Abstract: A user-disposable member for placement and retention within the auditory anatomy, such as an ear canal. The user-disposable member includes a polymeric foam material, wherein the user-disposable member has a first portion having a peripheral outer surface having a first coefficient of friction, and a second portion having a peripheral outer surface having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring in-situ the acoustic attenuation obtained by a hearing protection device worn by a user, comprising: positioning the hearing protection device comprising a microphone oriented towards the user's ear canal at the user's ear; positioning a cup-like measuring device comprising a loudspeaker oriented towards to user's ear and a microphone oriented towards to user's ear at the user's ear in such a manner that a closed space surrounding the hearing protection device is created by the measuring device; providing a test signal via the loudspeaker, capturing audio signals representative of the level of the test signal in the closed space by the microphone of the measuring device and capturing audio signals representative of the level of the test signal in the user's ear canal by the microphone of the hearing protection device; processing the audio signals captured by the microphone of the measuring device and the audio signals captured by the microphone of the hearing protecti

Abstract: A retractable earplug assembly is provided that is configured to retrofit to a hardhat that includes a protective housing removably mountable to the hardhat. The earplug assembly further includes a guide base slideably cooperating with a guide portion of the housing for movement thereof along a fixed path. The earplug assembly includes an elongated flexible tether having a distal portion thereof mounted to an earplug device, and a proximal portion thereof mounted to the guide base. When the guide base is selectively moved along the fixed path, the tether and the earplug device move between a retracted condition and an extended condition, enabling usable access to the earplug device.

Abstract: Self-fitting device for location in ear canal and related method, including a bladder joined with a pump assembly via a valve assembly. The pump assembly transfers air to the bladder and achieves a predetermined pressure with the chamber regardless of ear canal size. The predetermined pressure may be achieved by reducing excess air pressure through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A body-worn device, such as a hearing aid, is adapted to the shape of an individual's body area, such as an ear. A digitized, three-dimensional representation of the area is prepared. At least one characteristic feature of the representation, such as a dimension of a part of the ear, is automatically determined. A shell is produced based on the characteristic feature. The body-worn device is assembled with the shell.

Abstract: A support particularly for frames of eyeglasses and in-ear speakers, comprising a substantially curvilinear framework with a curvature which is at least partially complementary with respect to the natural curvature of the root of the helix, of the ridge of the antihelix, of the inferior crux of the antihelix of the ear of the user. The curvilinear framework is adapted for at least partial interlocking in at least one of the portions of the pinna.

Abstract: An earplug is provided including an elongated stem including opposite first and second ends, a flange element disposed circumferentially on the stem and extending from the first end toward the second end delimiting a space between the flange element and the stem, a rib support element formed on an inner surface of the flange element in the space between the flange element and the stem, and a stem component disposed in a cavity formed in the stem, wherein the elongated stem, the flange element, and the rib support element are integrally formed of a resilient polymeric material and wherein the stem component is formed of a semi-rigid material and is bonded with the resilient polymeric material at 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: The invention provides an earplug and a method of forming thereof where the earplug includes an insertion portion having opposing top and bottom sides, a handle portion connected to and extending rearwardly from the bottom of the insertion portion, and a rear portion extending from the top of the insertion portion to the handle portion, where the insertion portion is configured to be partially inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, where the handle portion remains at least partially extending from the ear canal for use in handling the earplug, and where the insertion portion and the handle portion are integrally formed of a resilient compressible material.

Abstract: An animal ear protection apparatus includes a substantially solid plug that is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The plug has a first end, a second end and a peripheral surface extending between the first and second ends. The first end is substantially planar. The second end is convexly arcuate. The first end has a substantially annular perimeter edge. A grip is attached to the plug and extends away from the second end. The first end of the plug is insertable into an ear canal of a canine and retrievable therefrom with the grip.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a deformable sealing section that can be inserted into an orifice causing sealing of the orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug (10) to be worn at least in part in a user's ear canal, comprising a shell (12) having a outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's outer ear and ear canal, and a functional member (20, 30, 120, 144, 220, 320, 420) engaging said shell in a manner so as to be movable relative to said shell between a first functional position and a second functional position, said shell and said functional member having been produced by an additive layer-by-layer build-up process and having an elasticity of between shore D85 and D65.

