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, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while 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 arrangement enables low cost manufacture and storage of earplugs and convenient dispensing of individual earplugs. The earplugs are formed from an extrusion of a maximum diameter of about 12 mm and with narrow locations spaced apart by about 1 to 5 cm to separate the extrusion into a chain of at least ten earplugs, where the last earplug of the chain of earplugs formed by the extrusion can be cut from the rest of the chain for insertion into a person's ear canal. The chain of earplugs is stored in a plurality of loops in a container, as in a plurality of loops wrapped about a cylinder. The extrusion can include a stiffening core of stiff first material and an extruded covering of a soft resilient foam second material surrounding the core, the thickness of the second material being less than half as great at the narrowed locations as at maximum diameter locations while the core is of uniform cross-section along the entire length of the extrusion.

Abstract: A monolithic earplug is provided, which is compressible or deformable. Individual earplugs are cut from an extruded elastomeric thermoplastic material, providing for a relatively rapid and efficient fabrication method. Decorative and/or promotional markings may be disposed on a surface thereof either before or after cutting.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body of soft elastomeric material such as a soft resilient foam for insertion in the ear canal, and a stiffener of more rigid material than the body. The stiffener is in the form of a tube rather than a solid rod, so while the stiffener is resistant to column-like collapse, it is easily radially compressed to facilitate compression of the body as it enters the ear canal. The stiffener tube can be filled with soft resilient foam material, to block the passage of sound through the tube. The tubular stiffener can have a slot extending parallel to the length of the stiffener, to allow soft foam material to flow into the tube to fill it, as the foam material that surrounds the tube is molded. Such molding can be accomplished by extruding foam material while the tubular stiffener passes with the extruded foam through the extrusion head.

Abstract: An earplug arrangement enables low cost manufacture and storage of earplugs and convenient dispensing of individual earplugs. The earplugs are formed from an extrusion of a maximum diameter of about 12 mm and with narrow locations spaced apart by about 1 to 5 cm to separate the extrusion into a chain of at least ten earplugs, where the last earplug of the chain of earplugs formed by the extrusion can be cut from the rest of the chain for insertion into a person's ear canal. The chain of earplugs is stored in a plurality of loops in a container, as in a plurality of loops wrapped about a cylinder. The extrusion can include a stiffening core of stiff first material and an extruded covering of a soft resilient foam second material surrounding the core, the thickness of the second material being less than half as great at the narrowed locations as at maximum diameter locations while the core is of uniform cross-section along the entire length of the extrusion.

Abstract: Earplugs produced by extrusion of a foamable polymer through an extrusion head opening (14), are severed and shaped to produce a largely symmetric rounded end (27, 28) and/or compression bands (190, 192, 204) for stiffening. Severing of an earplug at the extrusion head is accomplished by two or more cutting blades (50, 52) that move in largely opposite directions across one another to provide a symmetric cut that foams into a largely symmetric rounded earplug end. Compression bands are formed along the earplug to stiffen it, by two or more compression dies (221-224) spaced about the axis of the earplug. An earplug with a stiffening sleeve (116) that is surrounded by a foam covering (124) and that is filled with a string (122) of the same foam, is severed so at the opposite ends of the earplug the covering ends (160) and string ends (162) are rounded even though the sleeve end (164) is cut perpendicular to the earplug axis (166).

Abstract: A foam earplug that includes a first segment a second segment and a predetermined articulation zone disposed between the first segment and the second segment. The earplug exhibits an equilibrium bend force of no greater than about 10 g.

Abstract: A hearing device including a foam, a foam insertable portion, a component, and a foam handle portion, and a method of forming the same. The component is nestable with and bondable with the foam such that the component is at least partially within the foam insertable portion and the foam handle portion. The hearing protective device includes earplugs attached to a flexible cord, under-the-chin element, or headband. A method of making a hearing protective device including disposing a component into a mold, introducing a foam or foamable mixture into the mold, causing the foam to rise such that the component is nested within and bonded with the foam.

