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 audio signal compensation device includes: a signal processor configured to perform filtering on an input audio signal; a filter coefficients storage module configured to store a plurality of filter coefficients; a user interface configured to provide options for a determination of filter coefficients to a user and to obtain a selection result from the user; and a filter coefficients determining module configured to determine a set of filter coefficients among the plurality of filter coefficients based on the selection result.

Abstract: An improved hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal of the CIC (Completely In the ear) and of the partially exposed ITC (In The Canal) type. This aid consists of a system of integrated parts allowing an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. A key aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear.

Abstract: An improved open ear hearing aid fitting for insertion into an ear canal is provided. The fitting offers enhanced acoustic performance while maintaining user comfort. The fitting comprises a polymeric body having at least one acoustic source and at least one aperture extending there through and a peripheral portion shaped to conform to surface of the ear canal. A porous material covers at least one aperture of the body.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal microphone (ECM) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and a sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECM calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear at a time t. The total SPL_Dose is calculated by determining SPL_Dose for periods ?t as measured at the ECM. The logic circuit may select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.

Abstract: An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the compliant element may be manufactured inverted, such that parting lines or other defects due to the manufacturing process are located on the outer surface of the inverted outer portion. Then, when the compliant element is inverted post-manufacturing, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are then on the inner surface of the outer portion).

Abstract: The adjustable mouth shield device provides an adjustably fitted mouth shield with adjustable headband for secure fit. The adjustable headband is fastened to the padded earpiece. The straight first extension from the earpiece is angled downwardly and forwardly to terminate in a swivel joint providing almost 360 degrees of swivel. The second extension is arced both downwardly and forwardly. The u-shaped mouthpiece is fitted to the adjustable spring mount for horizontal pivot of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may, by virtue of the swivel joint and the spring mount, be moved completely away from a user's mouth and, in turn, pivoted and swiveled to be directly in front of the user's mouth. The inward curves at the distal end of the mouthpiece aid in sliding on the disposable pads that shield a user from objects, foods and other materials.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides improved security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear yet positions the speaker in substantially the same distance relative to the concha and/or ear canal of a wearer as a wearer would ordinarily wear an earbud.

Abstract: A hearing aid device has a shell that fits into the upper part of the concha of the outer ear of a hearing-impaired person, and connecting element that is held in the concha of the outer ear and terminates in an ear piece in the ear canal. The combination of the shell and the connecting element in the concha retain the hearing aid in the outer ear.

Abstract: A receiver is provided having a balanced armature motor mechanically interconnected to a displaceable diaphragm component. A front volume changes as the displaceable diaphragm component moves. The front volume is connected to a port. A rear volume changes oppositely to the front volume as the displaceable diaphragm moves. An acoustic channel connects to the port and is also connected to a sound outlet. The sound outlet allows acoustic energy to exit from the acoustic channel. A first acoustic pressure is generated in the front volume as the balanced armature motor moves the diaphragm. The acoustic channel and the internal volume are divided by a common wall section, wherein the common wall section is defined by at least one of the walls of the housing which also provides a portion of at least one wall for the acoustic channel.

Abstract: An earplug cushion for an earphone comprises a central tube part with a sound outlet and a sound inlet fitting with the sound guide tube of the earphone, an outer shield part extending from the sound outlet to the sound inlet for being inserted into the canal, and a buffer part disposed at the tube part next to the sound outlet; according to special and effective design for the buffer part, when the earphone is worn with the earplug cushion, the buffer part becomes twisted and deformed to be adapted to the canal in different sizes snugly without clearances for decreasing oppression to the canal and enhancing quality of the listened sound.

Abstract: An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are on the inner surface of the outer portion).

Abstract: A deep insertion vented earpiece system is described including resilient earpieces shaped to a wearer's ear canal for a conformal fit. A receptacle is provided within the outer surface of each earpiece for releasably receiving an audio plug. The audio plugs include a miniature loudspeaker and a pair of external ribs for mating with a corresponding pair of grooves formed along the periphery of the receptacle. This rib and groove feature provides for a secure retention of the audio plugs while enabling a simple removal operation. Each earpiece includes an audio passage to conduct the audio signal from the loudspeaker and a vent passage to enable continuous venting of the wearer's ear to atmosphere.

Abstract: The method for reconstructing the three-dimensional shape of the surface (14) of at least a portion of an ear canal (18) and/or of a concha comprises—for each of a multitude of points (12) on said surface (14)—the step of using a chromatic coded distance measurement technique for determining a distance value (40) representative of a distance to said point (12); and further comprises the step of reconstructing said three-dimensional shape based on said multitude of distance values (40).