Abstract: An earplug comprising a foam composition containing a polyvinyl chloride resin and less than about 5 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the foam composition, is described. The foam composition may include a plasticizer containing less than or equal to about 2 wt % monomeric phthalate, based on the total weight of the plasticizer. The earplugs have slow recovery times from 60 percent compression to 10 percent compression of about 10 to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: A customizable cerumen guard for a hearing aid having a shell, a receiver, a receiver tube, and aperture in the shell communicating with the receiver tube, includes an insert insertable into the shell aperture, the insert having a chamber therein, a receiver aperture for communication with the receiver tube, an ear canal aperture communicating with the ear of the wearer; and a plurality of customizable, interchangeable caps covering the ear canal aperture. The cerumen guard may also have any of a number of customizable cerumen-trapping accessories that may be placed into the chamber.

Abstract: A hearing protection device insertable into an ear canal is provided, the device generally including a stem portion, a sound attenuating portion affixed to and extending at least partially over the stem portion, and a volume of space disposed between and delimited by the sound attenuating portion and the stem portion, where at least a part of the sound attenuating portion is collapsible into the volume of space during insertion of the hearing protection device into the ear canal.

Abstract: A removal tool for atraumatically removing a removable fitting from a hearing device inserted deeply in the ear canal comprises a housing adapted to be grasped in the hand and a plurality of flexible members partially positioned in the housing and extending from the housing. The members have an outwardly flared portion at a distal portion of the member. At least one member includes an engagement element positioned at the flared distal portion of the member for engaging a removal element on the fitting. The tool also comprises a mechanism for engaging the engagement element with the removal element for removal of the fitting independent of a radial orientation of the housing with respect to the hearing device.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a multi-chamber coating comprising: a first medium; and a second medium, where the first medium covers at least a first portion of second medium so as to form a first and second chamber, where at least one material property of the first medium is different than the second medium, where the first chamber and second chamber share a wall, where the wall is configured to apply a restorative force upon deformation of the first or second chamber, where the first and second chamber form at least a portion of a coating, and where the coating is configured to be attached to an object that is configured to be inserted into an orifice.

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 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 earpiece assembly for use by police, fire and military personal is disclosed. The earpiece assembly can have an earpiece configured to fit substantially within the conchae of an ear and an ear insert adjustable attached to the earpiece. The ear insert extends into the ear canal and can bring sound from a two-way radio close to the eardrum so as to facilitate better hearing. The distance that the stem extends into an ear canal can be varied so as to enhance sound delivery to the eardrum. An earplug embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mounting of a sound tube inside a shell of a hearing aid. The invention provides a sound tube adaptor, a tool for insertion of the adaptor and a method for attaching a sound tube to a shell, the sound tube adaptor facilitating attachment of a sound tube to a shell, having a first end for attachment to one end of a sound tube and a second end that is adapted to be received inside the shell in a hole in the shell in such a way that the adaptor and the sound tube extend inside the shell from the hole towards the entrance of an ear canal of a user when the shell is positioned in the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing protection earplug having a shell worn at least in part in a user's ear canal, an active unit having an acoustic output transducer and an arrangement for producing output audio signals for said output transducer, and a detachable connection of the active unit to said shell, the shell including a sound passage extending between an outer opening of said shell and an inner sound output opening of said shell and having a valve mechanism which is moveable, upon connecting said active unit to said shell, from a closed position acoustically closing said sound passage into an open position acoustically opening said sound passage, said valve mechanism being biased towards said closed position when said active unit is removed from said shell, and wherein said output transducer is acoustically connected to said sound output opening via said sound passage when said active unit is connected to said shell.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide a removal tool for atraumatically removing a hearing device inserted deeply in the ear canal of a user. The removal tool comprises a shaft adapted to be grasp in the hand and a plurality of hooks or other attachment elements coupled to a first end of the shaft. The hooks have a shape and orientation configured to minimize injurious contact with the walls of the ear canal when the removal tool is inserted into the ear canal. The hooks are also configured to detachably engage a loop structure or other attachment system of the hearing device for removal of the device independent of a radial orientation of the shaft with respect to the hearing device. The hooks can also be configured to engage the loop structure in two or more planes for removal of the hearing device. Also, the hooks can be configured to engage the loop structure so as to exert minimal axial force on the hearing device in a medial direction.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] In regard to an ear mold for a hearing aid, there are provided the ear mold which a metal bush is settled in a tube for joint of the hearing aid, the metal bush has been used on account of settlement of said tube for joint of the hearing aid, and which a tube is adhered by an adhesive, the adhesive has been used on account of settlement of said tube. However, said ear mold has disadvantages that said tube is easily moved for the reason of instability, said tube drops out from the ear mold, and the ear mold has the problem of a phenomenon of a howling by sound leak-out.

