Abstract: A flexible device having a flexible cup for attachment to a hearing aid housing for insertion in an ear canal of a user. The flexible cup includes an opening for securely accommodating a hearing aid housing upon insertion of the housing in the opening. The flexible cup also includes a plurality of spiral shaped ribs on an inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: An ear plug includes a first shelter for extending into an ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into an inner ear a second shelter for accommodating with the ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into the ear canal, and a connection portion is narrower than those of the first and second shelters connected between the first and second shelters. The first shelter has a flexible and thin peripheral flange. The second shelter has first and second walls that defines a hollow cylindrical. The first wall of the second shelter is connected with the connection portion. The second shelter and the connection portion are also hollow.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individual. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a haring device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: A curable composition and method for producing a soft yet durable elastomeric in-the-ear product having a Shore A hardness of about 55 or less upon cure. The curable composition incorporated in a hearing aid apparatus provides a soft, flexible tip member which was mated to a rigid hearing aid shell. The tip member provides better comfort, durability and acoustic performance for a variety of ear canal shapes and movements. The curable composition which provides these properties includes a urethane acrylate oligomer and a reactive plasticizer or reactive diluent to provide a Shore hardness of about 55 or less upon cure. The curable composition may be used for other ear-worn products where these properties are desired like for ear plugs, ear phones and ear connectors.

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

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

Abstract: An earbud headset is provided that includes a speaker housing which advantageously allows for improved comfort, sound quality, and stability in the ear. The speaker housing includes a head portion and a thin edge portion that extends from the head portion to interface with a faceplate. The thin edge portion allows for acoustic coupling to deeper areas of the user's ear to provide better sound quality. A bias member is operably coupled to the speaker housing to contact an upper concha of the user's ear to provide bias forces for improved stability, sound quality, and universal fit.

Abstract: An ear plug includes a first shelter for extending into an ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into an inner ear, a second shelter for accommodating with the ear canal thereby preventing water from flowing into the ear canal, and a connection portion is narrower than those of the first and second shelters connected between the first and second shelters. The first shelter has a flexible and thin peripheral flange. The second shelter has first and second walls that defines a hollow cylindrical. The first wall of the second shelter is connected with the connection portion. The second shelter and the connection portion are also hollow.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for inserting and retaining an acoustical damper in a sound port for in-ear monitoring systems. In particular, a device having an insertion rod for guiding an acoustical damper into the opening of a sound port, and displacement members for forming retaining notches at the opening of the sound port, whereby the retaining notches retain the acoustical damper in the sound port.

Abstract: A hearing device for inserting into or adjacent to the ear of an individual. A shell is custom-shaped to fit the individual. The shell is made mainly of a first material and includes a part made mainly of the first material. The part has an inner surface. A pattern of embossments or indentations is provided in the inner surface. The pattern is made out of the first material. The pattern represents an individualized identification code of the part or the device. The pattern is generated concurrent to the manufacture of said part. The pattern can be generated using a laser sintering process, a laser lithography process, a stereo lithography process, or a thermojet process.

Abstract: In a hearing aid device wearable in the ear with a housing, the battery loader is exposed to high mechanical stresses. In order to improve the attachment of the battery loader to the housing of the hearing aid device, the invention provides for the battery loader at the housing in the area of the housing opening a stabilization element that prevents deformations and in particular distortions of the housing in the area of the housing opening given high mechanical stress.

Abstract: A battery assembly is constructed of an elongated plastic shell irregularly shaped to fit optimally in anatomical cavities, particularly ear canals. The battery assembly relies structurally on a thin plastic shell which is designed to be inexpensively formed in a variety of complex shapes, thus offering superior volumetric utilization and energy capacity when compared with conventional metal button cell designs. In preferred embodiments, the shell is domed to distribute axial stresses so that it can be thin and still provide sufficient strength to avoid breakage in an extended wear environment despite its plastic composition. A preferred embodiment of a hearing device incorporating the battery assembly is disposable, to be discarded upon depletion of the electrical energy of the battery assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing aid for insertion in the auditory canal, comprising a hearing aid housing and a face plate and a shell that is matched to the auditory canal of a user and has a tightening protrusion that extends along the surface of the shell and at least partly encircles the shell thereby providing a tight seal against the auditory canal wall when the shell is inserted in the auditory canal.

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.

Abstract: A device to be insertion in an auditory canal of the ear of a human user to assist teh delievry of an auditory stimulus to the middle ear near the eardrum has a shell with a generally cone-shaped exterior defined by a larger end for positioning toward the external end of the auditory canal and a smaller end for positioning toward the internal end of the auditory canal. At least one internal passage communicates the larger end with the smaller end. the shell is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of soft thermoplastics (STP), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and any combination of the foregoing, so that it has a Shore A hardness of less than about 80 and the exterior of the shell compresses to be frictionally retained in the auditory canal of the user. In another embdiment of the device, a soft pliable shell is provided to enclose a rigid case of a hearing assistance device which is worn behind the pinna of the ear of a human user.

