Abstract: A personal acoustic system and flexible mount for the same are disclosed. The flexible mount is comprised of an elastomeric material. The personal acoustic system further includes a band comprising a first mount and an earpiece comprising a second mount. An acoustic element is housed within the earpiece. The elastomeric mount is positioned intermediate the first mount and the second mount to flexibly connect the band to the earpiece.

Abstract: Speaker performance may be improved by increasing the effective acoustic chamber volume by fluidically connecting a speaker chamber containing a speaker with a mechanical housing. Additionally, the performance of left and right speakers may be balanced. Such balancing may be through equalization of the left and right speakers, balancing the acoustic impedance through sizing the openings between the speaker chambers and mechanical housings, and/or balancing of acoustic volumes within the speakers through use of ballast or acoustic expansion material to increase or decrease the effective acoustic volume of one of the speakers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for headset neckbands and earloops are described. In one example, a neckband for use with a headset is described. The neckband includes a first neckband end for coupling with a left earloop and a second neckband end for coupling with a right earloop. The neckband includes a neckband length along an x-axis between the first neckband end and the second neckband end. The neckband length has a variable height in a y-axis direction.

Abstract: A portable product lanyard includes a base. The base includes a first main body and a second main body movably connected with the first main body. The second main body includes a fixing portion, a supporting portion, a driving portion, a moving portion and a resetting portion. The supporting portion tightly fixes to the fixing portion, the driving portion is supported by the supporting portion, the moving portion is movably received in the fixing portion. The driving portion drives the moving portion move relative to the fixing portion so as to the second main body assembled or unassembled to the first main body. The resetting portion mounts with the fixing portion so as to drive the driving portion and the moving portion reset. The configuration of the portable product lanyard may greatly improve user's enjoying convenience to tie or untie the portable product from the lanyard.

Abstract: A personal acoustic system and flexible mount for the same are disclosed. The flexible mount is comprised of an elastomeric material. The personal acoustic system further includes a band comprising a first mount and an earpiece comprising a second mount. An acoustic element is housed within the earpiece. The elastomeric mount is positioned intermediate the first mount and the second mount to flexibly connect the band to the earpiece.

Abstract: Articles and related devices and methods for fitting in-situ include a flexible sleeve, a housing assembly fixed to the flexible sleeve, a light source disposed within the flexible sleeve, and a photocurable resin contained within the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may be elastomeric. A transducer may be disposed in the housing assembly.

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: A device and methods are provided for a hearing device. In one embodiment, a hearing device includes a microphone to receive sound, an interactive tip and actuator. The actuator can include an actuator element and preload force element to place the interactive tip in contact with a portion of an ear. The hearing device includes circuitry coupled to the microphone and actuator, the circuitry configured to process sound received by the microphone and drive the actuator based on processed sound, wherein the actuator drives the interactive tip relative to a portion of the ear based on one or more signals received from the circuitry.

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 ear speaker device includes an electroacoustic transducer including a housing mounted at a predetermined position of listener's head, a speaker unit mounted on one surface in the housing, and positioned away from an entrance of the listener's external acoustic meatus for a predetermined distance when the housing is mounted on the listener's head, and a tubular duct extended so as to allow a sound generated by the housing in the inner space thereof to reach the vicinity of the entrance of the listener's external acoustic meatus, and a hole for emitting sound of the duct is oriented to the opposite direction with respect to the entrance of the external acoustic meatus; and a mounting part used for mounting the electroacoustic transducer on the listener's head in a manner that the predetermined distance is provided between the speaker unit and the entrance of the listener's external acoustic meatus.

Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.