Abstract: An earphone with coverings comprises two opposite coverings and a covering connection. The covering connection connects with these two opposite coverings at both ends thereof. Each covering provides current leads for transmitting signals. A projection extends outward from a lateral side of each covering facing the corresponding ear for plugging into the ears during the earphone being worn. The projection has a size corresponding to the external acoustic meatus of the respective ear and provides at least a sound opening so as to transmit the sound into the meatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound-attenuating ear plug, comprising an elongate elastic body (103) adapted to be inserted at least partially into an auditory meatus. A foil (117) which is rounded in the longitudinal direction (115) of the body (103) and which is extended transversely of this longitudinal direction (115) is responsible for the major part of the sound-attenuating effect of the ear plug. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an ear plug.

Abstract: An earplug (20) is provided which allows conversation to be conducted whilst inserted in the ear, and blocks out certain noise without substantially sealing the ear canal, and causing discomfort to the wearer. In one embodiment, the earplug includes a first cylindrical element (28) open at one end (30), having a substantially convex shape at its other end (34) for insertion into the outer ear canal, and a second element (32) which fits into the open end of the first cylindrical element to form a connecting juncture therewith. The first and second elements have air circulation means.

Abstract: A device and method to protect a user's ear from changes in external atmospheric pressure and to treat middle ear disease by actively controlling (increasing, decreasing, oscillating or preserving unchanged) air pressure in the user's outer ear cavity. Preferably pressure is controlled using an earplug that fits tightly into the outer ear cavity with minimal air leakage. An axial channel through the earplug connects a pressure source which controls pressure to the outer ear cavity. Optionally the device also includes a conveyor and oscillator to supply controlled pressure oscillations to the outer ear cavity. A method to treat middle ear disease in a patient by transmitting vibrations to the patient's middle ear. Vibrations are transmitted by bone conduction or by pressure oscillations in the outer ear cavity. Vibrations reduce swelling and pain in the middle ear.

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, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while 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: A device that is used for the protection of the hearing and sight of the person wearing it. It is supported on a person's head through contact with both ear canals and the bridge of a person's nose. It is readily adjustable so as to be used by persons with differing sized heads.

Abstract: Noise-reducing earplugs include a configuration and surface ornamentation to resemble a product other than earplugs, or a container for such a product. For example, such earplugs may have a generally cylindrical configuration and appropriate surface ornamentation to resemble can-type containers as are used for beverages (e.g., soft drinks or beer) and other liquid products (e.g., paints, oils, fuel additives, etc.).

Abstract: An earplug has a front portion (14) for entering the ear canal and a rear portion (16) that serves as a handle, with a marking (56) near their intersection to indicate to a supervisor whether or not the earplug has been fully installed. The marking is preferably the result of the front and rear portions being formed of material of different colors. Thus, if a supervisor observes a location where a color change occurs, at a significant distance out of the worker's ear canal, the supervisor is informed of a possible insufficient depth of earplug installation.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and protecting newly cropped ears of an animal including first and second ear support apparatus each engagable with one of the newly cropped ears and a bridge interconnecting the first ear support apparatus with the second ear support apparatus, wherein the bridge is adjustable for adjusting the distance between the first and second ear support apparatus.

Abstract: An earplug assembly is provided having an appendage which may securely attach the earplug to an arm of an eyeglass frame. The earplugs are inexpensive and easily replaced, to maintain good hygiene and an adequate ear seal to avoid damaging sound levels.

