Abstract: A novel earplug comprising a stack of thin flexible plastic discs bonded together about a central hole and loose at the edges is formed with a central core or plug forming a nose or bumper and a handle tail. The configuration described permits easy insertion and removal from the ear and the multiple disc structure forms a barrier to the entry of acoustic noise into the ear canal.

Abstract: An earcup assembly for protecting the ear of the wearer from ambient sound in which a cylinder within a shell adapted to surround the wearer's ear and having a resilient seal engaging the wearer's head around his ear, receives a piston which is held in a fixed position relative to the wearer's head to maintain the volume of the space within the earcup between the piston and the ear seal opening approximately constant when the ear seal flexes under the action of ambient noise impinging on the shell.

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: Stereo speakers 30 can be disconnected from a crossover headband 10 and clipped onto a variety of headwear in use today, such as a baseball cap, sweatband or sunvisor. A spring-loaded base piece and socket 24 allows the speaker 30 to adjust at an angle perpendicular to the user's ears and rotate 360 degrees laterally to the ear without removing the speakers from the head.

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 sprung attachment arm for sound attenuating devices intended to form part of a head stirrup or to be fitted to a protective helmet. The arm (2) is constructed so that one end thereof can be attached to a protective ear muff (4) in a manner to spring-press the ear muff against the head of the wearer. The arm (2) has a substantially straplike configuration along at least part of its length and a cross-section through the straplike part presents at least one part which functions as a sprung leg (5) which forms an angle with adjacent parts of the straplike part (2). The straplike part (2) will preferably include at least two mutually angled sprung legs (5). A sprung arm of this configuration will produce an abutment pressure which will vary only slightly in response to different head sizes.

Abstract: An acoustically sealed earmold for a hearing aid insertable into the ear of individuals with impaired hearing can be prepared in situ employing the hydrophilic composite polymer materials described herein. Such composite materials include at least one hydrophilic polymer in a powder form and one or more liquid components of which at least one is hydrophilic and which can be polymerized with said hydrophilic polymer. The resulting earmold has a shape-retaining, non-tacky flexible consistency which allows it to be shaped further and also to be modified to accommodate a receiver adapter or external receiver. The earmold can then be cured by any of the conventional curing methods to retain its shape permanently. This method enables an audiologist to fit the earmold and evaluate the hearing aid in a single office visit.

Abstract: A sound-attenuating impact-absorbing earcup comprises a shell having a plurality of generally circular recesses adjacent to the periphery of the cup which function as stiffening contours. The stiffening contours increase the effective stiffness of the earcup shell, improving its sound attenuating capability, and also concentrate applied stress onto those portions of the stiffening contours nearest the point of applied stress. Sufficient applied force causes the shell to fracture in the areas of the stress concentrators, thereby to absorb impact energy in a controlled manner without transmitting it to the head of the wearer. To further enhance its sound-attenuating and impact-absorbing capabilities, the earcup is formed of a low-tensile-strength, high-elongation, high-loss-factor material such as polyvinyl chloride or similar polymer.

Abstract: A resilient annular earseal for sealing the region between an earcup shell and a wearer's head is formed with an aperture for receiving the wearer's ear and has an outer peripheral portion projecting a predetermined first distance toward the wearer's head and an inner peripheral portion projecting a predetermined second distance toward the wearer's head that is appreciably greater than the first distance. Since the inner peripheral portion contacts the wearer's head along a strip that is closer to the ear, and hence more predictable in its three-dimensional contour, it forms an effective seal around the entire periphery of the ear.

Abstract: A listening enhancement device in which a flat body (18) with a ear-hook (14) cutout can be converted to a sound gathering acoustical scoop by engagement of a fastener system located on the body (18) of the device. Once fastened into its functional shape the device can be independently engaged wtih the ear. The device is made in mirror image pairs so one device is specifically for the left ear and the other for the right. The device is reversible as to which side of the body (18) forms the sound gathering acoustic scoop. When reversed the device that is specific to the left ear becomes specific to the right ear and visa versa. Each side of the body (18) of the device has its own acoustic properties. By reversing the device the user can choose which acoustic properties most benefit them. The device is adjustable in acoustic gain. This is accomplished by different fastener engagement positions, which in turn change the size and shape of the sound gathering acoustic scoop.

Abstract: A headphone device includes a pair of housings each attached to a hanger and supporting a loudspeaker unit, and a headband having opposite ends to which the hangers are secured. Each housing includes a front plate to which the loudspeaker unit is attached and a main body portion preferably constructed of natural wood and enclosing the loudspeaker unit with the exception of a front surface of the loudspeaker unit. The inner surface of the main body portion of the housing includes a plurality of irregularities which prevent the generation of standing waves and scatter the housing resonant locations so as to maintain a high quality of reproduced sound.

