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: A stethoscope expander assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. Each portion is provided with at least one arm, at least one leg, and at least one attachment member. The first portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a male member and a cover opposite the male member. The second portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a female member and a channel for receiving a tubing of a stethoscope. The first and second portions provide a slit for receiving a spring of the stethoscope. The first and second portions of the stethoscope expander assembly function to move the stethoscope expander assembly into an expanded position.

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 anti-infective stethoscope is described that comprises a tube member; a head member operably connected to the tube member; and first and second earpieces operably connected to the tube member, wherein the tube member and head member include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. The earpieces may also include an antimicrobial barrier mechanism. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism may be provided in the form of a cover comprising an antimicrobial substance wherein the cover operably covers the tube member and head member of the stethoscope. In a preferred form, the antimicrobial barrier mechanism is an antimicrobial substance applied to the tube member, head member, and optionally the earpieces.

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: An ear tip for a sound device. The ear tip has an asymmetrical arrangement which more closely aligns with a user's ear canal. The ear tip includes an ear tip base, ear tip shaft, and a first group of low-profile flanges. The ear tip is arranged along an ear tip central axis. The ear tip has a sound tube connection and a sound channel which extends through the ear tip base and ear tip shaft. The first group of low-profile flanges are spaced along an ear tip shaft axis, and extend radially from the ear tip shaft in perpendicular alignment to the ear tip shaft axis. A first flange, a second flange and an intermediate flange are provided. Each flange is constructed of a flat roof with a downwardly transitioning radial wall. There is a space between each of the flanges. The flanges seal against the ear wall to attenuate sound and reduce resonance.

Abstract: A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug, including: a stem, at least one support joined with the stem and extending radially outward from the stem, and a shell engaging the support and encircling the stem to form a space between the shell and the stem. At least one of the support material and the shell material is a deformable-resilient material.

Abstract: An ear piece to be detachably attached to a sound tube protruding from a housing of an earphone has a base portion with a through hole. The through hole has an inner wall with a first, a second, and a third portion continuously provided in order when viewed from the housing. The first portion protrudes inwardly and has a first distance from a protruding inner surface of the first portion to an axis line passing through the cross section of the base portion and the through hole. The second portion has a circumferential inner surface having a second distance longer than the first distance to the axis line. The third portion is formed continuously with the second portion, having a circumferential inner surface with a third distance longer than the second distance to the axis line.

Abstract: A head-mounted support device for carrying at least one un-inflated inflatable or expandable inner portion of an in-ear device thereon includes a main body adjustably mountable on a user's head, with at least one settable compound delivery device mounted thereon, and a at least one receptacle to receive an inflatable in-ear device inner portion. The invention also refers to a head-mounted settable compound delivery system kit, along with the earphone wire assembly that receives the customized in-ear device inner portions thereon.

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

Abstract: 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 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 earplug for a hearing aid adapted for engagement with earpieces made of materials with a comparatively high hardness. The earplug comprises a resilient sleeve and a shell, the shell having an outer portion adapted to fit within a user's ear canal and a central bore, the central bore having a first abutment shoulder adapted for retaining the resilient sleeve inside the shell and a second abutment shoulder adapted for providing a stop for the resilient sleeve and for the earpiece. Hereby the resilient sleeve is able to combine relatively relaxed manufacturing tolerances with precise positioning of the earpiece inside the earplug.

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: An ear tip comprised of two or more contiguous materials, in combination with sound conduit structure comprised of one or more rigid materials, wherein the ear tip mounts upon said sound conduit structure.

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: An ear tip or ear plug (20) comprises a body portion (21) having flexible peripheral rib elements (23, 24, 25) projecting therefrom to provide a comfortable and secure fit in a wearer's ear. The rib elements are between 0.2 mm and 2 mm high, preferably 1 mm. The body portion (21) is also flexible and may be made integrally with the rib elements by an injection-moulding process. The body portion (21) has a generally bulbous shape, having a substantially elliptical cross-section and a longitudinal axis (28) which is curved or bent to one side. A conduit (30) may extend between exterior end (38) and interior end (39).