Abstract: A system for voice sound communicated control includes an earpiece adapted to be inserted into the external auditory canal of the user and having a bone conduction sensor being adapted to sense bone conductive vibrations in the external auditory canal and an air conduction sensor being adapted to sense air vibrations, a processor electrically connected to the bone conduction sensor and the air conduction sensor and adapted to provide a voice sound signal. A local unit can be controlled by the earpiece. The local unit includes a reciever, a speech processor, a control unit and a device, the functions of the device being controlled via voice sound information received from the earpiece.

Abstract: The prevent invention is related to a cushion cover to improve adherence and to prevent pains when wearing earphones which deliver sounds of various portable small-sized recorders, radios, etc. by inserting them into earholes inside of earflaps for a long time. The cushion cover which covers the circumference of the insertion portion of earphones in the present invention is composed of the fixing-in portion which is grounded to the above insertion portion, the ear connection portion which is grounded to the inner earflaps, and the air chamber which absorbs the pressure added to the fixing-in portion and connection portion in order to soften adherence to earholes.

Abstract: A hearing protective device is provided including a first sound attenuating element, a second sound attenuating element, a flexible elongated member connecting the first sound attenuating element and the second sound attenuating element, and a knot formed in the flexible elongated member, the knot is untied by moving the first sound attenuating element in a direction away from second sound attenuating element.

Abstract: A hearing device, which is to be applied to an area of an individual's ear, is manufactured in that the skin of that application area is first analyzed and the outer surface area of the hearing device is adapted to the characteristics of that skin, thereby taking into account the result of said analyzing. Analyzing may preferably be directed on characteristics of visual appearance, surface structure, chemical surface characteristics, mechanical behavior and state of health of such skin.

Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing, an electrical unit and a speaker. The housing has first and second portions, and an arc-shaped portion with a first end connected to the first portion and a second end connected to the second portion. The first and second portions have confronting inner end surfaces. The arc-shaped portion has a curved inner surface contiguous with the inner end surfaces of the first and second end portions. The curved inner surface cooperates with the inner end surfaces to define a cavity having a size sufficient to permit extension of an upper part of the human outer ear therethrough. The electrical unit has components distributed between the first and second portions. The speaker is mounted on the housing, is coupled to the electrical unit, and is disposed in the cavity so as to be located adjacent to an ear canal of the human outer ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving a user's hearing and more particularly to a receiver system used in the system. In one embodiment, the receiver system has a housing and a plurality of arms extending from the housing for positioning and suspending the receiver within the ear canal of a user. Each of the arms may be formed from a flexible, plastic material or a bendable wire. In a second embodiment, the receiver system is surrounded by a disc formed from a sound filtering material. When installed in a hearing aid system, the receiver is separated from the microphone. When installed in a tinnitus/hyperacusis device, the receiver is separated from the body of the instrument.

Abstract: An earplug type earphone without impulse noise and surroundings blockade includes an earphone housing having a sound chamber inside thereof and a loudspeaker mounted therein, wherein a plurality of sound outlet meshes is provided on the front end of the earphone housing. A proper distance is given between the front end of the earphone housing and the loudspeaker mounted therein. A plurality of sound inlet meshes is provided on and encircled the earphone housing within the proper distance. The lower impulse noise output end with respect to two output ends of the loudspeaker is arranged to face to the sound outlet meshes. Therefore, the earphone can prevent not only the impulse noise directly impact to the middle ear but also the damage of the middle ear and the cause of conductive hearing loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earplug formed of a body and a stem member. The body has an insertion end and an opposing second end and further includes a stem channel formed therein. The stem member is disposed within the stem channel of the body so, as to securely couple the stem member to the body for easy insertion of the earplug into an ear of the wearer. According to the present invention, the stem member is formed of a material such that insertion of the earplug into the ear results in the stiffness of the stem member decreasing such that the stem member becomes less stiff upon being inserted and positioned within the ear. Advantageously, the design and/or material of the stem member permits the earplug to be stiff for insertion thereof into the ear; however, the preferred material used to form the stem member exhibits a softening characteristic such that upon insertion into the ear, the stem member softens.