Abstract: A hearing protector, including a sealing body with a channel, and a muffling device which is connected to the sealing body and connects to the channel. When the sealing body is placed in an auditory canal, the channel extends between the auditory canal and the atmosphere. The channel has a distal end part at the side of the auditory canal and a proximal end part at the side of the atmosphere. The muffling device connects to the proximal end part of the channel and includes a rotatable control element, provided with at least one through aperture. The muffling device also includes a housing element provided with at least one through aperture. The control element and the housing element are rotatable relative to each other between two or more discrete rotation positions with corresponding muffling value. The apertures in the control element and the housing element overlap each other to a greater or lesser extent depending on a mutual angle of rotation.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A non porous wax guard for an in-the-canal hearing aid is in the form of a membrane or diaphragm which completely covers the mouth of the round or other shape outlet of the hearing aid. The membrane is made of plastic or metalized plastic, or stainless steel, having a diameter of between 0.20 inches and 3/8 inch, and a thickness of between 0.0005 inches and 0.001 inches. The membrane is affixed to the mouth of the sound outlet by a number of methods. It may be attached to a thin ring of plastic material, and attached with a spring clip to a recess in the sound outlet. It may simply be bonded, by adhesive or heat bonding, to the recess. It may be affixed to a cylindrical mount, and press-fit into the port. Or, as an alternative, the cylindrical mount may be threaded, and mated with an internal thread cut into the sound outlet.

Abstract: The present invention presents a selective nonlinear attenuating earplug. The earplug is tunable by the wearer and permits the wearer to select the performance of the earplug. The earplug of the present invention can function either in a selective attenuation mode or a maximum attenuation mode. The selective capability of the earplug permits a wearer to select the degree of desired sound attenuation depending upon the particular environment surrounding the wearer. In the selective attenuation mode, sound attenuation is low for a specific range of intensities and increases for sounds with intensity above those in the specified range. Selective attenuation is especially effective for the loudest noises. The advantage of a selective attenuation mode is especially realized when the wearer wishes to receive an intelligible speech transmission while being situated in a noisy environment while still protecting the wearer from dangerous noises.

Abstract: A noise blocking band earplug has a band (12) with outer portions (44, 46) that are bent to prevent the ear-engaging pods (20, 22) from touching the ground, whether placed right-side-up or upside-down on the ground. When the middle region (32) of the band rests on a horizontal surface (64), a band inner end part (70) extends at an upward incline (C) with its outer end forming a second bend (80) so the outer end part (72) extends at a downward incline (D), with the second bend preventing the pods from touching the ground when the earplug is laid upside-down. At the second bend (80), the largely vertical height (J) of the band is increased and its outer surface (102) is made convex to provide pads for more readily pressing the pods against the outside of the ear canals.

Abstract: An acoustical control earpiece comprised of non-foamed polyvinyl chloride plastisol. The earpieces may be acoustical hearing protective earplugs as well as overmolds and covers for audio sound reproduction devices such as headphones, speakers, and hearing aids, and may be used alone or in conjunction with hearing protector bands or eyewear. The earplugs may have an open or closed internal void therewithin, are adapted for receipt into the concha and ear canal of a wearer. The earpieces may be formed by injection molding, roto-molding, or slush molding. The hardness of the earpieces has a 00 Durometer hardness value of about 10 to 90 and preferably ranging 40 to 60.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of hearing damage to musicians, for example, there is suggested according to the invention a device which comprises, firstly, a floor stand portion with a foot and a post extending upright therefrom, and, secondly, a hearing protector portion mounted on an upper portion of the post. The hearing protector portion is essentially U-shaped, as seen in plan view, in order to be able, as needed, to screen off the ears from intense sound sources located behind and to the sides. The hearing protector portion is displaceable between an advanced active position and a retracted passive position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earplug having a plurality of visual zones. In one embodiment, the earplug includes a first visual zone, a second visual zone, and a third visual zone. The first, second, and third visual zones each comprise continuous longitudinal color bands each of which extends completely around the circumference of the earplug. In one embodiment, at least the second visual zone intermediate the first and third visual zones is formed of a color which is distinctly different from the colors of the other visual zones. In another embodiment, the first, second, and third visual zones each have one color which is distinctly different than the other colors. Accordingly, the first, second, and third visual zones comprise visual zones which permit an observer or the wearer to immediately ascertain the depth of insertion of the earplug by simply viewing the earplug.

