Abstract: A layered earplug with pressure reducing mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, the layered earplug comprises: a stalk comprising a tunnel that transverses the layered earplug; a plurality of discs attached to the stalk, wherein each disc of the plurality of discs includes a diameter relative to on a position of the disc on the stalk; at least one pocket located between two adjacent discs of the plurality of discs, wherein the at least one air pocket and the plurality of discs reduce sound that reaches a user's eardrum; and at least one valve located within the tunnel configured to release accumulated air pressure in a user's ear canal through the tunnel.

Abstract: A hygiene stick (1), for personal care, in particular for ear hygiene, comprises a rod (2) for picking up and handling with the fingers and at least one head (3) supported by said rod (2). The head (3) is made of elastic material and is supported cantilever-style by said rod (2) projecting from the rod along an axial line (5).

Abstract: An electronic hearing protection device is provided. The electronic hearing protection device includes an amplifier and a speaker to relay sounds, such as conversations, to the user of the hearing protection. The hearing protection device provides adaptive gunshot recognition and suppression technology.

Abstract: An earplug and method for attenuating sound. An acoustic canal extends straight through a housing to guide the sound inside an ear canal. The acoustic canal comprises a canal section dimensioned to fit at least partially inside the ear canal. The canal section ends at one side in a first exterior opening to let the sound into the ear canal. Another side of the canal section transitions into a first resonance volume with a relatively wide diameter. A second resonance volume ends at one side in a second exterior opening and, the other side being separated from the first resonance volume by a sound attenuating mesh. This provides resonance cavities that compensate attenuation of the mesh over a wide range of high frequencies.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an acoustic valve (10) for hearing protection. The valve (10) comprises a housing (1) that is placeable or integrated in an ear plug (100). The housing (1) comprises a sound passage (2) extending through the housing (1) for allowing at least partial transmission of sound from the external surroundings (11) into the auditory canal (13). The housing comprises an impulse filter (3) comprising a rigid plate (4). The rigid plate (4) forms an enclosed volume (12) within the sound passage (2) of the valve. The rigid plate (4) comprises at least one perforation (5) for passing part of the sound from the external surroundings (11) via the perforation (5) into the enclosed volume (12). The housing further comprises an acoustic filter (6) comprising a mesh (7) arranged in the sound passage (2) between the rigid plate (4) and the auditory canal (13).

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to a securable inner drug delivery plug or stopper that is configured to be inserted into, and secured (retained) within, an opening of the inner ear of an recipient. The securable inner drug delivery plug is configured to deliver drugs directly into the inner ear.

Abstract: A headphone is provided that includes a driver unit securely fixed to the baffle plate with a simple structure and has desirable frequency characteristics in a high frequency range and a low frequency range. A headphone includes a baffle plate, a driver unit fixed to the baffle plate, and a fixing member fixing the driver unit to the baffle plate. The fixing member includes a contact part having a shape of a plate in contact with the outer edge of the driver unit.

Abstract: An earphone has a vibration conductor and a vibration source for the vibration conductor. The vibration conductor fits in a cavum conchae to make contact with an ear cartilage having an external auditory meatus in an open state, and conducts vibration to a contact part of the ear cartilage.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an improved attachment apparatus for attaching the attachment apparatus to an ear of a user using a hook body. The hooking body may be secured to the user's ear, such as in response to receiving a deforming force from the user that causes the hooking body to deform in conformity with at least a portion of the root of the user's ear. In some embodiments, the hooking body may be coupled to the attachment body via the bridging member of the attachment body. Accordingly, the hooking body may be configured to secured the attachment apparatus to the user's ear. In some embodiments, a sealing body may be coupled to the plate member of the attachment body, and the cover body may form at least a partial acoustic seal around the user's ear while the hooking body is secured to the attachment apparatus to the ear.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hearing instrument, the hearing instrument being configured to be at least partially placed in an ear canal of a wearer of the hearing instrument, the apparatus comprising: a sealing element configured to seal off the ear canal when the hearing instrument with the apparatus is at least partially positioned in the ear canal, wherein operation of the sealing element is controlled by an electric control signal, the sealing element being at least partially made from an electroactive material, wherein an acoustic impedance of the electroactive material of the sealing element varies as a function of an applied electric field, the applied electric field being based on a characteristic of the electric control signal.

Abstract: A replaceable filter member for a hearing aid device is disclosed. The filter member comprising an unit with a housing configured to be inserted into the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid device. The filter member is configured to prevent ear wax from entering an opening in the housing. The filter member is a one-piece body that is configured to cover several openings in the unit while being attached to the unit.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a user's ear and retains the earpiece in its position.