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: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: An in-ear interface comprises an ear module shaped to be received in an ear canal. The ear module has a core defining a sound bore for enabling sound transmittance into the ear canal. A sheath covers a portion of an outer surface of the core so as to define an expandable space between the sheath and the core. An opening is defined in the core communicating with the expandable space whereby the expandable space is adapted to receive a settable compound to expand the ear module to the shape of the ear canal. An insert is secured to the ear module and has a slender portion received at least partially in the sound bore to generally maintain a shape of the sound bore during reception and curing of the settable compound in the expandable space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: A non-vented shell earplug for insertion into the ear canal has multiple chambers configured as coupled acoustic resonators. Each chamber is provided with an acoustic element having inertia and resistance coupling the chamber to its neighbor to form multiple resonant chambers. The dimensions of the individual acoustic elements set the frequency response of the earplug, and determine the attenuation characteristics of the resonators. Unlike the single chamber resonator of the prior art, the multiple-resonator earplug provides attenuation in both low and high frequency segments of the noise spectrum. Additionally, the present invention teaches placing loudspeaker and/or sound sensing transducer for sound communication purposes and active noise control within the earplug, with their sound field patterns directed into a chamber for coupling to the ear canal. The use of multiple resonators enhances the high frequency communications response of the earplug.

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: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mounting of a sound tube inside a shell of a hearing aid. The invention provides a sound tube adaptor, a tool for insertion of the adaptor and a method for attaching a sound tube to a shell, the sound tube adaptor facilitating attachment of a sound tube to a shell, having a first end for attachment to one end of a sound tube and a second end that is adapted to be received inside the shell in a hole in the shell in such a way that the adaptor and the sound tube extend inside the shell from the hole towards the entrance of an ear canal of a user when the shell is positioned in the ear canal.

Abstract: An earplug is provided for use by an airplane passenger, which more slowly increases the pressure of air in the passenger's ear canal than the rate of increase in cabin air pressure as the airplane descends near the end of a flight. The earplug has a cavity (30) that is open to the front end (20) of the earplug, and with a restrictor (24) at the front end of the cavity that allows air to pass between the cavity and ear canal, and the cavity to collapse, only at a very slow rate. As the environmental air pressure increases near the end of a flight, the earplug is slowly compressed in diameter and compresses the cavity.

Abstract: Multi-channel headphones capable of providing quality 3-dimensional (3-D) sound in an atmosphere of intimacy and privacy for individuals is provided. The multi-channel headphones ensure high-quality 3-D sound reproduction with accurate phase using distinct speaker units for multiple channels. The multi-channel headphones includes at least two speaker units for each ear piece, each for generating distinct sounds from multiple channels; and at least two enclosures in each of which each of the at least two speaker units arc installed. The multi-channel headphones include a sound guide portion in each of the enclosures to guide the sound emanating from the corresponding speaker unit into the listener's ear. A diffraction effect of the sound from the rear speaker can be induced.

Abstract: A headset has one or two earpieces, an adjustable microphone boom, and a means for securing the headset to the user. The earpiece includes a speaker element for generating sound and a sound funneling device for funneling sound from the speaker element to an ear canal of the user. The sound funneling device rests within a concha and at the entrance of the ear canal for funneling sound and for stabilizing the earpiece against an ear of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the sound funneling device includes a first end which is open-ended and facing the speaker element, and a second end which includes one or more apertures and rests at the entrance of the ear canal. The first end has a circumference which is larger than a circumference of the second end which focuses the sound from the speaker element to the ear canal. A speaker cushion is configured to fit around the speaker element and the sound funneling device and preferably provides a means for coupling the speaker element to the sound funneling device.

Abstract: An underwater audio system includes a framing having at least one speaker mounted thereon and at least one upwardly extending arm member. The arm member(s) are arranged to slide under the strap of a diver's mask in use and to be held in place between the strap and the diver's head. Two speakers mounted on the frame are arrange to be located adjacent a diver's ear when the arm members are in place under the strap of the diver's mask.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an earphone device, comprising: a clip-on member, coupled to a connecting base having a door via a resilient repositioning mechanism, wherein a chute is disposed at the bottom of said connecting base; a connecting member, having a sliding element coupled to said chute such that said sliding element slides in said chute; and an earphone, coupled to said connecting member via a positioning mechanism such that said earphone rotates in an angle range.