Abstract: Hearing protective devices having glow-in-the-dark properties are presented in the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the hearing protective device comprises a semi-aural device, an earplug, or an earmuff device. In all embodiments, a glow-in-the-dark material is incorporated into at least a part of the hearing protective device so that the glow-in-the-dark material continues to emit light for an extended period of time in a dark environment after the material has been excited by irradiation. Preferred and exemplary glow-in-the-dark materials comprise phosphorescent materials. The glow-in-the-dark materials may be disposed on a surface of the hearing protective part or dispersed throughout the material which forms this part.

Abstract: A diving mask supplemented with a device for facilitating the equalization of pressure across the eardrum of a user, including (a) a mask body configured to closely fit the face of the user so as to cover at least the eyes and nose of the user, so that, when in use, the mask body and the face of the user define a first closed space, the mask body including a transparent window through which the user sees; (b) first and second ear cups for closely covering the ears of the user, the ear cups and the sides of the head of the user define a second and third closed spaces around the ears of the user, respectively, each of the ear cups including (i) a flexible ear cover for covering an ear of the user; (ii) an external solid frame for supporting the ear cover; and (iii) a solid outer cover for protecting the ear cover; (c) first and second tubes extending from the mask body, each of the first and second tubes having a first end and a second end, the first ends communicating with the first closed space defined by the

Abstract: Acoustic valve capable of selective and non-linear filtering of sound and placeable in a perforated ear plug. The acoustic valve consists of a tube enclosing two rigid disks axially spaced opposite each other, each of the disks containing at least one perforation. The total perforated surface of at least one disk is between 0.03 and 0.5 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: An ergonomic banded ear plug device includes a band having a connecting section and two legs configured for extending under the chin or behind the back of the head of the wearer. Plug retaining members are at the end of each of the legs for retaining resilient foam-type plug members that substantially block the ear canal of the wearer. In addition, each of the legs includes a resilient flexing section including a pair of parallel extending ribs with a slot formed therebetween. The ribs bendably flex outward and downward to provide a substantially constant force against the ear of the wearer over a broad range of sizes and rotatably flex for improved fit.

Abstract: An ear tube for ventilating and equalizing the pressure between a middle ear and an outer ear. The ear tube is comprised of a shaft and a tab. The shaft further includes a top and a bottom at opposite longitudinal ends of the shaft, and a lumen with a major dimension greater in length than a perpendicular minor dimension. The tab extends outward, perpendicular from the bottom of the shaft.

Abstract: An earplug is provided, of a type that includes a soft shell (12) and an insertion stem (16), which facilitates pullout of the earplug from the ear canal and which has an increased ability to block noise. The earplug includes a body or shell of soft elastomeric material with a forward portion (20) constructed to enter the ear canal and a rearward portion (22) which flares in a rearward direction. A stem (16) of more rigid material than the shell, extends along most of the length of a passage (14) formed within the shell. The shell passage has a neck part (42) at the rear of the shell forward portion. The stem has a forward flange (32) lying in interference fit within the passage at a location forward of the passage neck part, and the stem has a rearward flange (34) that lies in interference fit with the flared rear portion of the shell.

Abstract: A composite reusable sound attenuating or transmitting device, especially an ear plug, is formed from a core, about which is adhered a strip of slow recovery foam. After each use of the device, the strip of foam is generally removed and discarded; typically, a new strip is applied the next time the device is used.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: An earplug of the slow recovery type is described, which has open cells for expelling gas to the outside during compression, but which resists the entry of water through the outside and the soiling of the outside by dirt. The earplug includes a body formed of pressure-molded slow recovery resilient foam material forming multiple gas-filled shells. The plug body has a surface region forming a skin wherein the average cell cross-sectional area is less than half that of cells at the center of the body, and is less than one-tenth millimeter, the surface region being primarily continuous.