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: 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: There is provided an earpiece having at least one housing (2) having a first end for receiving an earplug (1) and a second end for receiving a cap unit (3). In that case the cap unit is adapted to be removable and/or movable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A tip for coupling sound between a medical instrument and an ear includes a sealing surface configured to substantially conform the tip to an auditory canal of the ear. The tip includes an acoustic tube acoustically coupled to at least one of the plurality of openings and defining a first acoustic path. The tip also includes a second acoustic path acoustically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of openings in the sealing surface. The acoustic tube of the first acoustic path is configured to substantially acoustically isolate the first acoustic path from the second acoustic path. A tympanometric instrument is configured to use the tip and to provide an acoustic measurement of the ear of a patient.

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 earmuff assembly with a double-shell structure is disclosed for use with a sound-attenuating circumaural headset. The earmuff assembly comprises a cup-shaped outer shell mounted on a resilient outer sealing ring and a cup-shaped inner shell mounted on a resilient inner sealing ring. By means of the two sealing rings the outer and the inner shells are brought into abutment with the head surface around an ear of a wearer. Both shells are structurally rigid. The sound attenuation performance is maximized by isolating the inner shell from the outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic device for linear perceived-sound attenuation, comprising a channel along which the sound propagates from an entry to an exit, characterized in that it comprises, combined so as to make the perceived sound undergo a linear attenuation, at its entry, means for attenuating and setting into resonance sound propagating through the latter as far as at least one filter opening as exit, onto means for accentuating the filtered sound, in particular its short-wave frequencies, the accentuation means consisting of a frustoconical portion of the channel having a cross-section that increases from the housing towards the exit.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a non-roll foam EarTip that may provide for fingertip press-in insertion, improved comfort, simplicity of use, flatter attenuation and/or improved hygienic properties, by way of non-exclusive example. A hollow foam body typically encompasses a shorter stem of more rigid material, and in some embodiments the foam body has a tighter skin on the inner and outer surfaces. In some embodiment, the EarTip is an earplug formed of polyurethane foam with a dense skin on the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow body, and having a plurality of splines in the cavity.

Abstract: A hearing protection device and method of use intended for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The plug member may be part of a replacement assembly. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: An earplug (100) having an adjustable sound deadening rating is disclosed. The earplug (100) includes an ear piece (102) adapted to fit within a user's ear canal and a core (104). The core (104) has a predetermined sound deadening rating. The ear piece (102) includes a coupling assembly (106) for removably coupling the core (104) to the ear piece (102) such that the core (104) may be removed from the ear piece (102) and replaced with another core (108) having a different preselected sound deadening rating to adjust a sound deadening rating of the earplug.

Abstract: Disclosed is an earplug that includes a sound attenuating portion and a feature formed by laser ablation, wherein the feature comprises a cavity formed in a first end of the sound attenuating portion including a cylindrical shape extending into the sound attenuating portion, along a longitudinal axis of the sound attenuating portion, toward a second end of the sound attenuating portion opposite the first end, the earplug further comprising at least one of a cord, a stem, and a detectable insert disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A device as hearing aid to be worn in the ear or in or at the auditory canal comprises at least a sound or acoustic exit opening with a protection element (10) to prevent the contamination of the device. The protection element (10) comprises a thin, at least almost flexible or elastic membrane (15) made out of a thermoplastic polymer.

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: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. The earpiece has a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A generally vertical rib extends substantially between the upper and lower ends of the generally arcuate rib. A lobe is formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is similarly formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection.

Abstract: A hearing device having at least one of an acoustical/electrical converter and an electrical/acoustical converter respectively with an acoustical input or output. The input or output, as the case may be, is linked to a coupling opening at the outer surface of the device via a channel. At least a part of the outer surface of the device is formed by a one-part shell. The shell defines an inner space of the device, with the channel being provided within and along the part of the shell and being formed within the material of the shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting acoustic devices. In particular embodiments, barriers are useful for preventing a variety of solid, liquid, and vapor contaminants from modifiying or damaging the performance of acoustic transducers, while at the same time providing essentially an acoustically transparent passage of sound.

Abstract: A non-vented shell earplug for insertion into the ear canal has multiple chambers configured as coupled acoustic resonators. Each chamber is provided with an acoustic element having inertia and resistance coupling the chamber to its neighbor to form multiple resonant chambers. The dimensions of the individual acoustic elements set the frequency response of the earplug, and determine the attenuation characteristics of the resonators. Unlike the single chamber resonator of the prior art, the multiple-resonator earplug provides attenuation in both low and high frequency segments of the noise spectrum. Additionally, the present invention teaches placing loudspeaker and/or sound sensing transducer for sound communication purposes and active noise control within the earplug, with their sound field patterns directed into a chamber for coupling to the ear canal. The use of multiple resonators enhances the high frequency communications response of the earplug.

