Abstract: This application discloses a stethoscope that utilizes a dual diaphragm construction such that the user of the stethoscope is able to tune in to or to allow the user to select between the isolation and accentuation of either high frequency sounds or low frequency sounds while using a single stethoscope and without the removal of said stethoscope from the patient's skin.

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: A hearing aid device and process for its manufacture, updating, and/or repair 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: A protective cover for an article such as a stethoscope, comprising a bag member of elongate form, closed at a first end and fully or partially open at a second, opposite end to form an enclosed volume for retention of the head and elongate connector body of a stethoscope. The two longitudinal sides of such bag member can be seamless; alternatively, such longitudinal sides can comprise two seam lines. The bag member is longitudinally, medially severable at an end portion that include the second, open end, to yield two free end segments for covering respective ear tubes of the stethoscope. The protective cover may further include retention means for positionally retaining the free end segments of the bag member in protective covering relationship to the ear tubes of the stethoscope, e.g., adhesive and/or compressive clips, or a transverse heat seal at marginal extremities of the free end segments.

Abstract: A combined stethoscope and reflex hammer. Preferably, the head of the reflex hammer is incorporated into an o-ring securing the diaphragm membrane of the stethoscope chest piece so that a standard stethoscope may be easily retrofitted to add the reflex hammer function. A rigid handle for the reflex hammer is provided by a penholder rigidly affixed to the stethoscope in proximity to the chest piece. The pen may be provided with a penlight so that the combined instrument also provides that function in addition to providing a writing pen, a reflex hammer and a stethoscope.

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 stethoscope amplifier headset for receiving, isolating and transferring sound received from a stethoscope to a user's ears, the stethoscope sound isolation headset including left and right ear assemblies connected by an adjustable length headband, ear receiving cavities, stethoscope receiving apertures, and acoustic insulators. Each of the left and right ear assemblies may also include an amplifier assembly including an adjustable volume control.

Abstract: A flexible ear insert to be comfortably and inconspicuously carried in the ear of a wearer, particularly law enforcement and security personnel. The flexible ear insert has a central air space surrounded by an arcuate band and a linear bridge. A canal tube having a sound channel running therethrough projects outwardly from the bridge of the ear insert to deliver audio messages from an audio source to the ear canal of the wearer. By virtue of the central air space, the arcuate band can be collapsed inwardly to cause the ear insert to conform to the shape of the wearer's ear and thereby create a reliable fit. The central air space also enables nearby sounds from the wearer's surroundings to be delivered to the wearer's ear drum at the same time that the audio messages are being delivered thereto from the audio source via the sound channel through the canal tube.

Abstract: An earphone having a drive unit (22) carried by an earphone shell (20) and covered by an ear cushion (24) of auxetic foam.

Abstract: A voice sound transmitting unit having an earpiece that is adapted for insertion into the external auditory canal of a user, the earpiece having both a bone conduction sensor and an air conduction sensor. The bone conduction sensor is adapted to contact a portion of the external auditory canal to convert bone vibrations of voice sound information into electrical signals. The air conduction sensor resides within the auditory canal and converts air vibrations of the voice sound information into electrical signals. In its preferred form, a speech processor samples output from the bone conduction sensor and the air conduction sensor to filter noise and select the a pure voice sound signal for transmission. The transmission of the voice sound signal may be through a wireless linkage and may also be equipped with a speaker and receiver to enable two-way communication.

Abstract: An earphone assembly is disclosed that includes an annular baffle having an outer surface and an inner surface as well as an interior wall and an exterior wall. The interior wall defines a central chamber. A transparent, flexible lid is attached to the baffle along the outer surface, completely covering the central chamber and forming an acoustic seal with the baffle. The lid has an inner face and an outer face. The flexibility of the earphone is improved by creating hinges in the lid and by providing cuts, or other discontinuities, in the baffle. For example, a radial cut may be disposed in the annular baffle. Further, a circumferential cut may also (or alternatively) be disposed in the baffle, extending from the inner surface and disposed between the exterior wall and the interior wall. At least one hinge may be disposed on the flexible lid. To improve the attachment of the earphone to the patient's head, tabs are mounted to the exterior wall.

