward recessed cavity, and a stem. The stem includes a user graspable elongate portion configured with a stiffness in a first direction that is greater than a stiffness in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, and a member, disposed at a forward end of the elongate portion and configured to be insertable into the cavity, the member including a surface to be adhered to an interior facing surface of the cavity and on which a channel is defined to allow for outflow from the cavity, and the member being formed with a shape to complement that of the cavity to axially and circumferentially align the tip and the stem.

Abstract: An earplug for insertion into an ear canal of a user has a front, a back, a side extending between the front and the back, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. A core structure is selectively moveable from an un-deformed position to a deformed, insertable position suitable for insertion of the earplug into the ear canal of the user. A cover covers at least a portion of the core structure and is adapted for contact with the ear canal of the user. An actuator is operatively connected to the core structure for moving the core structure from the un-deformed position to the deformed, insertable position upon application of a force to the actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and article for protecting an ear by reducing intensity of sound audible to an individual using the article and/or by preventing foreign objects from entering an ear canal of the ear. The article includes a surface configured for removably securing the article to a tragus of the ear and urging the tragus to at least partially cover the ear canal, thereby protecting the ear.

Abstract: A hearing protective earplug for insertion into the human ear canal of a user where the human ear canal has sidewalls and a typical curved portion. A soft resilient body has a main body element with a front end for insertion in the human ear canal. An elongated stem has two ends with one end attached to the main body element. The stem extends outward from the main body element and away from the front end. The other end of the stem forms a handle portion of the stem. The stem is sufficiently stiff as to allow manipulation of the main body element into the ear canal of the user. The stem member has a crooked or wavy configuration within the ear canal as it extends outward from the main body to the handle portion of the stem. As the front end of the main body element is inserted into the ear canal, the stem member is rotated during insertion with the handle portion to fit around the typical curved portion in the human ear canal.

Abstract: An improved ear tip for earphones and hearing protection is provided where comfort and occlusion of the ear are of most importance. The ear tip comprises an elastomer polymer resin material molded to form the material to the shape of the ear canal. A chamber is defined having a proximal and distal end, the distal end engages the acoustic exit of the transducer, sound source or sound attenuator and the proximal end of the bore is adapted to be disposed adjacent an eardrum. The inner body attaches to a nozzle, or audio playback orifice to naturally transition the acoustics from the transducer or sound attenuator to the eardrum via the ear canal. The ear tip can have a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals of the body with decreasing circumference as the flanges transition to the proximal end. Each flange tapers in a radius or curvilinear geometry as it progresses to the end of the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Shape Memory Polymers (SMP's) comprising function groups that allow the polymers to be elastically deformed, utilized in the elastically deformed state, and subsequently returned to the original polymorphic shape.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim.

Abstract: The present invention provides compact nasal, oral and ear inserts with incorporated filters, specially designed to provide a more pleasant and healthy intake of air. Largely fabricated of a soft, pliable fabric such as compressed cotton, each Philter insert is comprised of two cylindrical filters, joined together via a flexible wire bridge. One example of the filtering material is activated charcoal, long known by the medical industry to be a safe, effective filtering agent for extracting liquids and gases from their harmful elements. As an additional consideration, this product is offered in several sizes to accommodate both child (under age twelve would require adult supervision) and adult users. The Philter inserts can be sold individually, or packaged with a dozen of more units per box.

Abstract: A two piece dual mode earplug including an integrally molded elongated member having a nose end and an open rear end and a channel extending through. An integrally molded insert member is formed with a base portion and a rod portion and with the rod portion seated within the open rear end of the elongated member and includes an attenuation filter integrally molded as part of the rod portion and includes first and second openings located on each side of a chamber and with the size and length of the openings together with the chamber providing attenuation of impulse noise. The insert member also includes the base portion integrally molded to have a third opening larger than the first and second openings in the rod portion and with the first, second and third openings together forming a passageway through the insert member to the channel extending through the elongated member.

Abstract: An earplug includes a plug portion, a handle portion, and a metal-made hollow round tube. The plug portion includes a plurality of domed flanges and rearward extends to a front end of the handle portion. The handle portion extends rearward by a predetermined length to internally define an axially extended hollow bore with an end cap externally formed around a rear end of the handle portion. A radially inward extended flange is formed in around the hollow bore near the rear end of the handle portion. The metal-made hollow round tube has two open ends and is fixedly embedded in the hollow bore of the handle portion near the end cap in the process of manufacturing the earplug. The flange in the hollow bore prevents the metal round tube from moving out of the hollow bore.

Abstract: An in-ear canal earphone includes a torus-shaped cushioning member defining an aperture therethrough. An audio housing is connected to the cushioning member such that the cushioning member is movable between a first position, in which the housing extends generally away from the cushioning member, and a second position, in which a portion of the housing extends through the aperture for insertion into an ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug, including a flexible cord material and a pair of earplugs. Each earplug has a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a rear portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. Each rear portion has a pair of openings physically displaced from each other and/or angularly displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends through the rear portion. A short portion of the flexible cord material is inserted through the at least one opening extending through the rear portion. The short portion of the flexible cord material is then inserted into the other opening to have the short portion of the flexible cord material physically displaced and/or angularly displaced along its length to lock the flexible cord material to the rear portion of the earplug.

Abstract: Sealing devices are presented. The sealing device includes a first material and a second material. The first material responds to energy inputs differently than the second material. The first and second material are operatively connected and configured to be inserted into an orifice.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a base section defining an opening dimensioned to accommodate the passage of the ear through the opening and a top section releasably engageable with the base section defining a compartment therebetween. A first stint can be arranged on an anterior surface of the base section to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the ear essentially in an area of the antihelix and the superior limb of the triangular fossa. A second stint can be placed in an area of the scapha of the ear to maintain a desired contour of the scaphal area. A conchal stint can be placed in the concha to maintain a desired anatomic shape of the concha. The top section can be engaged to maintain a desired amount of stabilizing pressure on the ear, the first stint, the second stint, and conchal stint.

Abstract: The invention provides a hearing protection device having an attenuating body composed of an elastomer with an increased glass transition temperature and a reduced glass-to-rubber transition temperature such that the damping factor of the material peaks at a higher temperature and, resultantly, the damping factor is increased over a range of temperatures and frequencies typically experienced by the device during usage. The increased damping results in higher sound attenuation provided by the hearing protection device.