Abstract: A hearing protection device and method for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: An earmuff assembly with a double-shell structure is disclosed for use with a sound-attenuating circumaural headset. The earmuff assembly comprises a cup-shaped outer shell mounted on a resilient outer sealing ring and a cup-shaped inner shell mounted on a resilient inner sealing ring. By means of the two sealing rings the outer and the inner shells are brought into abutment with the head surface around an ear of a wearer. Both shells are structurally rigid. The sound attenuation performance is maximized by isolating the inner shell from the outer shell. The two sealing rings are interconnected through a thin skin layer of soft compliant materials, which acts as a vibration isolating/decoupling means between the outer shell and the inner shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to manufacturing of a hearing aid housing comprising a face plate and a shell that is individually matched to the shape of the auditory canal of a user. Manufacture of the face plate includes at least one automatic processing step based on data from a CAD/CAM model of the hearing aid housing. For example, data relating to the circumference of the face plate may be provided to a numerically controlled machine that automatically cuts a separately manufactured face plate along the desired contour that matches the circumference of the corresponding shell. In another embodiment, the hearing aid housing is manufactured with an integrated face plate.

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: A passive level dependent hearing protection device for insertion into an ear canal is made of a flexible bladder attached to a frame and where the bladder utilizes valves to evacuate air from the ear canal. The device thereby causes transmission loss of acoustic waves wherein low frequency steady state and impact noises are attenuated but soft noises such as speech are attenuated to a lesser degree. The device incorporates a safety feature for preventing creation of too low an air pressure in the ear canal. Finally, the device may incorporate a transducer.

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: A linking element is provided for a hearing device, which connects the first behind-the-ear part and second behind-the-ear-part. In one embodiment the linking element is rigid. In another embodiment the linking element may be made of a memory material or have a spring component, so that the second behind-the-ear part is automatically pushed into the auditory canal. A helical groove around the second behind-the-ear part is also advantageous, thereby ensuring automatic_insertion into the auditory canal and also ventilation for an open fitting.

Abstract: A hearing system comprises a shell having an open inner chamber. An input transducer and a transmitter assembly are disposed in the open inner chamber. The transmitter has a frequency response bandwidth in a 6 kHz to 20 kHz range, and the open chamber has an end adjacent a patient's tympanic membrane with one or more openings that allow the ambient sound to pass through the chamber and directly reach the middle ear of the user.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a sound isolation device comprising: an expandable element; and an insertion element, where the expandable element is operatively attached to the insertion element, where the expandable element includes an expanding medium, where the pressure of the expanding medium is varied to vary sound isolation across the expandable element.

Abstract: A hearing protection device for a human ear. The device has an arm that clips about the pinna. A plug member caps or enters ear canal. The device is biased to provide some force against the plug member so that is stays in position during use. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

Abstract: An ear piece device made of pliable material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user. In one embodiment, one canal extends through a portion of the ear piece to provide an opening for communication between a person's inner ear and an environment outside the person's ear. The ear piece has at least two fold lines to facilitate the reversible collapsing of the device into a star-like configuration.

Abstract: A tip for coupling sound between a medical instrument and an ear includes a sealing surface configured to substantially conform the tip to an auditory canal of the ear. The tip includes an acoustic tube acoustically coupled to at least one of the plurality of openings and defining a first acoustic path. The tip also includes a second acoustic path acoustically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of openings in the sealing surface. The acoustic tube of the first acoustic path is configured to substantially acoustically isolate the first acoustic path from the second acoustic path. A tympanometric instrument is configured to use the tip and to provide an acoustic measurement of the ear of a patient.

Abstract: A hearing aid to be placed in the auditory canal. This hearing aid is composed of one side that is fitted near the outside of the ear and another side that has to be fitted facing the eardrum. The two sides are connected to each other by way of a curvature. This curvature is such that the hearing aid can be used either on the left or on the right by further special measures such as central positioning of the microphone input in the head end face of the one side, making use of only two angles of curvature of approximately 15° and approximately 45°, and using switching means. In this way it is possible to provide a hearing aid that can be used either on the left or on the right.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible ear mould fitting a large number of users while providing a high level of comfort and comprising a base and at least one sidewall that is attached to the base and has an edge that extends substantially from the base to an opening of the earpiece, the width of the opening fitting within the ear canal of the user.