Abstract: An earpiece attachment for use with a cell phone has a body with a first end of the second end with a hole formed therethrough, and a trumpet affixed to the body in a location over a hole of the body. The first and second ends are suitable for engaging a surface of the cell phone. The body has a length suitable for extending across a width of the cell phone. The trumpet is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extended position is suitable for extending into or adjacent to an ear canal of the user. A resilient member is fitted within the trumpet so as to urge the trumpet toward the extended position. A lock is affixed to the body and is suitable for maintaining the trumpet in the retracted position.

Abstract: An ear tip is disclosed that comprises an annular flange having a first end tapering downwardly to a second end and having a circular lateral cross-section. The annular flange is defined by a plurality of sections and each section has a varying wall thickness. An inner body extends internally from the first end within a hollow interior defined by the annular flange toward the second end. An acoustic channel extends through the inner body, where the annular flange at least partially occludes an ear canal from ambient noise and creates at least a partial air seal in the ear canal and the acoustic channel is configured to allow the passage of sound into the ear canal when the inner body is connected with a sound source.

Abstract: A listening device (120; 220; 320), such as a pair of headphones, is provided for wearing by a user. It contains two or more sound emitters for directing sound to each ear (2) of the user. At least one of the sound emitters (116; 216, 316) is positioned such that sound is emitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the ear canal (10) of the ear, and towards the wall of the concha (6) of the ear (2).

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a headphone device that outputs an audio signal output from a playback device, such that the headphone device has a more compact housing while being capable of highly sensitive acoustic output of an audio signal having high sound quality, and is capable of consuming less power during highly sensitive acoustic output of an audio signal having high sound quality. [Solution] In a headphone device that outputs an input audio signal, the headphone device is provided with: a housing shaped with a hollow interior, said housing being provided with a projection on the front thereof, said projection being provided with a hole passing therethrough in the front-to-back direction; and a first driver unit and second driver unit each affixed to the inner wall of the housing, and each having a diaphragm that acoustically outputs the input audio signal. The first driver unit and the second driver unit have been given a parallel arrangement, such that the diaphragms thereof are in mutual opposition.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a body and an ear piece. A life tube is disposed between the hearing aid body and the ear piece for guiding sound from a receiver in the hearing aid body to the ear of the wearer. In order to adapt the hearing aid to different wearers with different ear conches, a tube system is provided with an adaptable length.

Abstract: An audio headset includes a pair of earphones and a nape-band. The earphones are secured to the nape-band at respective ends of the nape-band. A suspension element extends between (i) a first end connected to the headset at a first location in front of a user's first ear when the user is wearing the headset, and (ii) a second end connected to the headset at a second location in front of the user's second ear when the user is wearing the headset. As such, each suspension element at least partially wraps around a portion of a top of a respective ear of the user to support the headset when the headset is being worn by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus including: an acoustic transducer, and a sound channel coupled to the acoustic transducer, the sound channel including an element having a shape that is electrically controllable, wherein the shape of the element is electrically controllable to change the acoustic properties of the sound channel.

Abstract: Provided is a dynamic headphone that has a small size but makes a larger-diameter headphone unit mountable thereon, the dynamic headphone including a highly reliable acoustic channel that acoustically connects a front air chamber and a back air chamber to each other. A headphone case 20 houses a headphone unit 50 therein, and includes a back air chamber C2 on a back side of the headphone unit 50. The headphone case 20 includes: a back air chamber forming portion 40 that forms the back air chamber C2; and a mount portion 30 integrally provided to an opening end of the back air chamber forming portion 40, the headphone unit 50 being mounted in the mount portion 30. An acoustic channel 70 is provided between the mount portion 30 and the headphone unit 50.

Abstract: A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension.

Abstract: A communication device (1, 15, 25, 35) comprising a housing (2) with a housing wall (50) bounding a space (7). The housing (2) comprises a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (4), which are joined along a dividing line (40), whereby a first abutment face (41) of the first housing part (3) abuts a second abutment face (42) of the second housing part (4) along the dividing line (40). A first microphone transducer (8) is arranged in the housing (2). The first microphone transducer (8) comprises a microphone opening (9), which is connected to the space (7). The space (7) is communicating with the surroundings via a peripheral line (47) of housing openings (39) in the outer side (44) of the housing wall (50) arranged along the dividing line (40), and housing channels (46) extending between the housing openings (39) and the inner side (43) of the housing wall (50). The housing channels (46) and the housing openings (39) are provided as recessions (45; 48) in the first abutment face (41).