Abstract: An acoustic device for mechanically reflecting sound waves into the ear in an undistorted and directionally selective manner has a pair of movable acoustic reflectors constructed, configured and mounted to preserve accurately phase, frequency and image information in the sound waves of interest to the front of the user, secured to a headband or helmet in positions that place the focal points of the reflectors beyond the base of the lenses within the user's ear.

Abstract: A spacing device which holds earphones away from the ears to create a sense of live music when the earphones are used in conjunction with loudspeakers. The spacers allow sound from loudspeakers set away from the user to reach the ear from all directions. When the spacer is worn to hold earphones a distance from the ear while listening to recorded music played through both earphones and loudspeakers from the same source the user experiences an increase in ambience or sense of concert-hall realism.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer includes a housing enclosing an electro-acoustic transducer device and having an opening by which the diaphragm side of the transducer device is exposed to the outside, and a ring provided to the outer surface of the perimeter of the opening. The outer perimeter of the ring is adapted to be softer and more pliable than the housing.

Abstract: An acoustically shielded speaker enclosure for use in the ear pockets of motorcycle helmets is disclosed wherein parasitic sound waves emitted from the rear side of an enclosed audio loudspeaker are prevented from entering the motorcycle rider's ear and from mixing with and distorting the primary sound waves issued from the audio loudspeaker directed at the rider's ear. The acoustically shielded speaker enclosure consists of a pair of joined together cup-shaped housing assemblies forming a shortened cylinder adapted to enclose and secure an audio loudspeaker, the enclosure having openings in one face of the housing assemblies to allow passage of the primary sound waves from the contained loudspeaker. An acoustic shield attached to the speaker enclosure cylindrical side extends to the edge of the ear pocket and is sealed there.

Abstract: A vented speaker enclosure for use in the ear pockets of motorcycle helmets is disclosed which carries off parasitic sound waves emitted from the rear side of an enclosed audio loudspeaker in order that the parasitic sound waves not be allowed to enter the motorcycle rider's ear and distort the primary sound waves issued from the audio loudspeaker. The vented speaker enclosure consists of a pair of joined together cup-shaped housing assemblies adapted to enclose and secure the audio loudspeaker, having openings in one face of the housing assemblies to allow passage of the sounds waves from the contained louspeaker, and a venting tube connected to an opening through the peripheral wall of the speaker enclosure, the vent tube carrying off and away the parasitic sounds emanating from the rear of the loudspeaker. The venting tube is situated in creases of the helmet inner cushion leading to the outside.

Abstract: A headphone having a dual element speaker unit including a face plate having an opening generally centrally located therein. A case coupler is mounted in the opening, and has an annular projection protruding through the opening. A first dynamic transducer is mounted within that annular projection. A second dynamic transducer is mounted to the case coupler opposite the first transducer. The case coupler includes an isolating plate, positioned between the first and second transducers, for sonically isolating the first transducer from the second. A grill plate is mounted over the annular projection, for providing a load to the first transducer. The isolating plate includes an opening, located outside the periphery of the annular projection, for allowing the passage of sound from the second transducer to the listener. A support assembly is connected to the face plate, and a cup assembly in turn connected to the support assembly.

Abstract: An anatomically shaped earseal is provided for headset earcups. The earseal s thinner at the top than at the bottom and gradually widens toward the bottom to evenly distribute the pressure and provide a tight seal with the wearer's head.

Abstract: A headset is provided which includes an inverted cup-shaped housing. The housing contains a rigid membrane which separates the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An inertial transducer is positioned in the upper chamber secured to the membrane. Electrical leads extend into the transducer through water tight connections. A headband is provided to secure the headset to a listener's ear and a cushion is provided about the open bottom end of the headset housing. Only the transducer itself is water tight. Both the upper and lower chambers of the housing freely permit the passage of water.

Abstract: An acoustic ear muff includes a pad or cup (2) which is made of rigid material and incorporates an opening for receiving one ear of the wearer, and a resilient sealing annulus (10) intended for abutment with the head of the wearer, and also resilient pressure-exerting means (5) connected to the shell of a protective helmet (1), a head strap or like head gear. The ear muff provides good acoustic damping and a high degree of comfort, owing to the fact that the resilient pressure-exerting means is configured to produce a low pressing force substantially independently of head sizes which vary within given limits. The pressure-exerting means includes, to this end, a spring element in the form of a combined torsion and bending spring.