Abstract: An electronic signal processing system, including a microphone section and an integral battery, may be assembled with a receiver section to form a three section hearing-aid. The shape of the outer shell of an integral battery may approximate the shape of an ear canal when attached to the other two sections. An integral (sealed-in) battery with such an unusual shape may have a higher capacity battery than those of standard insertable/removable batteries. The integral battery (e.g. a zinc-air battery) may be tested for leakage before being assembled to the other sections of the hearing-aid. To preserve battery shelf-life a “pull” tab may be placed over vents in the integral battery. To activate the battery, the “pull” tab may be removed. Conducting strips may be formed on the “pull” tab permitting the circuits, battery and components of the hearing-aid to be tested after assembly.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cerumen guard includes a thermally activated element. The cerumen guard is mounted on the distal end of a hearing device adjacent to a sound port. The thermally activated element is oriented in a manner which causes it to retract when heated to a first temperature range and extend when cooled to a second temperature range, such that, upon removal of the hearing device from an ear canal, the self-cleaning cerumen guard will automatically remove any accumulated debris from the sound port.

Abstract: The device comprises a core, surrounded by a thin sheath so as to form a chamber that can be inflated. Inflation is done while the device is inside the ear, using an inflation tool. The tool injects a solid-setting fluid into the chamber. After curing, the tool is detached, leaving a finished in-ear unit, upon which no further manufacturing processing is required.

Abstract: A device fitted to the external auditory canal for the purpose of reproducibly engaging the head for orientation and stabilization for dental or radiographic (commonly known as ‘cephalometric’) recording and for placing a radiographic marker in the canal.

Abstract: The practical stethoscope cover of this invention in its most essential elements, comprises any form of material which acts as an effective, inexpensive and acoustically transmissive barrier means for easy application and removal from the head, or heads, of a stethoscope. The barrier means should be non-transmissive for dirt, organisms, oils, fluids and the like, all of which may carry pathogenic components. Significantly, embodiments of the stethoscope cover of this invention are easily applied by a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner to the head of a single-headed stethoscope or a double-headed stethoscope, typically in a quick, simple, easy single-handed operation. The barrier means comprising the stethoscope cover comprises folds, gathers or crimping at the marginal edges or medial portions thereof, providing flexibility, extensibility or elasticity to the cover, thus facilitating easy application and removal of the stethoscope cover from the head of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive sleeve assembly that is easy to apply to and remove from the distal end portion of a sound control device and can be adapted to provide circumferential contact with a user's ear canal to control sound delivered to that ear canal at a desired level, to provide a cerumen guard at the end of a sound deliver tube included in the sound control device, or to provide both of those functions. The sleeve assembly comprises a first layer of flexible material (e.g., sound attenuating slow recovery foam, closed cell foam, open cell foam, reticulated open cell foam, or non-foamed polymeric material depending on the requirements of the sound control device on which the sleeve assembly is used) having a periphery that can be adapted to make partial or complete contact with or conform to the car canal of a user into which the sleeve assembly is inserted, or to make little or no contact with that ear canal.

Abstract: An otoplastic for a hearing aid, which otoplastic is manufactured from a UV light-curable synthetic resin composition, in particular an acrylate composition, to which a ceramic filler including at least 50% by weight Al2O3 is added to improve the properties of the otoplastic.

Abstract: Hearing aids having housings formed as standardized shapes include electronic components. The components can be separate or integrated into a single unit. The housings can be formed as one or more spheroidal-like surfaces of revolution which are symmetrical along an axis. Alternately, the housings can be formed by lofting ellipses along a central axis. Representative housing shapes include egg-shaped and pear-shaped surfaces. An insertion and extraction element is fixedly attached to an end of the housing which extends toward the outer ear when the aid is inserted into an ear canal. The insertion/extraction member can be formed as either a rigid or a flexible element. The housing can carry a soft, deformable outer layer to improve performance and user comfort when installed in an ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid retention and extraction device comprises a retention ring having an outer bonding surface and an inner grasping surface, and an elongate member extending from the retention ring. The retention and extraction device can be incorporated into a hearing device tip and allows both a hearing device and the hearing device tip to be simultaneously removed from an ear canal. When a user pulls on the elongate member, the retention ring cinches around the hearing device and prevents it from becoming separated from the hearing device tip. The cinching action of the retention ring also holds the hearing device in place within the ear canal.