Abstract: A headphone includes a headphone assembly which includes a head band, two joining structures and two in-ear components pivoted to two ends of the head band by the joining structures, and a sensor module which is disposed in the headphone assembly and includes an upper part, a lower part and a press sensor disposed between the upper part and the lower part and having a sensing face. The upper part and the lower part are designated with inner structures of the head band or the in-ear components. The press sensor detects states of the headphone by judging whether the sensing face is pressed by the upper or lower part by virtue of elastic deformation or movement of the upper part and the lower part at the head band and the joining structure while wearing and removing the headphone. The headphone uses signals from the press sensor to control actions thereof.

Abstract: A tunable multichannel headphone includes at least two main housings connected by a connection portion. Each of the main housings includes a speaker disk defining independent sound chambers, a driver unit disposed in the sound chambers, a front acoustic unit and a rear acoustic unit. The front and rear acoustic units are disposed on the opposite sides of the speaker disk. The front acoustic unit has a sound effect tuning unit which has field and channel switches and an audio output unit. The rear acoustic unit has first and second timbre switches. The switches are rotatable members arranged on the speaker disk for tuning different sound effects and tones. A method for assembling the tunable multichannel headphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-ear earphone including a housing having a first end for receiving a cable, and a second end which is placed in a concha of a user. Provided at the second end is a sealing unit which seals off an outer end of the ear canal in the region of the concha. The sealing unit has a first and a second end. The sealing unit further has a portion between the first and second ends, wherein both the inside diameter and also the outside diameter of the second end increase in the direction of the second end.

Abstract: There is provided a method for optimizing performance of a multi-transducer earpiece, where the multi-transducer earpiece includes a perpendicular flange that partitions the cross sectional area of the acoustic delivery channel in a manner where mixing of signals from both the high frequency transducer and the mid/low frequency transducer is carried out in the ear canal of a user during reproduction of audio signals.

Abstract: A device and attendant method to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. The device includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed 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: A bone conduction hearing aid device comprising a vibrator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the device. The device further comprises a housing mass forming a housing for one or more operational components of the device, wherein the housing mass is attached to the vibrator so as to move in response to the vibration. The device also comprises a coupling configured to attach the device to a recipient so as to deliver the generated mechanical to the recipient's skull.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves.

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 cap hearing protection system that includes a cap; a band secured within an interior of the cap; first and second rotating arms positioned on either side of the cap and pivotally connected to the band; and a respective hearing protection means mounted to each of the rotating arms.

Abstract: A transcutaneous bone conduction system comprising a bone conduction device configured to vibrate in response to received sound. The system also comprises a totally implantable support apparatus positionable under a recipient's skin, comprising: a fixture configured to be implanted in the skull, and a substantially rigid cradle. The cradle has opposing, spaced plates connected by a bridge member, wherein a first of the plates is configured to be secured to the fixture and wherein the space between the plates is sufficient to receive the bone conduction device, and wherein the plates are configured to retain the bone conduction device against the skin proximate to the first plate.

Abstract: A composite foam cushion for a sound control device. The cushion includes a core formed of a polymeric foam material and a polymeric coating overlying at least a portion of the core of polymeric foam material. The polymeric coating includes an outer coating layer and an inner polymeric coating layer bonded to the core of polymeric foam material. The inner coating layer may provide the cushion with strength, while providing a high degree of flexibility and suppleness to closely conform around contours and obstructions. The outer coating layer may provide the cushion with enhanced abrasion resistance and/or chemical resistance while having an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance.