Abstract: The ear muff according to the present invention is a water-repellent material lined with thin insulation sewn into the form of a pocket which fits around the ear of the wearer to protect the ear against cold, wind, snow, or the like without substantially impairing hearing. The ear muff is kept engaged to the ear by means of an elastic loop residing in the hem of the opening of the pocket which contracts around the base of the ear, and in addition, adjacent to the elastic within the hem, a malleable earlobe clasp which the wearer clamps around the earlobe, so that the ear muff can be used by people with attached earlobes as well as by people with unattached earlobes. The lined water-repellent material comprising the pocket plays no part in keeping the ear muff engaged to the ear, and thus is made of flexible material so that it can conform to various shapes of ears.

Abstract: In a hearing device, such as a circumaural earmuff cup or a circumaural earphone cup, either of which comprises an earpad assembly in contact with the external ear, through which sound is conducted to the external ear for the purpose of providing at the eardrum a sound pressure having a prescribed ratio with respect to the sound pressure at a source, the invention comprising a predetermined sound leakage path through said earpad assembly, to reduce the variable in said ratio, that is customarily encountered caused by the variations in the shape of the external ear from one user to another and by variations in position and force of contact of the earpad resting against the pinna.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing sound-attenuating earcup comprises a rigid shell of an ABS terpolymer that is about 0.090 inch thick so as to crush upon impact at an applied force less than that required to crush the skull of the wearer. The shell has an inner coating of a sound-deadening rubber material to compensate for the reduced sound-attenuating capability of the thinner-than-normal shell. Spaced flanges defining a peripheral channel for receiving a cord of a helmet suspension are formed as staggered series of tabs rather than as circumferentially continuous members to facilitate crushing of the shell upon impact. Resilient earseals disposed between the shells and the wearer's ears comprise first thicknesses of standard polyurethane foam and second thicknesses of slow-recovery polyurethane foam to provide additional impact absorption while permitting the earseals to conform to the wearer's head in cold weather when the helmet is first put on.

Abstract: An anechoic ear piece for placement about a human ear. The internal surface of the ear piece is lined with acoustic foam to prevent sound wave from reflecting off of the inner surface of the ear piece into the human ear. Furthermore, the ear piece is cone shaped with the apex of the cone adapted to lie opposite the listener's ear whereby sound waves entering the ear piece but not entering the ear itself directly, will impact on the inner surface of the ear piece wherein those waves not absorbed will be reflected toward other inner surfaces of the ear piece where continued absorption will take place.

Abstract: A construction for housing a microphone is disclosed. The construction is configured to improve the wind and noise protection for a small diameter microphone by providing a large diameter opening tapering to a smaller microphone aperture. The construction comprises a housing for a microphone transducer, and an adapter mateable with the transducer and housing. The adapter includes a plate having a greater diameter than the microphone aperture, and tapering to the smaller microphone diameter opening. In the preferred embodiments of the construction, a windscreen is included covering the tapered portion of the adapter.

Abstract: In a hearing aid of the type including a battery containing housing normally supported rearwardly of the ear auricle by an elongated hook joining one end of the housing to an ear opening contained ear molding, an elongated tube is secured, at it respective ends, with resilient bands which surround respective end portions of the hearing aid housing and in combination with the hearing aid housing, forms an endless configuration which surrounds the ear auricle at its juncture with the head and positions the hearing aid housing rearwardly of the ear auricle and maintains it in this position by the strand fitting snugly adjacent the user's head and forwardly of the tragus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an otoplastic. An otoplastic is manufactured directly in the ear of a hearing-impaired person in that a deformable envelope is pulled over a die or over a shell or over an overlayed over-shell. This apparatus is then supplied with flowing otoplastic material between the die and the envelope, being supplied therewith in the ear. The envelope expands and assumes the shape of the auditory canal. After hardening or curing of the otoplastic material in the ear of the hearing-impaired person, the envelope and the die are removed and a module of either an in-the-ear or of a behind-the-ear hearing aid is integrated therewith.

Abstract: A headphone cushion comprises two concentric rings of nonliquid gelatin-like silicone on a layer of soft, slow recovery foam enclosed in a thin stretchable layer of polyurethane skin.

Abstract: A rotary shaft is provided with at least two pins at its one end, these two pins fitting into two holes of the cover. The other end of the rotary shaft carries a polygonal screw pin for screwing on the adaptor.