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions with enhanced sound attenuation characteristics for use in earpieces, for example, user-disposable foam members such as foam tips for sound control devices including sound transmission devices and earplugs in which a relationship between the size of the pores and the volume of the cells of the polymeric may be controlled.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A microphone-earphone includes a speaker connected to an acoustic device configured to measure acoustic characteristics of a listener's external auditory canal, and configured to output an acoustic signal toward the listener's external auditory canal, a microphone device disposed outside the listener's external auditory canal, an acoustic tube including one end connected to the microphone device and the other end opening to the listener's external auditory canal, and a housing including an opening portion which accommodates the speaker and is so disposed as to guide sound, which is output from the speaker, to the listener's external auditory canal. An inside diameter of the acoustic tube is less than a diameter of the opening portion.

Abstract: A flat earplug and flat earplug package assembly is provided and a method of forming a flat earplug. The flat earplug includes a flat, rectangular foam sheet having a first surface and second surface, and adapted to be rolled up upon itself to form a coiled earplug for insertion into a user's ear. An inner coil is compressed to form a rigid coil when rolled up upon itself and an outer coil expands after the coiled earplug is inserted into the user's ear. The flat earplug package assembly includes a tray container for retaining the foam sheet therein and a wrapping for enclosing the flat earplug and tray container therein.

Abstract: An earpiece. The earpiece includes an electronics module for wirelessly receiving incoming audio signals from an external source. The earpiece further includes a positioning and retaining structure comprising at least an outer leg and an inner leg, each of the outer leg and inner leg being attached at an attachment end to the body and attached at a joined end to each other. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure is substantially stiffer in one direction than in another. In its intended position, one of the two legs contacts the anti-helix at the rear of the concha, the joined end is under the anti-helix; a planar portion of the body contacts the concha; and a portion of the body is under the anti-tragus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hearing protector comprising two ear cups which are designed to cover the ears of the wearer of the hearing protector, and sealing rings (2) which are secured along the peripheries of the ear cups, the sealing rings each displaying at least one circumferential lamella (5, 6, 7), being manufactured from a resilient, possibly elastic material, and being formed to sealingly abut, around the wearer's ears, against the wearer's head, wherein the lamella (5,6, 7), at least along its edge regions located most proximal the wearer's head, display portions (13, 14, 15) which, in a direction towards the wearer, are arched from a central region (3) in the sealing ring (2) out towards its periphery (1).

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: An ear device, system and method which through use of at least one vented opening, helps protect against the potentially damaging condition of temporary and even permanent hearing loss as a result of oscillating static pressure in a sealed ear canal. Embodiments include venting for earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, balanced armature transducers and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the performance of hearing aids and the like. For example, an extension for a hearing aid can include a stem having one or more flanges formed thereon. The flanges can be configured to enhance the fit of the hearing aid in the ear canal. The extension can cushion sensitive tissues of the ear canal from contact with the hard plastic inner end of the hearing aid. The extension also inhibits undesirable leakage of sound around the hearing aid. Thus, both comfort and effectiveness of a hearing aid or the like are enhanced.

Abstract: In the case of a receiver facility to be fixed in the auditory canal, particularly for hearing devices with an external receiver, the receiver is to be mounted in the earmold in an acoustically advantageous fashion which guards against contaminations and is also easily exchangeable. Provision is thus made for a receiver facility with a longish receiver and a earmold, which has a borehole, into which the receiver is inserted. A tubular connector, which is more elastic than the receiver and the earmold, is used to accommodate for the most part the longitudinal extension of the receiver in a friction-locking fashion. The connector is for its part force-fitted into a borehole of the earmold in a friction-locking fashion. The receiver is thus elastically mounted and can be easily removed from the earmold together with the connector with the aid of a pin-like tool for replacement purposes.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal receiver (ECR) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and a sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECR and calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear for periods ?t. The logic circuit may select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.

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: An earplug (7) for a hearing aid (1), in particular for a BTE-type hearing aid, has a front end (8) and a rear end (9). The front end (8) is adapted to be inserted into an ear canal of a wearer. The earplug (7) comprises a main body part (10) comprising a longitudinal bore (11) extending along a centrally arranged axis (A-A) of the earplug (7), and at least one sound output passage (17) in communication with said longitudinal bore (11) and leading to a sound output opening (18). The earplug also has a collar (19), which is adapted to engage the wall of an ear canal and surrounds the main body part (10). The output opening (18) has at least one edge part (18a) located in a retracted manner with respect to said front end (8).