Abstract: A sound damping filter for an ear protector placeable in the auditory duct of a person. The sound damping filter comprises a sound damping canal with a passage extending from a sound inlet opening to a sound outlet opening. The passage of the sound damping canal is closed off by means of an air-permeable, sheetlike membrane, such that transport of air through the filter is possible. The invention also relates to an ear protector and a method for manufacturing a membrane for a sound damping filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individual. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a haring device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: An earmold, including retention flaps to more securely hold an audio device coupled to the earmold, is provided. In some embodiments, the audio device includes both a microphone and a speaker while in other embodiments the audio device is a speaker associated with a portable audio system.

Abstract: An ear mold with a tubular passage adopted to fit into the ear canal is described. A stent adapted to be inserted in the ear molds tubular passage for increasing the outer diameter of a loose fitting ear mold is provided. The stented ear mold prevents acoustic feedback.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a chip for use in a voice communication device. The chip provides for both bone conduction sensing and air conduction sensing. The chip includes a bone conduction sensing pattern disposed within the chip and a microphone sensing pattern disposed within the chip. In addition, the chip can optionally include an integrated circuit portion interconnected to the bone conduction sensing pattern and the microphone sensing pattern. The pattern can be of a piezoelectric polymer, the patterns overlaying the substrate. Preferably, the bone conduction sensing pattern and the microphone sensing pattern are placed on opposite ends of the chip.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid has a housing with an audio input end and an audio output end. The housing is formed of two sections which are coupled together along a seam which extends between the two ends. An elastomeric sheath can enclose the housing.

Abstract: An earmold, including retention flaps to more securely hold an audio device coupled to the earmold, is provided. In some embodiments, the audio device includes both a microphone and a speaker while in other embodiments the audio device is a speaker associated with a portable audio system.

Abstract: The stethoscope has a chest piece and two earpieces and two continuous passages, one from each earpiece to the chest piece. The passages may be in separate tubes which may be connected side-by-side over a portion of their lengths or the passages may be in a single part called a passage member which is bifurcated to allow one passage to go to each earpiece. The earpieces and portions of the tubes or passage member are attached by a leaf spring which positions the earpieces relative to each other.

Abstract: A flexible device having a flexible cup for attachment to a hearing aid housing for insertion in an ear canal of a user. The flexible cup includes an opening for securely accommodating a hearing aid housing upon insertion of the housing in the opening. The flexible cup also includes a plurality of spiral shaped ribs on an inner surface of the cup.

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

Abstract: A support pad for use in a hearing device of the type comprising a casing having an inner surface defining a cavity; and a sound receiving, amplification and transmitting system within the cavity in the casing, which system includes a transducer. The support pad includes a layer of conformable metal having first and second opposite major surfaces, and a layer of viscoelastic material along its first major surface. The support pad has an attachment portion with the layer of viscoelastic material along the attachment portion being adapted to be adhered to a side surface of the transducer, and has at least one tab portion adapted to project away from the transducer adjacent an end of the transducer.

Abstract: The earpiece assembly includes two parts: a base and a compliant part. The base has flange with a post extending perpendicular from one of its sides. There is a center hole through the base. The compliant part is shaped like a frustum of a cone, the diameter of its base being equal to the diameter of the flange. There is a center hole in the compliant part so that it can be installed on the post of the base and held in place by friction or, if desired, soluble adhesive. The smaller end of the compliant part extends beyond the end of the post. The compliant part is pliable in shape but is essentially non-compressible. When in use the amount of insertion into an outer ear canal is determined when, at the line of contact between the assembly and canal surface, the cross sectional area of the compliant part and its cross sectional area equal those of the ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earplug with a through duct, in which a membrane element is adapted and comprises a membrane holder and a membrane held thereby which is adapted to lock the membrane element. The invention also relates to a method of making such an earplug and a method of affecting the course of the attenuation curve of an earplug.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ear devices that are individualized for individual. Data of the three-dimensional shape of each individual's area of application for a haring device is provided. Individual shells for the hearing devices are construed by respectively depositing commonly a layer of one of a liquid and a powderous material and solidifying by a laser arrangement in the layer individually shaped layers of the individual shells, thereby controlling the laser arrangement with the data.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a speaker that is hard mounted to the housing of the hearing aid and has an energy absorbing tip at that end of the hearing aid that is innermost in the ear and closest to the ear canal of the person wearing the hearing aid. According to another aspect of the present invention, the open end of the sound outlet through which an amplified version of the input sound is conducted is remote from that end of the hearing aid that is innermost in the ear and closest to the ear canal of the person wearing the hearing aid.