Abstract: A disposable in-the-ear monitoring instrument includes a monitoring assembly for monitoring one or more vital health signs of a user, a transmitter assembly for transmitting the monitored vital health signs to a remote receiving unit, and a battery which is sealed within the monitoring instrument for energizing the assemblies. The assemblies and battery are mounted on a flexible printed circuit which is disposed in a flexible, cylindrical casing. And the casing itself is mounted in an earmold made of soft and compliant material, with conical fins extending from an outer surface of the earmold so that the earmold and monitoring circuitry may be easily deformed to comfortably fit a user. The disposable in-the-ear monitoring instrument is of a design having minimal components, and thus is easy to assemble on an automated basis. The automated assembly of the in-the-ear monitoring instrument and its minimal design reduces cost and allows for the disposability of the monitoring instrument.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extremely space efficient battery enclosure and battery replacement methods for miniature hearing devices that are deeply and entirely positioned within the ear canal of an individual. The battery enclosure is a thin encapsulation that is formed or fitted directly over the battery thus substantially assuming the shape of the encapsulated battery. The battery enclosure, containing mostly the battery, is fitted concentrically within the narrow cavity of the ear canal with the long axis of the enclosure and the battery therein positioned along the long axis of the oval ear canal. In one embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is disposable and is elastically expandable to fit over the battery during its replacement. In another embodiment, the battery enclosure is coated over the battery with protruding contacts forming a battery assembly ready for electrical connection to a miniature canal hearing device.

Abstract: A non porous wax guard for an in-the-canal hearing aid is in the form of a membrane or diaphragm which completely covers the mouth of the round or other shape outlet of the hearing aid. The membrane is made of plastic or metalized plastic, or stainless steel, having a diameter of between 0.20 inches and 3/8 inch, and a thickness of between 0.0005 inches and 0.001 inches. The membrane is affixed to the mouth of the sound outlet by a number of methods. It may be attached to a thin ring of plastic material, and attached with a spring clip to a recess in the sound outlet. It may simply be bonded, by adhesive or heat bonding, to the recess. It may be affixed to a cylindrical mount, and press-fit into the port. Or, as an alternative, the cylindrical mount may be threaded, and mated with an internal thread cut into the sound outlet.

Abstract: A noise blocking band earplug has a band (12) with outer portions (44, 46) that are bent to prevent the ear-engaging pods (20, 22) from touching the ground, whether placed right-side-up or upside-down on the ground. When the middle region (32) of the band rests on a horizontal surface (64), a band inner end part (70) extends at an upward incline (C) with its outer end forming a second bend (80) so the outer end part (72) extends at a downward incline (D), with the second bend preventing the pods from touching the ground when the earplug is laid upside-down. At the second bend (80), the largely vertical height (J) of the band is increased and its outer surface (102) is made convex to provide pads for more readily pressing the pods against the outside of the ear canals.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cerumen guard includes a thermally activated element. The cerumen guard is mounted on the distal end of a hearing device adjacent to a sound port. The thermally activated element is oriented in a manner which causes it to retract when heated to a first temperature range and extend when cooled to a second temperature range, such that, upon removal of the hearing device from an ear canal, the self-cleaning cerumen guard will automatically remove any accumulated debris from the sound port.

Abstract: A device to be worn in the ear of a subject provides a direct vibrational drive to the tympanic membrane through a vibrationally conductive assembly which couples vibrations from a vibratory transducer positioned within the ear canal proximal to the tympanic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is a hearing aid positioned inconspicuously deep within the ear canal. The vibrationally conductive assembly is removably attached to the umbo area of the tympanic membrane. The vibrationally conductive assembly is designed to conduct vibrations in the audible frequency range while absorbing static forces caused by device placement and ear canal movement attributable to jaw movements of the wearer, including speaking, eating, drinking, chewing, yawning, and so forth.

Abstract: A cerumen barrier removable from a retaining ring in a hearing aid shell comprises an endcap disposed in the retaining ring, wherein the endcap has a sound passage with a first opening and a second opening, and the first opening is positioned above a sound tube and the second opening is covered by an oleophobic and hydrophobic screen.

Abstract: An acoustical control earpiece comprised of non-foamed polyvinyl chloride plastisol. The earpieces may be acoustical hearing protective earplugs as well as overmolds and covers for audio sound reproduction devices such as headphones, speakers, and hearing aids, and may be used alone or in conjunction with hearing protector bands or eyewear. The earplugs may have an open or closed internal void therewithin, are adapted for receipt into the concha and ear canal of a wearer. The earpieces may be formed by injection molding, roto-molding, or slush molding. The hardness of the earpieces has a 00 Durometer hardness value of about 10 to 90 and preferably ranging 40 to 60.