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal. The method may be performed by a DIC hearing aid user self-inserting the hearing aid or by a second person assisting the user. Embodiments of a DIC hearing aid insertion device include a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the base and having a channel sized for a DIC hearing aid, and a piston. The piston is supported by a support structure such that the piston's longitudinal axis is collinear with the channel and the piston is moveable into the channel. A method of using the insertion device includes seating the DIC hearing aid in the insertion device, positioning the base of the insertion conformably within the conchal bowl of the ear, and inserting the hearing aid deep into the ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an ear-mountable, paraboloid-shaped reflective acoustic lens which can be used to enhance a user's perception of the sounds from a source the user faces. The lens mechanically collects and naturally amplifies the airborne acoustic information from the sound source. The lens uses both the wearer's external ear as well as the interior face of an acoustic lens to coherently reflect increased amounts of sound from the source into the ear canal of a user who wears the lightweight, deformable lens. All sections of the lens meet the head of the user at an obtuse angle. The lens is held in place around the user's ear by the inward pressure of the lens pushing against the outside of the user's pinna. Adherence of the device to the ear of the wearer can be increased by an adhesive strip on the interior face of the lens.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: The invention describes an ear protector (1) comprising a resilient band (2), the free ends of which each have arranged thereon an earplug (4). The band (2) includes a first area (2a) whose center line (2a?) merges under an angle ? with an additional area (2b). When in use, the band is pivotable in the user's ears about an axis of rotation (3?) extending through the earplugs (4). In order to implement such an ear protector in a structurally simple manner such that noise disturbance caused when the band (2) rubs on a piece of clothing can be reduced or eliminated, it is suggested to implement a chin area (2a) and a cheek area (2b) between which the angle ? is provided, said angle ? ranging from 35° to 90°, preferably from 45° to 70° and even more preferably from 50° to 60°.

Abstract: An acoustic resistor or damper and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The damper has mesh material and mounting material attached to the mesh material. The mounting material defines an open region for transmission of sound through the mesh material, and has a mounting surface for mounting the damper on a surface surrounding an acoustic port or tube. The mounting surface is located on a plane different from the mesh material, thereby shielding the mesh material from adhesive applied between the mounting surface and the surface surrounding the acoustic port or tube. The method of manufacturing an acoustic damper comprises a sheet of double-sided tape having at least one perforation applied to a mesh material. The double-sided tape and mesh material is cut in the shape surrounding the at least one perforation.

Abstract: A flat, ribbon-like headphone cable having a unitary cable section, a splitter, and two split cable sections for connection to earpieces. The unitary and split cable sections each have substantially flat cross-sections wherein the width is substantially greater than the thickness. The split cable sections are oriented such that their widths are substantially perpendicular to the width of the unitary cable section.

Abstract: A construction of a CIC instrument is provided, along with a corresponding method of manufacturing such a CIC instrument, that prevents floating components from contacting with an isolated receiver and, therefore, assures feedback-free operation. This is achieved through the presence of a compartment for the receiver in which the receiver resides, and a cover placed on top of the receiver compartment in a mating recess of the receiver compartment.

Abstract: A hearing protection and/or loudspeaker element (1) is provided which includes a carrier part (2) arranged on a protective helmet (5) and a module (4) which can be actively connected to an outer ear of the wearer to act as a hearing protection and/or loudspeaker module. The carrier part (2) and protective helmet can be fixed to the head of the wearer. The module (4) which acts as the hearing protection and/or loudspeaker module can be adjusted in relation to the loudspeaker part (2) and shifted from a position of rest to a position of use. The module (4) itself is like a plug and is embodied as a part that covers the entrance of the human outer ear.

Abstract: An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sealing an orifice are provided. A sealing element is inserted into an orifice. A fluid is transferred into the sealing element. Fluid transfer into the sealing element is restricted when a pressure in the sealing element is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: An eartip that includes at least one acoustic material filled port is provided. The port and the acoustic material contained therein provide the eartip with a controlled acoustic leakage path, thus allowing the user to tailor the performance of the earphones to which the eartips of the invention are attached. The provided eartip is attachable to a standard, generic earpiece, for example through the use of interlocking members (e.g., channel/lip arrangement). At least one port, in addition to the central opening by which the eartip is attached to the earphone, extends through the eartip. The port can have a circular cross-section, arcuate cross-section, or other shape. If desired, for example to increase the port area, the eartip can be designed with multiple ports surrounding the central opening. Within the port is an acoustic material with the desired acoustic impedance. The eartip can be coded to allow identification of the acoustic qualities of a particular eartip.

