Abstract: A sound amplifying bowl assembly includes a grommet has an inner lip that is spaced from an outer lip to define an engaging slot between the inner lip and the outer lip. The inner lip is extendable through an ear hole in a helmet thereby facilitating a bounding edge of the ear hole to engage the engaging slot. In this way the grommet is retained in the ear hole. The grommet has a sound hole extending therethrough to pass audible sound into the helmet. A bowl is integrated into the grommet and the bowl is concavely arcuate such that a curvature of the bowl has a focus that is aligned with the sound hole in the grommet. In this way the bowl can direct the audible sound into the ear hole. Thus, the bowl enhances a user's ability to hear the audible sound when the user is wearing the helmet.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including fabricating a left acoustic ear and a right side acoustic ear for assisting a user in hearing, molding a concave form configured for a structure of the acoustic ear and mirrored for the left side acoustic ear and right side acoustic ear structures, wherein the concave structure is configured for channeling incoming sounds to the user's ear, molding an ear mounting grip mirrored for coupling to each of the left and right side acoustic ear structures for hooking the acoustic ear to a user's ear, and wherein the ear mounting grip is configured for orienting the concave structure to a front direction corresponding to the user's face.

Abstract: A simple hearing enhancement device that takes the normally adequately loud sound levels and optimizes selective frequency gain of the patient's ear passage to improve speech comprehension.

Abstract: A virtual reality apparatus comprising: at least one heat-generating virtual reality electronic component; a housing configured to contain the at least one heat-generating virtual reality electronic component; a microphone having an audio input positioned at a surface of the housing; and a plurality of elongated heat-conducting elements configured to conduct heat generated by the at least one heat-generating virtual reality electronic component from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, wherein the plurality of elongated heat-conducting elements protrude from the surface of the housing in proximity to the audio input of the microphone to disturb the flow of air at the surface and reduce the amount of wind noise detected by the microphone.

Abstract: A stabilized headband may include a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism may be configured so that at least one pad is pivotable about at least one pivot axis and disposed between the at least one pad and one of first and second ends of the headband. The stabilized headband may further include a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may be configured so that the at least one pad is rotatable about at least one rotation axis and disposed between the at least one pad and the one of the first and second ends of the headband.

Abstract: Provided is an auditory sensitivity adjustment device suitable to enhance concentration and attentiveness in any direction. An auditory sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes grab parts 32a and 32b for holding a pinna 50, springs 22 for applying to the grab parts 32a and 32b a force for pulling, in an extending direction, the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b, and a base 38 for rotating the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b so as to twist the pinna 50.

Abstract: Provided is an auditory sensitivity adjustment device suitable to enhance concentration and attentiveness in any direction. An auditory sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes grab parts 32a and 32b for holding a pinna 50, springs 22 for applying to the grab parts 32a and 32b a force for pulling, in an extending direction, the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b, and a base 38 for rotating the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b so as to twist the pinna 50.

Abstract: A dual function sound attenuating and enhancing headpiece is a device for blocking sound that the user does not wish to hear. The device additionally allows the user to enhance or otherwise alter sound. A first acoustic assembly and a second acoustic assembly are worn on the user's ears and include at least one acoustic-enhancing and attenuating cover that may be closed to block sound entirely. The at least one acoustic-enhancing and attenuating cover may be opened to a desired degree in order to produce an acoustic effect on incoming sound. The at least one acoustic-enhancing and attenuating cover is opened and closed via an at least one servomotor. A wireless control unit and a wireless communications module allow the user to open or close the at least one acoustic-enhancing and attenuating cover via a mobile device. At least one power supply provides electrical power to the device.

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

Abstract: A non-electronic hearing aid with a left ear member and a right ear member. The left and right ear members are made of flat sheet material. The sheet is die cut into the left and right members. The left member is a mirror image of the right member. The members each die cut to form a hand shaped pattern. The fingers of the pattern each have a locking tab and or a locking slot. The locking tab of one finger engages with the locking slot of the adjacent finger to form a cup shape. The palm portion of the hand shape has a C shaped portion cut out which is sized to fit over a person's ear. A slot running parallel to the central part of the C shaped portion facilitates a bend in the sheet to allow the cup shape that is ninety degrees to the user's ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap (11) intended for use as hearing protection and adapted to enclosed the external ear of a user, characterized by at least one vibration-damping weight element (18, 38a-b) of the cap (11), which weight element is arranged so as to at least partly block an audio mode of vibration that would have existed in the cap in the absence of said weight element (18, 38a-b). The invention also relates to a method of producing such a cap, and use of the same.

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: 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: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.

Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.

Abstract: A portable, non-electronic hearing enhancement system collects sound from the front of the user and directs it towards the user's ears through the use of a pair of sound reflectors mounted on support bands. The sound reflectors are positioned behind a user's ears by adjusting the positions of the support bands on the headrest of a seat. The support bands are held in place on the seat by the weight of the support bands and by friction. Thus, the hearing enhancement system can be used without marring the fabric or other surface material of the headrest.