Abstract: An ornamental attachment apparatus is provided for attaching to and ornamenting hearing protection devices. The ornamental attachment apparatus includes an ornamental portion having ornamental feature, and a receiving portion for receiving and attaching to a post portion of a hearing protection device. The receiving portion may include a cavity including an attachment element for retaining the post portion therein. In some embodiments, the ornamental attachment apparatus includes an attachment element with a tapered shape for insertion into a recess on a custom hearing protection device. The ornamental portion may include a sensor, a peripheral device and an electronic component for controlling the peripheral device. The electronic component may be configured to control the peripheral device responsive to an electronic signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A novel earplug is disclosed. The earplug comprises an elastomeric insert and a metal casing. The elastomeric insert is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end and a second end. The metal casing is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a circular outer wall, an internal cavity disposed within the circular outer wall, and a first end and a second end disposed the opposite end of the first end. The first end has a substantially flat base covering the first end and the second end has an opening into the internal cavity. The first end of the elastomeric insert is disposed through the second end of the metal casing and is secured with an adhesive within the internal cavity of the metal casing. The second end of the elastomeric insert extends outward from the metal casing.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a user's ear and retains the earpiece in its position.

Abstract: An improved hearing protection device intended to be inserted into an external auditory meatus of a user, having a housing structure, a passive tuning element, and a passive, nonlinear acoustic filter. The tuning element and the acoustic filter may be supported in series by the housing structure. The tuning element may be or include a diaphragm, a resonator, or both. The housing structure may support a diaphragm of the tuning element at its circumference, and may provide cavities on both sides of the diaphragm. In some embodiments electronic components are included in the hearing protection device to counteract insertion loss provided by the passive element, and restore natural hearing for low to moderate sound pressure levels. Communications devices may also be incorporated into the hearing protection device.

Abstract: An earplug and earplug kit having an ear insert, one or more filters that are interchangeable and that may be removably mounted to the insert for filtering various levels and types of sounds, and one or more decorative sound blocking members that are interchangeable and that may be removably mounted to the insert for reflecting or absorbing at least a portion of sounds directed toward a user's ear.

Abstract: An improved hearing protection device intended to be inserted into an external auditory meatus of a user, having a housing structure, a passive tuning element, and a passive, nonlinear acoustic filter. The tuning element and the acoustic filter may be supported in series by the housing structure. The tuning element may be or include a diaphragm, a resonator, or both. The housing structure may support a diaphragm of the tuning element at its circumference, and may provide cavities on both sides of the diaphragm. In some embodiments electronic components are included in the hearing protection device to counteract insertion loss provided by the passive element, and restore natural hearing for low to moderate sound pressure levels, Communications devices may also be incorporated into the hearing protection device.

Abstract: An ear plug provides, in the exemplary embodiment, an ear plug body adapted to fit against a cavum conchae of the ear and defining an outwardly opening main cavity therewithin. An inner end of the ear plug body is sized and configured for fitting into an ear canal of the ear, while a base of the main cavity defines a sound hole that extends down through each of the base and inner end. A chamber wall is positioned within and extends across the main cavity, forming a hollow air chamber in fluid communication with the sound hole capable of selectively clearing any water droplets that may enter the main cavity and obstruct the sound hole. In an alternate embodiment, the base of the main cavity provides an upwardly protruding sound hole body configured for elevating an opening of the sound hole a distance above the base.

Abstract: An earplug is provided to prevent the tinnitus, which comprises an earplug body and at least one tube. The earplug body is made from a soft moldable material. The tube is placed inside the earplug body surrounded by the soft moldable material, and being formed in a continuous curve shape that has two openings at two ends of the tube, and a diameter of the tube is in a range from 0.03 cm to 0.15 cm. The tube is configured for communicating outside air to maintain the balance of the air pressure, and thus the earplug of the present invention is able to prevent the tinnitus of the user. Further, although the earplug of the present invention blocks most of the external sound, it still allows some thimbleful sound entering through the tube. In this way, the user does not need to worry about losing contact with the outside and remain the ability of noise reduction, so the user may feel more relieved while sleeping.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a compact high fidelity earplug. The earplug has a central column having a hollow sound channel. Inner and outer platforms extend radially from the central column to define a first and second chamber. Openings in the first and second platforms allow sound to enter into the first chamber, and pass into the second chamber. Sound is then directed through an opening in the central column, into the sound chamber, and towards the ear of a wearer.

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: 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 method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate one or more symptoms associated with a disorder or treat one or more disorders, the method including providing a fluid transfer device which generates a fluid flow of a fluid through an earplug, the earplug having an earplug external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal wall as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure; sealably engaging the earplug of the fluid transfer device with the external ear canal wall as the barrier between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure; and operating the fluid transfer device to generate the fluid flow of the fluid through the earplug to achieve an external ear canal pressure differential between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure effective to alleviate a disorder symptom or treat a disorder.