Abstract: A waterproof earphone is disclosed. The earphone comprises a housing having a first end, a second end, and a housing bore extending there between. The housing is dimensioned for insertion into a human ear canal. The earphone further includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end, and an axial bore extending there between. The sleeve is disposed within the housing. The earphone still further includes a receiver disposed within the sleeve's axial bore. The receiver has a cable extending outwardly past the first sleeve end. An end-cap has first and second ends, and the end-cap first end matingly engages the housing's second end. A waterproof membrane seals the end-cap's second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-radiation headphone with right and left acoustic irradiation housings corresponding to the ears of the user, with each of the housings having an acoustic baffle (10″) comprising MU-metal and accommodating dynamic audio transducers. The acoustic baffle (10″) is formed in a manner permeable to sound in front of the audio transducers, and has a radiation dissipation zone (20) pointing at the temples of the user. The zone (20) dissipating radiation is provided through a greater density of the MU-metal than in the remaining area of the acoustic baffle (10″) that is permeable to sound. The acoustic baffle (10″) as a whole consists of MU-metal sheet and the audio transducer is perforated in one area (17), but otherwise solid. The radiation dissipation zone (20) is formed in the perforated area of the MU-metal sheet as one piece.

Abstract: A support pad for use in a hearing device of the type comprising a casing having an inner surface defining a cavity; and a sound receiving, amplification and transmitting system within the cavity in the casing, which system includes a transducer. The support pad includes a layer of conformable metal having first and second opposite major surfaces, and a layer of viscoelastic material along its first major surface. The support pad has an attachment portion with the layer of viscoelastic material along the attachment portion being adapted to be adhered to a side surface of the transducer, and has at least one tab portion adapted to project away from the transducer adjacent an end of the transducer.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a binaural and a chestpiece in acoustic communication with that binaural. The chestpiece has at least one microphone in acoustic communication with a hollow stem, with this stem having a slot. The binaural is on the type with a tubing assembly having two lumens, these lumens being separated by a wall. Upon assembly, the tubing assembly engages the stem with the wall disposed within the slot. A method of providing a custom stethoscope is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an audio signal, comprising a first cylindrical electrode adapted to generate a first acoustic field and a first frequency generator coupled therewith. A second cylindrical electrode is positioned coaxially to the first cylindrical electrode and is adapted to generate a second acoustic field. An audio mixer drives the second cylindrical electrode with a modulated difference signal between a signal received from the first frequency generator and an input audio signal. The first and second acoustic fields exhibit an overlapping portion which generates an audible audio signal.

Abstract: A method for fitting a hearing device in an ear canal, comprises, providing a receiver module sized and shaped to fit in any of a wide range of ear canals, selecting a conformal tip from a plurality of differently sized conformal tips, each conformal tip of the plurality having an inside circumference adapted to engage the same size receiver module, wherein the selected conformal tip has an outside circumference slightly larger than the circumference of the ear canal, engaging the receiver module within the selected conformal tip, and inserting the selected conformal tip and engaged receiver module into the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing device and process for its updating, including a resilient outer shell and one or more internal units, with the outer shell conforming in shape to at least one of the internal units so that the internal unit is held snugly in place. The outer shell can be replaced using either a destructive or non-destructive disassembly method to re-use at least one of the internal units.

Abstract: This invention discloses an ear tip used in connection with a stethoscope. Whereby the disclosed ear tip is formed of a single piece of molded elastomeric material that is inverted and sealed to form a sealed chamber that is filled with a liquid gelatin, whereby standard loads deform the liquid gelatin filled cavity under principles of displacement providing for the ear tips capability of contouring to the infinite variations and configurations of different outer ear canals, and thereby creating a complete acoustic seal between the outer surface of the ear tip and the outer ear of the user. Furthermore, this invention discloses a means of attachment to a listening device that facilitates the attachment and removal of the ear tip to the listening device.

Abstract: A tension-adjusting mechanism for the elongated earpieces of a stethoscope comprises a neckpiece and, for each earpiece, a pivot mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, a spring mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, and a tension-adjusting mechanism portion between the spring member and the neckpiece. For each earpiece, the pivot mechanism portion defines a pivot axis about which the earpiece pivots, and the spring mechanism portion comprises a resilient blade deforming upon spreading apart of the earpieces. This deformation produces a tension on the earpieces opposing to further spreading apart thereof. The tension-adjusting mechanism portion defines a plurality of interchangeable point of contacts with the resilient blades, which contact points having different positions relative to the neckpiece.

Abstract: An insert earphone is provided in which a piece of foam material is used to resiliently mount a receiver within a chamber portion of a one-piece plastic housing member. The receiver has an output port extending through a central aperture of the piece of foam material and into one end of a passage defined by a tubular portion of the housing member with a damper being disposed in the other end of the passage. The tubular portion is inserted into an ear tip or other coupling device and has an enlarged diameter end section to achieve a locking action. Two such insert earphones may be coupled through cables to a junction unit and filters are provided for enhancing the drive of the earphones at high frequencies, the filters being preferably mounted in the junction unit.