Abstract: A method of forming an earplug is provided including removing a material of the earplug by laser ablation. An earplug is positioned proximate a laser, a portion of the earplug to be ablated is identified, the laser is activated so as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portion to be ablated, and the portion to be ablated is removed by laser ablation. The invention is also directed to an earplug including a feature formed by laser ablation.

Abstract: A hearing aid device has a custom-fit shell that fits into the helix lock area of the outer ear of a hearing-impaired person, and an RIC tube that is held in the concha of the outer ear and terminates in the ear canal. The combination of the custom-fit shell and the RIC tube in the concha retain the hearing aid in the outer ear.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the use of a hearing protection unit comprising a left ear hearing protection device (14) and a right ear hearing protection device (12) to be worn by a user (10) within a monitoring area, an arrangement (16, 18, 22, 1006, 2006) for wirelessly detecting the position of the left ear hearing protection device (14) and the position of the right ear hearing protection device (12) within the monitoring area, a device (22) for judging whether a predefined condition for the detected positions of the left ear hearing protection device and the right ear hearing protection device is fulfilled, and a device (22) for outputting a wearing compliance signal depending on whether the predefined condition is found to be fulfilled by the judging device or not.

Abstract: An acoustically permeative intracanal cap is adapted to be worn semi-permanently deep in the ear canal for shielding a hearing device positioned deeper within the ear canal against moisture and debris infiltration. The intracanal cap conforms circumferentially to the walls of the ear canal for occlusion thereof, and comprises a porous membrane with pores sized to prevent water and solid debris from entering the ear canal while allowing air-conducted sounds to freely reach the microphone of the shielded hearing device. The intracanal cap may be entirely separate from the hearing device for independent insertion and removal, or attached to a lateral section of the hearing device for concurrent insertion and removal therewith into and from the ear canal.

Abstract: A waterproof earplug with sound-transmitting effect comprises mainly a pull stub and a sound-barrier membrane; the sound-barrier membrane is substantially a thin round membrane; the pull stub is furnished in the center of the sound-barrier membrane, and it extends outwards at a given length so as to facilitate a hand to grip; the sound-barrier membrane is formed into a round membrane so as to fit the curved surface of the inner helix closely to provide a waterproof effect; after the round membrane of the earplug is in close contact with the inner helix, a sound from the outside of the ear can still be tansmitted therein as a result of the resonant effect of the round membrane.

Abstract: An improved insert earphone for audiometric testing is provided, having a housing, a receiver located within the housing, a flexible eartip located externally to the housing, and a tube nipple acoustically coupled between the receiver and the flexible eartip. The flexible eartip has a flexible tube portion that is coupled to an output end of the tube nipple, which may be rigid. The housing and tube nipple are configured and arranged such that the angle between a longitudinal axis of the tube nipple and the vertical axis is obtuse, minimizing the stress on the ear canal when the flexible eartip is inserted therein. An acoustic damper may be located at or near the input end of the tube nipple to prevent ear wax from clogging the damper and minimize the need for damper replacement.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a continuous wear hearing device to be worn entirely within the ear canal, comprising a receiver assembly sized to be positioned in the bony portion of the canal, a battery assembly and a microphone assembly. The receiver assembly includes a receiver for supplying acoustic signals to the tympanic membrane. The battery assembly is coupled to the receiver assembly and includes a metal-air battery and a battery vent. The microphone assembly is coupled to the battery assembly and includes a microphone and a microphone sound port. The sound port faces a medial direction with respect to the canal. The orientation and position of the microphone in the canal are configured to reduce fouling of the port by cerumen. The positioning of the microphone assembly defines an air cavity disposed between the microphone assembly and the battery assembly with the port and the vent fluidically coupled to the cavity.

Abstract: In a hearing protection earplug for insertion into the ear canal ear composed of a soft material, especially a foam material, having a cavity that is open toward the outside, it is provided, with a view to achieving additionally increased wearing comfort accompanied with easy handling during insertion into and removal from the ear, that the cavity, as seen in the cross-section, has an approximately cross-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug, comprising a hard shell (10) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's outer ear and ear canal for being worn at least in part in the user's ear canal, the shell comprising a filter cavity (12) having at least one orifice (20, 30, 40) into which a passive acoustic filter element (21, 31) is inserted for forming, together with said orifice, a passive acoustic filter. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