Abstract: Hearing protection devices, e.g., push-to-fit earplugs, having a tip cavity in the sound attenuating body and methods of manufacturing the hearing protection devices are described herein.

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: 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: 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: Hearing protection devices are disclosed. One hearing protection device includes a first material, having sound attenuating characteristics, shaped to cover over an ear of a user; at least one aperture formed in the first material; and a second material positioned over the aperture.

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: A hearing protection unit includes two sound damping cups for placing around a user's ears. A retainer device positions the cups and applies a compressive force on the cups. The retainer device includes a front band which extends between the front edge of each respective cup across the user's forehead, and a rear band which extends between the rear edge of each respective cup around the nape region of the user.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is provided including a sound attenuating element and a stem extending from the sound attenuating element, wherein the stem comprises multiple curved segments.

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 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 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 apparatus for providing hearing protection to a wearer includes an incorporated set of eyewear having an eyewear frame. In one version, a pair of ear muffler tubes are coupled to the supporting members of the frame or made integral therewith, the muffler tubes each extending to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal and includes at least one muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air that substantially reduces the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube.

Abstract: An earplug formed of a plurality of materials having different hardnesses by use of a multi-material rapid prototyping (RP) system.

Abstract: A sound dampening apparatus to be disposed in pneumatic connection with a respiratory support system. The respiratory support system may comprise a source of medical gas, a plurality of pneumatic connections and a patient interface. The sound dampening apparatus comprises an inlet, an outlet, and an outer case which forms a sound dampening chamber. As the medical gas flows through the sound dampening apparatus, the noise energy associated with the flow of medical gas is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention device provides a device designed to prevent ear pain or discomfort due to air pressure changes when flying, comprising a head unit resembling a set of lightweight headphones, featuring an adjustable bridge that allows the unit to be worn by adults and children alike. The unique aspects of this product are found in its dual ear cover housings. Each circular covering features a comfortable, padded exterior to fit over the ears; directly behind the padding is a small section of empty space. Extending inward, an area of padded foam provides a blocking agent for air as well as noise. Further helping to protect the ears from changes in air pressure, each side of the Original Ear Popper Stopper is lined with bubble wrap, offering even more insulation.

Abstract: An earplug and a method of manufacturing the earplug are provided, the earplug including a sound attenuating element and a stem where the sound attenuating element includes a flange which extends rearwardly over a portion of the stem, and where the sound attenuating element and the stem are integrally formed of a resilient compressible material.

Abstract: An ear piece device made of pliable material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user. In one embodiment, one canal extends through a portion of the ear piece to provide an opening for communication between a person's inner ear and an environment outside the person's ear. The ear piece has at least two fold lines to facilitate the reversible collapsing of the device into a star-like configuration.

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: A hearing protection device and method of use intended for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The plug member may be part of a replacement assembly. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

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 the elongated member. 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. The insert member additionally 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 while allowing the passage of normal speech through the channel. 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 earmuff assembly with a double-shell structure is disclosed for use with a sound-attenuating circumaural headset. The earmuff assembly comprises a cup-shaped outer shell mounted on a resilient outer sealing ring and a cup-shaped inner shell mounted on a resilient inner sealing ring. By means of the two sealing rings the outer and the inner shells are brought into abutment with the head surface around an ear of a wearer. Both shells are structurally rigid. The sound attenuation performance is maximized by isolating the inner shell from the outer shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for detecting the level of a fluid in a surgical cassette by projecting light from a linear light source into a wall of a cassette. Depending on the amount a light reflected or refracted in the cassette (i.e., due to the cassette material/fluid interface or cassette material/air interface (or other interface)) various portions of a linear sensor array will be more or less illuminated. By examining the illumination of the linear sensor array, the level of fluid in the chamber can be determined.

Abstract: A hearing protection device and method for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing hearing protection to a wearer includes an incorporated set of eyewear having an eyewear frame. In one version, a pair of ear muffler tubes are coupled to the supporting members of the frame or made integral therewith, the muffler tubes each extending to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal and includes at least one muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air that substantially reduces the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube.

Abstract: A hearing protection device for a human ear. The device has an arm that clips about the pinna. A plug member caps or enters ear canal. The device is biased to provide some force against the plug member so that is stays in position during use. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: An earplug shaping device shapes a compressible earplug prior to insertion of the earplug into a user's ear canal. The device includes upper and lower structural elements which slidingly engage one another. Each of the upper and lower structural elements include a shaping surface. The shaping surfaces oppose one another and are inclined relative to one another. Various embodiments of the earplug shaper employ a slot in communication with a receiver which allows for the shaping of earplugs attached to a cord.