Abstract: A high frequency emphasis microphone particularly adapted to a hearing aid application provides a steeply rising frequency response characteristic relative to frequency, and has a low pass sonic attenuator for providing to the undriven side of the microphone diaphragm a sonic counterpressure which at low frequencies substantially cancels ambient sound pressure delivered to the driven side of the diaphragm, the attenuator reducing this counterpressure at elevated frequencies to provide accentuated high frequency response. The attenuator includes a pair of inertance-forming restricted passageways passing a portion of incoming sound to a bypass port leading to the undriven side of the diaphragm, the passageways being defined by a U-shaped plate disposed within a chamber confronting the driven side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure ring for an earmuff, an earphone, or the like, wherein the earmuff, or the like, includes a sealing ring which is applied against the head of the wearer around the ears and the pressure ring is behind and applies pressure to the sealing ring at the top, contact surface of the pressure ring. The contact surface is taller above the base surface of the pressure ring at the peripheral outer edge of the pressure ring than at the peripheral inner edge of the pressure ring so that the sealing ring is concave and the surface of the ear cover over the ear is concave. At least the peripheral outer edge of the contact surface varies in height between the taller upper and lower ends of the pressure ring, on the one hand, and the central region of the pressure ring, on the other hand. At least one groove channel wraps at least partially around the pressure ring and extends into the pressure ring from the contact surface.

Abstract: A stepped frequency microphone particularly adapted to a hearing aid application provides a stepped frequency response characteristic relative to frequency, and has a low-pass sonic attenuator for providing to the undriven side of the microphone diaphragm a sonic counterpressure which at low frequencies substantially cancels ambient sound pressure delivered to the drive side of the diaphragm, the attenuator reducing this counterpressure at elevated frequencies to provide accentuated high frequency response.

Abstract: An ear pad for earphones comprises a foam-like material formed into a pad enclosing the user's ear in use in order to expand the essentially linear frequency response of a good earphone so that it brings also the lowest still audible frequencies into the linear region, and simultaneously with the expansion of the transmission range of the earphone, to make the reproduction of stereophonic acoustic events more natural. The ear pad is advantageously shaped and made of open-cell elastic foam material having on its inner and/or its outer side or in its interior so as to be disposed in the sound path from the coupling space outward, at least one passive membrane supported for vibration and having a natural resonance which lies in the range of the lower frequencies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an in-the-ear-canal hearing aid with microphone, amplifier, volume control, battery compartment with battery, and earphone, together with an individually matched ear-piece by making an impression of the ear canal for producing a casting mold and filling the casting mold with a polymerizable plastic.The new process involves pulling at least one prefabricated plastic hollow body, matched to the dimensions of the earphone and the other components, into the casting mold, filling the cavity between the hollow body and casting mold with polymeriable plastic, polymerizing the plastic and completing the hearing aid by inserting the earphone and the other components into the completed ear-piece, including securing a cover plate to the ear-piece, after stripping and removal of all parts not required.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus comprises a pair of cup shaped members positionable behind the ears of a user and being connected by means of a headband. The cup shaped members form sound reflective surfaces which direct sound waves into the user's ears to thus increase his or her hearing capacity. A modified embodiment of the invention utilizes foam padding in a rear portion of the cup shaped members, and this padding causes a gentle forward bending of the user's ears to further increase hearing ability. Additionally, the cup shaped members may be provided with through-extending apertures which permit limited air flow within the members. The air flow through the apertures prevents humidity and heat buildup within the members which could affect sound reflection capabilities. The apertures are of a cone shape with the large open end directed towards the interior sections of the members.

Abstract: A device for improving the hearing acuity of a user directionally, including a pair of reflectors to be supported behind the user's ears so as to increase the effective area of the outer ear and reflect an increased amount of sound energy into the user's ears from a position in front of the user. The reflectors are supported alternatively on a headband or a cap equipped with horizontally extending straps which permit adjustment of the location of each reflector, and the reflectors are attached to the headband or straps by a respective base plate to which each reflector is attached pivotably so that the reflectors can be adjusted to optimum positions.

Abstract: An earphone has a housing divided by a driver unit into front and back cavities with a sound generation opening at the front thereof, a duct extending from the back cavity of the housing and having a length substantially larger than its diameter, and a casing attached to the housing and communicating with the back cavity through a pipe having a length longer than its diameter, with the resonant frequency determined by the casing and pipe being made near to the resonant frequency determined by the equivalent mass of the vibration system, that is, the diaphragm and voice coil of the driver unit, and by the compliance of the back cavity, so that the lowest resonant frequency of the earphone can be lowered while the peak that would otherwise be formed in the frequency characteristic of the earphone by the resonance between the back cavity and mass of the vibration system can be supressed for improving the high frequency characteristic.