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

Abstract: A voice sound transmitting unit having an earpiece that is adapted for insertion into the external auditory canal of a user, the earpiece having both a bone conduction sensor and an air conduction sensor. The bone conduction sensor is adapted to contact a portion of the external auditory canal to convert bone vibrations of voice sound information into electrical signals. The air conduction sensor resides within the auditory canal and converts air vibrations of the voice sound information into electrical signals. In its preferred form, a speech processor samples output from the bone conduction sensor and the air conduction sensor to filter noise and select the a pure voice sound signal for transmission. The transmission of the voice sound signal may be through a wireless linkage and may also be equipped with a speaker and receiver to enable two-way communication.

Abstract: Acoustic valve capable of selective and non-linear filtering of sound and placeable in a perforated ear plug. The acoustic valve consists of a tube enclosing two rigid disks axially spaced opposite each other, each of the disks containing at least one perforation. The total perforated surface of at least one disk is between 0.03 and 0.5 mm.sup.2.

Abstract: An ergonomic banded ear plug device includes a band having a connecting section and two legs configured for extending under the chin or behind the back of the head of the wearer. Plug retaining members are at the end of each of the legs for retaining resilient foam-type plug members that substantially block the ear canal of the wearer. In addition, each of the legs includes a resilient flexing section including a pair of parallel extending ribs with a slot formed therebetween. The ribs bendably flex outward and downward to provide a substantially constant force against the ear of the wearer over a broad range of sizes and rotatably flex for improved fit.

Abstract: A fixation element secures to a patient's ear an implantable microphone having a cylindrical housing part with an acoustic inlet membrane after insertion into a hole which crosses a rear bony wall of the patient's auditory canal. The fixation element has a cylindrical sleeve part which surrounds the cylindrical housing part of the microphone and which has projecting, elastic flange parts which can be placed against the side of the wall of the auditory canal which faces the skin of the auditory canal. In use, the elastic flange parts are held in a bent position against an elastic restoring force of the flange parts, before implantation, by applying a holder to the flange parts which allows insertion of the flanges through the hole of the wall of the auditory canal.

Abstract: A connector connects sound-conduction tubing from a hearing aid to sound-conduction bore in an earmold. The connector is an elbow-shaped member with one end receiving an end of the sound-conduction tubing while the other end has latching means that latchably mate with a seating member disposed in an entry section of the sound-conduction bore. The inside diameter of the sound-conduction tubing, the diameter of the sound-conduction tubular passage in the elbow-shaped member and the diameter of the sound-conduction bore are the same therealong thereby defining a continuous-flow sound-conduction path from the hearing aid to the end of a canal of the earmold. A filter can be disposed in the one end of the connector with the sound-conduction tubing engaging the filter.

Abstract: An improved sleeve for mounting on the distal portion of a hearing aid or other sound control device to provide circumferential contact to the ear canal of a person into which the device is inserted. A currently preferred embodiment of the sleeve comprises a foam cylinder having an axial hole therethrough, with a washer-like disc axially aligned with the hole in the cylinder, the inner diameter of the disc being approximately the same as that of the hole through the cylinder. A knob-terminated sound delivery tube on the device snaps into the disc. A plurality of these sleeves can be stored in a novel tray-like container that permits removal only when a snap fit has been achieved between the sound delivery tube and the plastic disc. Used sleeves can be removed and stored in a separate compartment of the container.

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.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the equalization of pressure across the eardrum of a user, comprising (a) an ear piece being sized and dimensioned for tightly fitting the outer ear canal of the user, such that when the user being underwater, water being prevented from entering between the ear piece and the outer ear canal, the ear piece being formed with a channel having an inner opening and an outer opening, the inner opening facing the eardrum of the user and the outer opening facing the outside, the channel and the outer ear defining a permanent void; and (b) an inflatable bag being in fluid communication with the ear piece via the outer opening, the bag defining a changeable void.

Abstract: An earplug for selective filtering of sound transmission into the external auditory canal. A tube extends through the plug and opens into a space defined by the end piece and the eardrum of a user. The opposite end of the tube is connected to an acoustic valve which is partially or wholly inserted in the plug and contains one or more resonance cavities.

Abstract: A noise blocking band earplug has a band (12) with outer portions (44, 46) that are bent to prevent the ear-engaging pods (20, 22) from touching the ground, whether placed right-side-up or upside-down on the ground. When the middle region (32) of the band rests on a horizontal surface (64), a band inner end part (70) extends at an upward incline (C) with its outer end forming a second bend (80) so the outer end part (72) extends at a downward incline (D), with the second bend preventing the pods from touching the ground when the earplug is laid upside-down. At the second bend (80), the largely vertical height (J) of the band is increased and its outer surface (102) is made convex to provide pods for more readily pressing the pods against the outside of the ear canals.