Abstract: An ultra thin ear plug enables sound protection to be conveniently carried inside a wallet. The ear plug is made of a slow-recovery thin foam strip. The user rolls the strip into a cylinder, compresses the cylinder and inserts the compressed foam cylinder into the ear canal. The foam strip can incorporate a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface so that the ear plug retains the cylindrical shape after being rolled up. Tapered ends can assist sealing by minimizing the existence of an air gap at the center of the cylinder and on the ear canal. A flexible envelope about 0.008 inch thick and of credit card dimensions can provide packaging for two or more ear plugs and can provide a large surface area for promotional advertising. Total thickness of the packaged ear plugs can be thinner than 0.050 inch or the thickness of a credit card.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering sound to ear canal are provided. The apparatus generally includes a compressible and resilient toroidal section having an inner side and an outer side. An aperture extends from the outer side to the inner side and the outer side has a well disposed within an inner side surface about the aperture. The apparatus further includes a compressible and resilient spout integrated with the toroidal section and extending away from the inner side. The spout includes a channel disposed within an inner spout surface and the channel is coupled to the well.

Abstract: An improved hearing aid device adapted for use within the ear canal of the CIC (Completely In the ear) and of the partially exposed ITC (In The Canal) type. This aid consists of a system of integrated parts allowing an air gap to substantially surround the hearing aid shell and air passages which communicate with the inner ear minimizing occlusion sensations and providing the user with an enhanced natural hearing experience. A key aspect of this device is the provision of air passages in the mounting insert which securely positions the hearing aid shell in the wearer's canal. These passages are designed to stay open after insertion of the aid in the ear canal. In use, unamplified sound from the outside passes around the hearing aid shell, through the air passages in the mounting insert blending with the amplified sound emanating from the receiver. The area of air passages in the mounting insert can be tailored by the technician adapting to the hearing loss characteristics of the user.

Abstract: A self-fitting device for location in an ear canal. The device includes a body having a body ear end, an opposite body user end, and a shaft extending from the ear end to the user end. A resilient bladder is joined with the body ear end and a chamber is defined inside the resilient bladder. An elongate plunger is located in the shaft. The resilient bladder is deformable between an at-rest position and an in-ear position. The elongate plunger actuates between the at-rest position and an insertion position to assist the resilient bladder to be deformed into the in-ear position. The plunger actuates in the insertion position without extending a front end portion of the bladder forward of a position of the front end portion when the bladder is in the at-rest position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for predicting long-term exposure to a hazardous environment based on a user-controllable measurement interval of short duration. In an embodiment, the system includes an electronic circuit for receiving one or more signals representative of the level of a hazard in an environment using one or more of a hazard level sensor and a direct input jack. The system further includes a processor within the electronic circuit for determining an accumulated dose over a user-controllable measurement interval. In addition, the processor predicts hazardous exposure for a user-settable extended period greater than the user-controllable measurement interval and based on the accumulated dose. The dosimeter also includes a user-operable switch within the electronic circuit and in communication with the processor for controlling the user-controllable measurement interval to be less than a nominal measurement interval.

Abstract: A method for voice communication which includes sensing at least one channel of audio information from proximate a first external auditory canal of a user, sensing at least one channel of audio information proximate a second external auditory canal of the user, and wirelessly transmitting the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the first external auditory canal of the user and the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the second external auditory canal of the user. The method may further include producing a stereophonic audio signal based on the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the first external auditory canal and the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the second external auditory canal. The signal may be stereophonic, recognize right or left, and be tailored to fit the audiometric needs of the user.

Abstract: A self-fitting device for location in an ear canal. The device includes a body having a body ear end, an opposite body user end, and a shaft extending from the ear end to the user end. A resilient bladder is joined with the body ear end and a chamber is defined inside the resilient bladder where the chamber is in communication with the shaft and the resilient bladder has a wall portion and is deformable from an at-rest position to an in-ear position. The resilient bladder has a variable strength profile in the wall portion of the bladder.

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 earphone device integrated with a microphone has a main body, a microphone unit and a speaker unit. The microphone unit has a sound-absorbing film and a circuit unit, the sound-absorbing film being a hollow column and being connected to the main body through a rear end thereof, and the circuit unit being fixed on the main body and electrically connected to the sound-absorbing film. The speaker unit is mounted inside the sound-absorbing film of the microphone unit such that the microphone unit is located peripheral to the speaker unit. A microphone and an earphone can thus be integrated together as a whole so as to form an earphone device that can be used conveniently.

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: User disposable sleeves for use with sound controlling structures having a non-constant radial profile can include an inner portion adapted to releasably attach to the sound controlling structure and an outer portion adapted to fit within a user's ear canal. The user disposable sleeve can include holding means configured to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate sound controlling structure and fitment means configured to conform to an inner surface of an ear. The fitment means can be fixedly disposed over the holding means.