Abstract: An earplug composed of a resilient polymeric material including a first hollow member having a closed end and an open end and with the closed end having a rounded cone shaped configuration. At least one flange member extending from the first hollow member and having a similiar cone shaped rounded configuration as the closed end of the hollow member but larger in diameter and located rearward of the closed end. A plug member for insertion into the open end of the first member and with the plug closing off and sealing the open end of the first member to form an air pocket immediately adjacent the closed end and the flange member.The plug member serving in combination with the rearward end of the first member as a handle for insertion of the earplug in an ear canal.

Abstract: A disposable element for ear phone assembly is provided for use with a hearing screening instrument to test infants for hearing impairments. The ear phone assembly includes a generally D-shaped reusable cover including a back wall having a perimeter, a side wall extending from the perimeter to define a cavity for receiving an infant's ear, a port in the cover to receive and support a transducer, and a generally D-shaped disposable element that is adhesive coated on two sides to be secured to the cover and to the patient's head. The cover may have a notch located along the perimeter of the re-usable body for removing the disposable element. A liner is used to cover the disposable element adhesive sides to protect them from contamination during packaging and prior to use. The disposable element may have a die cut so that a portion of it can be removed to make the ear phone adjustable for infants with large ears.

Abstract: A foam earplug for reception at least partially within the ear canal, including a body portion formed of resilient foam plastic material. The foam material has an open cell structure, a size and shape for at least partial reception within the ear canal. The earplug has an outer thin coating of a non-permeable elastomeric material and with the coating forming a skin bonded on the body portion, non-permeable to air, at least in the area of the body portion received within the ear canal for providing an increase in attenuation of sound as compared with the attenuation of sound produced by resilient foam plastic material without the thin coating of the non-impermeable elastomeric material.

Abstract: An improved ear muff that is snappably engageable with the ear of the wearer. It includes an outer cover and an inner snappable annular actuating element form-fitted within said outer cover, the inner annular actuating element comprising a semi oval generally c-shaped closable ribbon-like member having closing projections and mating apertures to change the shape from that of a "c" to essentially that of an "o". When in the open, or "c" shape, the two ends of the ribbon which are opposed are non- parallel thus forming a truncated V-shaped space leading into the interior of the c, and the ribbon is essentially planar or partially curved. When in the closed, or "o" shape, the closing projections mate within the mating apertures thereby eliminating the truncated V-shaped space and causing the ribbon to assume or increase an arcuate shape. Provision is additionally made for optional inclusion of one or more electrical-to-audio transducers mounted within the muffs.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an ear plug for preventing water and wind from entering the ear canal while allowing audible tones to pass therethrough. The ear plug is provided with an ear plug housing which is provided with an outer member and an inner portion. The outer member is adapted to reside in the outer ear of the user and an elongate tubular member having an exterior portion adapted to extend downwardly within the ear canal of the user. The ear plug is further provided with an ear plug insert. The ear plug insert is provided with a retaining member which is generally annular, a membrane which is made of a water impervious material and is adapted to allow audible tones to pass therethrough, and an insert housing which is generally annular. The insert housing is provided with a first end which is axially disposable in the interior portion of the elongate tubular member which is adapted to receive the first end of the insert housing.

Abstract: A hollow earpiece has a bulbous section for insertion into the ear canal and a flange section joined to the bulbous section by a neck with an opening in the tip of the bulbous section to allow water from the ear canal to enter into the bulbous section and an elongated hollow tube coupled to the earpiece at the earpiece neck with one open end of the tube located within the bulbous section and the other open end adaptable for applying a suction to remove water from the user's ear.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the equalization of pressure across the eardrum of a user, comprising (a) an ear piece being sized and dimensioned for tightly fitting the outer ear canal of the user, such that when the user being underwater, water being prevented from entering between the ear piece and the outer ear canal, the ear piece being formed with a channel having an inner opening and an outer opening, the inner opening facing the eardrum of the user and the outer opening facing the outside, the channel and the outer ear defining a permanent void; and (b) an inflatable bag being in fluid communication with the ear piece via the outer opening, the bag defining a changeable void.