Abstract: An ear muffler device suitable for coupling to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal. The device includes a muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air and having an inner cross-sectional area of at least approximately 1.15 cm.sup.2 so as to substantially reduce the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube. Resilient sealing means adapted to seal the connecting tube to the ear canal are attached to the open end of the connecting tube. The device further includes means for securing it in the ear. A sound source isolated from ambient air may be attached near the end of the muffler tube.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a body member with a window in one side, electronics in the body member including a microphone for converting sound into electrical signals, an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signals, a battery for supplying power to the amplifier, a solar cell for recharging the battery from ambient light, and a socket for receiving a cord connected to a receiver in an ear piece. The amplifier is made up of rugged, reliable parts which are packaged in a protected, shock resistant package. The body member is sealed so that the hearing aid is water tight such that it may be submerged in water without leaking, and may be used in a damp, humid environment with minimal effect on the electronic components of the amplifier. Access ports, which may be sealed, are provided to allow access to the electronics for adjustments to tailor the hearing aid setting to an individual wearer.

Abstract: A thin diaphragm for contacting an individual's tympanic membrane is sufficiently stiff and flexible to vibrate in response to audio frequencies so as to augment or over-ride the displacement of the individual's tympanic membrane in order to increase the acoustic efficiency of the tympanic membrane at all frequencies but particularly above 1000 Hz so as to improve mild hearing loss.

Abstract: An earmuff cushion and other foam hearing protective components such as earplugs and pods for semi-aural hearing protectors and earplugs providing improved attenuation are described. The cushion and other foam hearing protective components are comprised of a dynamically stiff foam material having a low static stiffness, and a high dynamic stiffness, which produces improved attenuation in the earmuff and other hearing protective devices in which it is used. Earmuffs made from the cushion, semi-aural hearing protectors, earplugs, and improved methods of making the hearing protective devices are also described.

Abstract: A method for forming a standardized faceplate for an individually adapted in-the-ear hearing aid shell which matches the physical characteristics of the hearing aid user's ear, and for fabricating an individually-adapted in-the-ear hearing aid shell made of radiation-reactive material and a battery compartment therein.

Abstract: A connector connects sound conduction tubing from a hearing aid to a sound conduction bore in an earmold. The connector is an elbow-shaped member with one end receiving a filter and an end of the sound conduction tubing while the other end has latching means that latchably mate with an entry section of the sound conduction bore. The inside diameter of the sound conduction tubing, the diameter of a sound conduction tubular passage in the elbow-shaped member and the diameter of the sound conduction bore are the same theralong thereby defining a continuous flow sound conduction path from the hearing aid to the end of a canal of the earmold.

Abstract: An ear wax barrier for an in-the-ear or in-the-canal type hearing aid device positioned at least in part between a receiver output port and a shell acoustic output port includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a barbed portion for press-fitting the barrier into position. The barrier may include a screen and/or a plurality of undulations, such as a thread internal thereto for providing wax accumulation sites to retard the migration of wax into the hearing aid. The barrier is more easily inserted than removed.

Abstract: A rearward sound enhancing apparatus which includes a pair of ear covers mounted on a headband. Each ear cover includes an inner compartment and outer compartment with rearward facing openings. A microphone is provided in each outer compartment, and a speaker is provided in each inner compartment. Sound received through the rearward facing opening is picked up by the microphones, amplified, and directed to the speakers. The dual compartment arrangement of the ear covers eliminates audio feedback which would otherwise occur due to the close proximity of microphones and speakers in the ear covers.

Abstract: A head-worn acoustic receiver apparatus for use by cyclists and the like wherein an acoustic receiver cup is coupled to a cyclist helmet in a rearward facing direction. A microphone within the acoustic receiver cup receives sound reflected by the cup and directs the sound to earphones wherein the sound is reproduced and amplified for the wearer of the invention. Ear housings, which contain the earphones, are positioned over the wearer's ears to reduce the ambient wind noise associated with cycle travel.

Abstract: A device for providing a seal between a sound-blocking or sound-transmitting device, especially an "in the ear" hearing aid, and the ear canal into which it is inserted. This device comprises a layer of polymeric foam, especially retarded recovery foam, that is applied to at least a portion of the canal-contacting surface of the hearing aid. A normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds the foam to the hearing aid, thereby rendering the device easily removable and replaceable by the user. In a preferred embodiment the hearing aid is sealed to the bony portion of the ear canal.