Abstract: To both ends of a frame constituting a lateral pressure structure of headphones, support sections functioning as fine adjustment members for performing fine adjustments to the lateral pressure structure are attached. Paddings are provided on one of the ends of the support sections. When the headphones are worn, the paddings come into contact with a user's head. Earphone arm support sections are provided towards the tip of both ends of the frame, and earphone arms are rotatably connected to each of the earphone arm support sections. Earphone capsule sections are provided at the ends of the earphone arms. When external sounds need to be heard temporarily, the earphone capsule section can be released from the user's ear by rotating the earphone arm while the headphones are still worn on the head.

Abstract: A holder to carry portable electronic equipment on the body of a user, include a cord loop adapted for carrying on the body of a user; the cord loop having a support to hold the electronic equipment and a connector adapted to normally maintain the cord loop and disconnect the cord loop the moment it is applied with a larger pulling force than a predetermined force.

Abstract: A hands-free attachment for a radio telephone, comprising a transducer connectable to the receiver to generate sound waves representing sound signals received by the receiver, and electrically non-conductive means for conveying the sound waves from the transducer to an ear-piece locatable in or adjacent to the user's ear, the system preferably includes a remote microphone.

Abstract: A stethoscope assembly for sports enthusiasts is provided which preferably includes at least one sound receiver assembly, a tube assembly having a proximal end portion connected to the at least one sound receiver assembly and extending outwardly therefrom toward the user, a first and second earpieces each having a proximal end portion connected to a distal end portion of the tube assembly and extending outwardly therefrom toward the user. The tube assembly further preferably is visibly colored with at least one of a first color associated with a sports team to thereby define a first sports team color and a second contrasting color also associated with the sports team to thereby define a second sports team color.

Abstract: A personal protective device is disclosed. The personal protective device comprises at least one energy-activated material, disposed within or on the personal protective device. The energy activated material changes reversibly changes at least a portion of the personal protective device from a first visual zone to a second visual zone when the personal protective device is exposed to an activation energy. An earplug, a pair of earmuffs, a respirator, and eyewear are also disclosed. A method for determining the fit of a personal protective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one-piece, transparent flexible ear coupler for use with hearing evaluation is disclosed. It includes an annular side wall and a bottom wall forming an acoustic chamber. A flexible adhesive-backed flange is disposed on the periphery of the ear coupler. The flange attaches to the subject's head, firmly holding the ear coupler in place over the ear. The annular side wall has a port for the placement of a transducer assembly, and also has ribs to help lock the transducer assembly in place. The transducer assembly can be placed in an up or down position, and can be switched between positions while the coupler is attached to the subject's head. The ear coupler advantageously conforms to the subject's head, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the ear coupler will become detached during testing. The coupler can be inexpensively manufactured, since its one-piece design allows the use of relatively low-cost processes such as injection molding and thermoforming.

Abstract: A feedback device providing immediate feedback to a user. The feedback device includes a main hollow tubular body having a first transmitter end and an opposite second receiver end. The feedback device is “C” shaped and sized to comfortably allow the user to hold the transmitter end close to his mouth while simultaneously positioning the receiver end close to the ear of the user. The user speaks into the transmitter end. The sounds emitted by the user are amplified within the main tubular body and directed through the receiver end to the ear of the user. The feedback device provides immediate feedback for all sounds produced by the user. The feedback device may be used to enhance the reading and speaking ability of the user.

Abstract: A telephone headset apparatus is disclosed. This headset apparatus includes a body having a microphone at one end and a transducer at the opposite end, an earhook, for attaching the apparatus to the ear of the operator, and a mechanism, contained within the body in a movable engagement, for holding the earhook in a frictional engagement that allows for movement of the earhook, with three degrees of freedom. The mechanism is located at a point within the body where upon adjustment of the earhook by the operator (i.e., rotated, tilted, pivoted) the headset apparatus remains properly balanced and within the sound envelope of an operator, for uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: A monolithic earplug being compressible or deformable. The earplug is fabricated from an extruded, elastomeric thermoplastic in order that it may be rapidly and efficiently produced, and then the extrudate is cut at the die face, as it emerges therefrom, into discrete pieces to form earplugs having convex end portions and a skin extending over its entire outer surface.