Abstract: In a hearing aid of the type, including a battery containing housing supported rearwardly of the ear auricle by an elongated tube joining one end of the housing to an ear opening contained ear molding, an endless flexible ring surrounds the ear auricle at its juncture with the head and a pair of flexible bands transversely surrounding intermediate portions of the ring also transversely surround, in supporting relation, the hearing aid housing to maintain it in a desired location.

Abstract: Submersible personal stereo using a source, such as a radio, of stereo signals, a pair of sealed chambers housing a pair of electro-acoustic transducer and acoustic transmissive tubing for transmitting sound from the chambers to ear plugs, the tubing being non-wet by water and of a small inner diameter to keep water from entering.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring device for sound sensing in the recording, reproduction, broadcasting, or transmission of sounds, and a process for forming the device. The acoustic monitoring device is shaped like a human head equipped with anatomical features which accurately reproduce the shape of the auricles, the auditory meatus, the Eustachian tubes, and the nasal and oral cavities. Membranes responsive to sound pressures are located at the positions of the ear drums or other auditory organs. The device is produced by a process that includes forming a first mold on a human head, forming a casting from that mold, forming a second mold on the casting, and painting the second mold with a liquid silicone rubber which is allowed to dry to form resilient casting segments simulating the human head. Anatomical features simulating the brain and internal members defining the Eustachian tubes and the nasal and oral cavities are provided within a skull model.

Abstract: Response-modifying acoustic couplers are provided for use between an output port of a hearing aid unit and an earmold at the entrance to the ear of a wearer, including a passage and a chamber which respectively provide a high acoustic inertance and a high acoustic compliance to cooperate with other acoustic elements and to form an acoustic network producing a predetermined frequency response characteristic.

Abstract: An earmuff (10) has a sealing ring (20) with an outer liquid layer (38) and a foamed plastics layer (36) thereinunder. The liquid layer is arranged as a separate, annular, sheath-equipped liquid ring (38) the sheath (40) of which can move freely relative the sheath (30,32) of the sealing ring (20).

Abstract: An earmuff assembly releaseably attached to a headset commonly used with radio and audio playback units in order to protect the user's ears in inclement weather. The assembly includes a muff body formed by a thermal covering, surrounding a core element, and the muff body has a soft front face positionable against the ear. The muff body has a central opening to telescopically receive an earphone to orient the earphone at a location adjacent the ear. The muff body is secured to the headset, for example, by a cover plate defined by a disc covered with fabric that extends over the opening, with the muff body and the cover plate connected together by a mating hook and loop fastening strip. Alternatively, attachment may be by means of an elastic panel. The core element may, if desired, be stiffened by an annular plate.

Abstract: Protection apparatus for excluding undesirable noise from the eardrum and inner ear of a user. The disclosed apparatus includes an evacuated, transmission medium-free, cavity for attenuating the noise energy. Plural arrangements of the evacuated cavity between the eardrum and noise environ are included. Uses of the disclosed protection apparatus in several military and industrial applications are described, including applications wherein communication with the protection user is needed.

Abstract: A hollow shell-type hearing aid is prepared from an impression of the ear. A mold is formed from the impression. An opening is cut in the mold and the mold is filled through the opening with hardenable material. The hardenable material is allowed to cure until a hard shell of the material forms on the surface of the mold. The remaining hardenable material is poured out of the mold through the opening and the shell is then removed.

Abstract: An earphone having a housing, a speaker unit accommodated in the housing and a duct formed in the housing to pass sound emanated from the rear surface of the speaker unit and in which a mesh subjected to water repellent treatment is provided within the duct.

Abstract: An earphone for a wireless communication system having a transceiver unit for converting electrical signals to audio signals and coupling the audio signals through the earphone includes a shallow cup that has a communication passage between the exterior and interior with a closure member biased to a first position for sealing the communication passage and having a switch manipulatable to move the closure member from the position position to provide voice communication through the communication passage.

Abstract: A stirrup-shaped support for supporting ear protectors for example has two end parts, between which there is located an intermediate part incorporating an inner section and an outer section. When the end parts are moved away from one another, the inner section is arranged to be subjected to a tensile force while the outer section is arranged to buckle, at the same time, towards the inner section. The rigidity of the outer section is such that the force required to move the end parts away from each other is substantially constant within a predetermined range of distances between the end parts.

Abstract: A method and system for sensory prostheses are disclosed, particularly with respect to implanted auditory prostheses and implanted visual prostheses both of which function as artificial receptors. The method and system are utilized to provide prostheses that use sensory codes which simulate the natural sensory code for recognition and identification which has been found to be the integral of the temporally dispersed receptor signal. Speech recognition is improved by incorporating temporal dispersion into cochlear prostheses and visual pattern reognition is improved by manintaining current levels below those needed for detection.