Abstract: A compact portable stereo microphone apparatus can acquire three dimensional immersive sounds which can then be recorded and played back in a standard audio recording device. The apparatus includes two elastomer fabricated simplified human ear elements (ear models) fitted at the ends of a cylindrical cavity of a microphone enclosure. The ear models may be protected against physical damage by end grills. A circuit board, microphone cable interface, power indicator, power switch and batteries may be located in the lower shell of the enclosure. A handle may serve as the hand grip for the microphone as well as a battery cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and system to play audio signals from an audio source is disclosed. The apparatus is positionable within a fistula defining a channel extending through a pinna of an ear of a user from a first surface of the pinna to a second surface of the pinna such that the channel extends through an entire width of the pinna. The apparatus includes a housing, a speaker, and an audio signal receiving member. The housing is positionable within the channel in the ear of the user and includes an enclosure defining a speaker receiving space. The speaker is positioned within the speaker receiving space. In an engaged position, at least a portion of the speaker is positioned within the channel in the ear of the user. The audio signal receiving member is electrically coupled to the speaker and is communicably coupleable with the audio source.

Abstract: A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves.

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

Abstract: A noise reduction system for attachment to a pillow having a top surface is disclosed, wherein a head of a user can be configured to be placed on the top surface of the pillow. The system includes a plurality of support bands, each having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands is configured to be coupled to the pillow and a pad configured to be coupled to each proximate end of each of the plurality of support bands. Upon coupling of the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands to the pillow, the pad is configured to be disposed above the top surface of the pillow at a predetermined height. The head of the user is configured to be placed between the top surface of the pillow and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to cover an ear of the user to reduce noise perceived by the ear of the user.

Abstract: An earphone includes a first acoustic chamber having a reactive element and a resistive element in a parallel configuration, a second acoustic chamber separated from the first acoustic chamber by an acoustic transducer and including a unitary port to provide both pressure equalization of the second chamber and equalization of the earphone to a predetermined frequency response, and a housing to support the apparatus from the concha of a wearer's ear and to extend the second acoustic chamber into the ear canal of the wearer's ear.

Abstract: A composite foam cushion for a sound control device. The cushion includes a core formed of a polymeric foam material and a polymeric coating overlying at least a portion of the core of polymeric foam material. The polymeric coating includes an outer coating layer and an inner polymeric coating layer bonded to the core of polymeric foam material. The inner coating layer may provide the cushion with strength, while providing a high degree of flexibility and suppleness to closely conform around contours and obstructions. The outer coating layer may provide the cushion with enhanced abrasion resistance and/or chemical resistance while having an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance.

Abstract: Presented herein are coil retention systems for use in implantable medical devices. In certain embodiments, a coil retention system comprises an implantable non-magnetized member having a central aperture and an external magnet also having a central aperture. The external magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the implantable non-magnetized member. In certain embodiments, the external magnet and the implantable non-magnetized member have corresponding annular shapes so as to self-align with one another.

Abstract: An earphone comprises an inner shell, a stem and a pivot connection. The inner shell has a generally circular periphery shaped to at least partially fit in a user's concha. The stem is mounted to the inner shell at a position spaced from a rotational center of the inner shell and supports a wire leading to the inner shell. The inner shell and the stem are rotatable relative to each other by the pivot connection to configure the earphone to fit the user's ear with the shell member positioned at least partially in the user's concha and the stem positioned exteriorly along an intertragic notch of the ear.

Abstract: An earmuff which is adapted to covering a driver includes a first case having a first through hole and a second case having a second through hole. The second case accommodated within the first case to form an inner chamber where the driver is disposed therein. Since air flows between the first case and the second case via the first through hole and the second through hole, a satisfactory ventilation effect can be achieved and thus feeling of being at ease can be furnished.

Abstract: A custom in-ear headset. The headset includes a housing having a proximate housing portion and a distant housing portion. The distant housing portion is shaped and sized to fit inside an ear canal of a user. The headset includes a miniature speaker that is acoustically coupled to a sound outlet in the distant portion of the housing for conveying sound pressure to an ear canal of the user. The headset further includes any one or more of: (a) a microphone with a sound inlet in the proximate housing portion, (b) a bone conduction microphone arranged in the distant housing portion, or (c) a microphone with a sound inlet in the distant housing portion. The headset further includes at least one ridge projecting from and circumscribing the distant housing portion.