Abstract: A passive system for speech enhancement in a motor vehicle includes a headliner adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle. The passive system also includes at least one passive sound reflector disposed in or near the headliner and being sound-reflective and shaped to direct or focus speech between front and rear seat occupants in the occupant compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A device for determining and characterizing noises generated by masticating food has an enclosure and a mastication device arranged in the enclosure. One or more first reception microphones for airborne sound are arranged in the enclosure. The enclosure is advantageously a dummy head for audio recording. Preferably, two such first reception microphones are arranged in the enclosure. Two second reception microphones for sound conducted by solid material, simulating bone conduction, may be provided in order to create a sound as near-natural as possible.

Abstract: A headphone including a band for extending round the back of the neck of a user and having opposite ends, each of which is connected to the band by a swivel connection having a swivel axis. At least one speaker is connected to one end of the band by a hinge connection having a hinge axis extending substantially transversely of the swivel axes. The headphone includes a pair of hanger means provided at respective ends of the band for engaging respective ears of the user to support the overall headphone. The headphone is convertible through operation of the swivel and hinge connections between a first use configuration in which the speaker is on the left side and a second use configuration in which the speaker is on the right side.

Abstract: An auditory feedback device is provided for singers or the hearing-impaired to better hear their own voice. The device uses sound guides with reflective surfaces shaped to reflect sounds from the user's mouth to the user's ear.

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 arrangement in hearing protection devices, headphones and the like of the type comprising a frame (1) and plugs (2) arranged at both ends of the frame. Each of the plugs is pressed into contact with the orifice of the related auditory meatus and may also partly enter the passage. The frame (1) is provided with means (3) that contact the skull bone at the related ear for the purpose of dampening vibrations in the frame. Those means can be shaped like bent or enlarged portions of the frame adjacent to each end thereof, said portions being arranged, when the device is in use, to be held in pressure contact against the skull bone in the area of the respective ear.

Abstract: An earcap type earphone having a flexible stretching configuration which includes an earphone housing, an ear loop and a speaker, wherein both the ear loop and the earphone housing can be produced and integrated into a one-piece-molded product or can be made separately and then assembled together later. Additionally, an expandable component is provided to allow the earphone to comfortably fit a variety of different ear sizes.

Abstract: A headset has an arcuate resilient headband with arcuate stirrups at its opposite ends carrying noise attenuating ear domes. The stirrups are coupled to the headband for pivotal movement about first parallel axes. The ear domes are coupled to the stirrups for both pivotal movement about second axes extending transversely with respect to the first axes, and translational movement toward and away from each other between multiple pivot positions located along third axes extending transversely with respect to the second axes.

Abstract: An intra-concha type electroacoustic trasducer has an auxiliary supporter projecting in opposite direction to entrance part of external auditory meatus of the user's ear from a side of the transducer opposite to its sound-radiating side disposed to face the auditory meatus entrance. Reliable mountability of the transducer with respect to auricle of the user's ear is thereby ensured, while an unpleasantness or pain given to the user upon mounting to the auricle can be at least reduced to a remarkable extent.

Abstract: A cerumen trap for hearing aids comprises a sound channel and a plurality of perforations arranged in a stellate pattern around the sound channel which connect the sound outlet of an earpiece with the sound channel. A cylindrical component (1) with a connecting piece (3) which surrounds the sound channel can be inserted in the hearing aid. A number of angle brackets (4) with locking detents (5) are arranged on the periphery of the component (1). The sound outlet opening (2) can be closed off from the exterior by a cap (7) which has a locking groove (8) on the inner wall and which engages with the locking detents (5).

Abstract: A crash helmet for use by motorcycle drivers or riders has a rigid shell; a first flexible acoustic tube a first section of which extends into and has a bell horn in the region of the mouth-protecting part of the shell, and a second section extending from the shell through the opening in the neck-surrounding part of the shell; a second flexible acoustic tube a first section of which extends into and has a sound-intensifying terminal portion in the region of an ear-protecting part of the shell, and a second section extending outwardly through the aforementioned opening of the shell; first and second additional flexible acoustic tubes respectively corresponding to the second and first tubes and having first sections installed in the shell of a second crash helmet; and a quick-release coupling respectively connecting the second sections of the first and second tubes with the second sections of the second and first additional tubes.