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: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug, comprising a shell for being worn at least in part in the ear canal of a user and a faceplate (12) at the outer end of the shell or within a cavity of the shell having an outer opening, wherein the faceplate is provided with adapter means (22) for acoustically connecting, in a detachable manner, a measuring hole (14) extending into the interior of the shell with an external measuring tube (26). The adapter means (22) are adapted to detachably connect to a removable multi-function plug (28, 40) comprising means (30) for closing the measurement hole (14). The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug, a method for manufacturing such an earplug and to a multi-function plug to be used with such an earplug.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a substance to a human body includes a hearing device and the substance provided at a surface of said device. The substance can be incorporated into a shell of the hearing device and exhibit controlled migration through said shell and to the surface of the shell. The substance can be antibiotically active and/or antimicrobial agent in the form of a gel, liquid, or paste. The surface can be roughened, structured, or porous.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual position hearing protection device. In one position, the device provides substantial sound attenuation and hearing protection. In the second position, an opening in the device permits sounds to enter the ear of the user relatively unobstructed. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the position of the device is changed simply by compressing the exposed end of the earplug.

Abstract: A process for forming a foamed thermoplastic earplug, comprising the steps of extruding a foamed body of thermoplastic material; shaping the foamed thermoplastic material; and at least partially separating the resulting shaped material for forming individual earplugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive hearing protection earplug for being worn at least in part in the ear canal (12) of a user, comprising a hard shell (20) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and pulling means (26) which are adapted for being manually operated by the user and which are provided at the outer end of said shell, said shell having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's ear canal and outer ear (18). The shell has a size and an outer shape which are adapted to enable said shell to be manually moved, by seizing the pulling means, from a sound attenuation position into a communication position from which it is automatically returned into the attenuation position by elastic forces exerted by deformed parts of the user's ear canal and concha upon release of the pulling means. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

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 earplug of the type that includes a soft foam body (14) and a more rigid core (16) that stiffens the body during its insertion into the ear canal, is mass produced so the front end (30) of the stiff core cannot rub along the surface of the ear canal during insertion. The core is elongated and bonded to the body, and the core has a front end (30) that is recessed from the front end (36) of the body, so the soft foam material of the body prevents the front end of the core from contacting the ear canal. The earplug can be mass produced by extruding the soft foam through an extrusion head (42), around the cores, with a long core device having been cut into the cores and with the extrusion (52) cut at locations to leave foam material forward of each core front end.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for use with an electronic sound-generating member including a fitted earmold having a sound-conduction bore extending therethrough, a sound-conduction tubing having one end connected to the sound-conduction bore and being curved so as to extend along a person's head between the person's head and an ear, a speaker having one end connected to another end of the sound-conduction tubing, an electrical cable having one end connected to the speaker, and an electrical plug at the other for electrical connection to an electronic sound-generating equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) constructed as portable hook-on frame (2, 3, 4,) with folding work tops or panels (5, 6, 7) and is composed of a basic frame (2) with a telescopic suspension frame (3) with suspension hooks (4), in which out of the basic frame (2) nearly the bottom side a hinging foldable work top (5) and nearby the upper side a hinging expandable U-shaped document holder frame (6) with plate (7) is mounted, in which the whole is especially useable for technicians, whom execute work on measurement and control cabinets and such.

Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly.

Abstract: An earplug has an open inserting end, an open inlet end, a cover, a hollow body, a soft sheath, a tube and a sound-processing unit. The sound passes through the open inlet end, is processed by the sound-processing unit and then passes into an ear canal. Alternatively, RF (Radio Frequency) signals pass through the open inlet end and are processed by the sound-processing unit, and then radio signals pass into the ear canal. The soft sheath has a through hole. The tube is mounted through the through hole in the soft sheath and allows the open inserting end to communicate with the ambient air. Furthermore, the soft sheath and the tube are replaceable to conform to sanitary standards.

Abstract: An earplug including a foam body and a detectable insert completely encased by the foam body. The earplug is manufactured by forming a channel in the foam body and placing the detectable insert in the channel. The channel is formed by deforming the foam body using a punch. The foam body is made from a slow recovery foam which returns to its original shape thereby encapsulating the detectable insert within the foam body. In an alternative embodiment, the insert is projected into the foam body and the foam body recovers to encapsulate the insert.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for hands free communication using a PDA. The method includes sensing a bone conduction signal from the bone conduction sensor disposed within an external auditory cannel of the user, transmitting the sensed bone conduction signal from a transmitter to a PDA, and processing the sensed bone conduction signal at the PDA to create a processed audio signal.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid having an electric/acoustic transducer system and a freely vibrating membrane in acoustic communication with the hearing aid transducer and the hearing aid surroundings. The membrane seals the hearing aid from its surroundings to aid in protecting the hearing aid from dirt and debris.

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.