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

Abstract: A system for processing sound, the system including: (a) a processor, configured to process a first input signal that is detected by a first microphone at a detection moment, a second input signal that is detected by a second microphone at the detection moment, and a third input signal that is detected by a bone-conduction microphone at the detection moment, to generate a corrected signal that is responsive to the first, second, and third input signals; and (b) a communication interface, configured to provide the corrected signal to an external system.

Abstract: An active noise reduction (ANR) component for provision in an earphone housing is disclosed. The device includes a driver and a sensing microphone, the driver and sensing microphone being housed in a component housing. The earphone housing has an outlet passageway from the ANR component to an auditory canal. The ANR component is adapted for use with a controller to provide active noise reduction to the auditory canal over a predetermined range of physical dimensions or acoustic parameters of the housing outlet passageway. The ANR component can thus be used with different housings which simplifies the design process for producing ANR earphone products.

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. The device includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed 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: 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 novel method for producing an otoplastic device is described. In said method, a model of the auditory canal of an individual is made, then a thin film is placed over the model, and said thin film is used for making an accurate copy of the model in a deep drawing process.

Abstract: A hearing protection system with talk-through having a pair of rigid earcups enclosing a microphone, amplifier and speaker. A concha simulator, having a volume simulating that of the concha of a human ear, is acoustically coupled to the microphone, and also to the outside through an opening in the earcup. By coupling the microphone to the concha simulator, instead of directly to the outside, the acoustic response of the talk-through more accurately represents the hearing of a user.

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 hearing protection process comprises (a) providing at least one hearing protection device comprising at least one sound barrier comprising at least one substantially periodic array of structures disposed in a first medium having a first density, the structures being made of a second medium having a second density different from the first density, wherein one of the first and second media is a viscoelastic medium having a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave and a speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave being at least about 30 times the speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, and wherein the other of the first and second media is a viscoelastic or elastic medium; and (b) interposing the hearing protection device between an acoustic source and an acoustic receiver in the form of a human ear.

Abstract: A hook (4) for a hearing aid (1) provides a sound passage for transmitting the sound emanating from an output transducer of the hearing aid. The hook is composed of different parts (4a, 4b, 4c) made from materials with different mechanical properties. This provides a damping means for damping mechanical vibrations. The invention further provides a hearing aid with a hook.

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 canalphone system may include a high frequency sound bore carried within a canalphone. The system may also include a low frequency sound bore adjacent to the high frequency sound bore to form a single unit, the low frequency sound bore and the high frequency sound bore being sized so that the low frequency sound bore and the high frequency sound bore each deliver sound with similar time and phase. The system may further include a high acoustical driver carried within the canalphone where the high acoustical driver delivers sound through the high frequency sound bore. The system may additionally include a low acoustical driver carried within the canalphone where the low acoustical driver delivers sound through the low frequency sound bore.

Abstract: An earphone includes a front housing, a tuning element, a rear housing and a loudspeaker. The front housing has a hollow sound tube, a sealed cover and a sealed barrel. The sealed cover defines a tuning hole. The sealed barrel defines a leaking hole connecting between the tuning hole and an external space of the earphone. The tuning element rotatably mounted to the front housing has a tuning pillar inserted in the tuning hole. The tuning pillar defines a tuning fillister. The rear housing is assembled forward to the front housing for locating the loudspeaker between the front housing and the rear housing. A sound cavity is formed among the front housing, the rear housing and the loudspeaker, and is communicated with the tuning fillister. A relative position of the tuning fillister and the leaking hole is capable of being modulated by means of rotating the tuning element.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a unitary body having a hardness of between 20 and 35 according to the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and adapted to be removably inserted into the canal 10 of an ear. In an illustrative example, the body may include a central portion between an adapter portion disposed at the proximal end of the body to couple an audio signal from an audio signal source to the central lumen. The retention portion may be disposed at a distal end of the body along a distal end axis. When inserted in the ear canal, the retention portion may be adapted to engage the canal wall between a prominence and the eardrum membrane with comfort for extended periods of time, including during physical activities, without falling out of the ear. Some embodiments by be packaged as a kit containing pairs in a range of predetermined sizes.

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 cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wearing audio products are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for delivering sound to an ear includes a flexible material shaped to fit within an outer ear. The apparatus includes a movable member in contact with an inner surface of the flexible material, the flexible material configured to expand or retract responsive to movement of the member.