Abstract: An improved ear pressure dressing or splinting device 10 of the suture compression type is provided for treatment and prevention of recurrence of auricular hematoma. The splinting device 10 includes a pair of first and second backing members (12 and 14), a pair of first and second pressure pads (16 and 18), and a fastening assembly 20. The backing members (12 and 14) and pressure pads (16 and 18) are assembled in pairs in opposing, facing relation to compressibly engage the injured portion of an ear 22. The fastening assembly 20 includes a wire element 56 and a pair of first and second holdfasts (58 and 60). The wire element 56 is passed through the injured portion of the ear 22 and through apertures (36 and 38, 52 and 54) present in the backing members (12 and 14) and pressure pads (16 and 18).

Abstract: An ear phone assembly is provided for use with a hearing screening instrument to test infants for hearing impairments. The ear phone includes a generally D-shaped reusable cover including a back wall having a perimeter, a side wall extending from the perimeter to define a cavity for receiving an infant's ear, a port in the cover to receive and support a transducer, and a generally D-shaped disposable element that is adhesive coated on two sides to be secured to the cover and to the patient's head. The cover may have a notch located along the perimeter of the re-usable body for removing the disposable element. A liner is used to cover the disposable element adhesive sides to protect them from contamination during packaging and prior to use. The disposable element may have a die cut so that a portion of it can be removed to make the ear phone adjustable for infants with large ears. The ear phone is low in cost and capable of being used with any conventional hearing screening equipment.

Abstract: A pressure regulating ear plug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the ear plug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. The pressure regulator is preferably made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: An elongated earplug of slow recovery material has one end portion (14) for use in large ear canals to effectively block noise therein and an opposite end portion (16) for use in small diameter ear canals to block noise while maintaining a moderate comfort level for the wearer. The opposite end portions of the earplug are of different colors, to enable a person picking up the earplug to quickly determine which end to place in the ear as well as to identify the earplug as a dual type. The larger end is preferably of a lighter color such as yellow, then the darker end which is of a darker color such as medium to dark green or orange, to emphasize the largeness of the large end and the smallness of the small end. One dual earplug has a small end portion which is tapered along most of its length, at an included tapered angle (B) of about 15.degree.

Abstract: A hearing protection device. The hearing protection device includes a band and legs that are rotatable relative to the band. Each leg includes a first leg end and a second leg end. The first leg end is rotatably coupled to the band to allow the leg to rotate relative to the band. The second leg end includes a hole for receiving a stem of a hearing protector. Alternatively, the second leg end includes a socket for receiving a ball formed on a hearing protector shaft. The hearing protection device can accommodate head sizes ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men.

Abstract: A pair of ear pugs that are attached to eyeglasses or safety goggles by a cord. The ear plugs, which are preferably made of foam or some other deformable material, can attach to each other. When the ear plugs are connected to each other, they, along with the cords attached to them, form a continuous strap for holding on a pair of glasses. This in-line arrangement allows a pair of ear plugs and their attached cords to function as a lanyard when the ear plugs are not in use. This arrangement in which the ear plugs can be separated provides a breakaway lanyard as required by OSHA for safety and reduces the chance of injury due to the lanyard becoming entangled in machinery. This arrangement also eliminates the requirement for separate cords and reduces the likelihood of lost ear plugs.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, including a foam and at least one porous component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the porous component arises during manufacture, wherein the porous component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the porous component during foaming. Importantly, entrapped air in the closed cavity may pass through the porous component during manufacture, thereby allowing the porous component to act as a mold vent. A method of manufacture of the hearing protective device of the present invention is also presented.

Abstract: A tubular medical device is adapted for placement into a human patient or other living being. The tubular medical device includes a body member and a rib structure. The body member extends along a longitudinal axis and has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a hole extending Longitudinally through the body member between opposite ends thereof. The rib structure is connected to the outer surface of the body member and projects outwardly from the outer surface relative to the longitudinal axis. The rib structure and the outer surface of the body member define at least one channel oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis. The tubular medical device can be constructed in a variety of embodiments including a tympanostomy tube device, a ribbed sleeve and an elongated tube.