Abstract: A passive system for speech enhancement in a motor vehicle includes a headliner adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle. The passive system also includes at least one passive sound reflector disposed in or near the headliner and being sound-reflective and shaped to direct or focus speech between front and rear seat occupants in the occupant compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method of alleviating the sound masking effects of wind noise on a cyclist wearing a safety helmet comprising the following steps: designing an ear cover shield having a generally smooth exterior side; positioning the cover shield adjacent to but generally spaced from an ear of the cyclist so that wind is generally deflected from the ear so that the noise of air rushing over the ear is substantially reduced, and the cyclist is better able to hear proximate sound especially that sound generated from directions which he cannot readily see; and, positioning and holding the cover shield adjacent to the ear most preferably by adjustably attaching it to a strap on the helmet. When wearing a cover shield, even in a strong wind, a cyclist is able to hear a vehicle approaching from the rear so that he can accordingly move close to the side of a roadway and ensure that his cycle moves in a straight, unswerving path.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a headband (25) and one or more sound collectors (30, 75). The sound collectors (30, 75) collect sound waves and reflect toward the wearer's ears for louder reception. Some variations to the present invention can have one or more sound collectors (30, 75) that are parabolic in shape so the sound reflected off the collector surface is better focused toward the ear. Moreover, as an additional variation, one or more sound collectors (30, 75) can have a plurality of parabolic impressions (105) on the sound collector's inner surface (85) for better sound collection.

Abstract: An auditory feedback device is provided for singers or the hearing-impaired to better hear their own voice. The device uses sound guides with reflective surfaces shaped to reflect sounds from the user's mouth to the user's ear.

Abstract: A boundary layer flow regulator, called a dam, is fastened, by way of example, to a bicycle rider's head band and is located against the temple area. The dam includes a fine permeable maze which viscously impedes but does not arrest the air flow through it. The maze is held in place by a supportive but flexibly resilient, wind permeable matrix attached to a base. On a calm day the relative headwind experienced by the rider is stabilized by the maze held in position by the stilled matrix so that a stationary flow envelope forms around the rider's ear canal to eliminate wind noise. However, on a windy day the preturbulent gusts in the headwind cause the matrix to instantly shift the position and permeability gradient of the maze so that the flow envelope is dynamically regulated around the ear canal to minimize the infranoise caused by the gusts.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a headband 25 and one or more sound collectors (30, 75). The sound collectors (30, 75) collect sound waves and reflect toward the wearer's ears for louder reception. Some variations to the present invention can have one or more sound collectors (30, 75) that is parabolic in shape so the sound reflected off the collector surface is better focused toward the ear. Moreover, as an additional variation, one or more sound collectors (30, 75) can have one or more parabolic impressions (105) on the sound collector's inner surface (85) for better sound collection.

Abstract: A permeable aerodam 10 is fastened to a front helmet strap 16 of a bicycle rider's helmet 18. The aerodam includes a shaped fiber filter 32 which is mounted on a base 36 and is designed to impede, but not arrest the motion of air flowing through it. The aerodam also includes a matrix 52 which includes the base and which shapes, supports, and locates the filter next to the temple area. A headwind experienced by the rider flows around the side of the head and partially through the aerodam such that an impedance gradient caused by the shaped filter will cause a quiet retrolaminar flow velocity profile 92 alonside the rider's ear canal. The effect eliminates the onset of noisy turbulence heard by the rider while allowing unobstructed ambient sounds and ventilation to be enjoyed.

Abstract: An acoustic hearing aid comprising: (a) a pair of thick-walled, sound collector cups (12) each shaped to fit over the pinna (20) of a user's ear, turning the back of pinna (21) forward, and each constructed of a sound reflective material of sufficient thickness to provide insulation against sound transmission therethrough from a side (19) of collector cups (12), collector cups (12) each having a C-shaped ridge (17) of substantial thickness dimension formed for engagement of the user's head immediately proximate and around the user's pinna (20), ridge (17) extending from a position in front of the top of pinna (20) and above the level of ear canal (22) around pinna (20) to a position below earlobe (23), collector cups (12) each further extending outwardly from ridge (17) and away from the user's head and extending forwardly in a generally parallel relation to the user's head to a position in advance of ear canal (22) to reduce sound transmission to the user's ears from the sides of the user's head, collector c

Abstract: A head worn sound gathering apparatus having a pair of sound gathering horns with rearward facing apertures. Each sound gathering horn includes a tapered sound channeling tube portion which communicates with an ear covering. Sound received through the rearward facing apertures is amplified and directed to the ear coverings wherein the sounds reach the ears of a wearer. The sound gathering horns and ear covers are preferably worn in association with a helmet such as a cyclist helmet.

Abstract: A sound capturing device for directionally capturing sound waves, comprising a shell for encompassing an ear of a wearer, the shell having a front portion and a back portion corresponding to the front and the back of the wearer, respectively. The shell includes at least one opening in the front portion of the shell, the opening sized and positioned to capture sound waves transmitted from a sound source substantially in a pre-selected direction, wherein the wearer perceives said sound source to be located within the shell proximate the ear of the wearer, with reduced interference from other sources of sound not located substantially in the pre-selected direction. Preferably, the device further comprises adjustment means attached to the shell for selectively adjusting the size of the opening to regulate the amount of sound waves entering the opening from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A sound-wave collector includes a headframe secured to a pair of retainers held on two opposite sides of a user's head adjacent to the user's two ears, a pair of reflectors each pivotally secured on each retainer and universally positioned behind each ear of the user's two ears each reflector extrapolatively diverging from the area of each user's ear outwardly and sidewardly, and an adjusting controller operatively adjusting a deflecting angle of the two reflectors for efficiently collecting or catching audible sound waves of multiple frequency ranges and reflecting the caught sound waves inwardly into the user's ears for enjoying the music sounding of high fidelity.

Abstract: A hearing-enhancing device includes a cap adapted to be worn on a person's head, and a pair of hearing-enhancing members connectable to the cap. The cap size can be adjusted to accommodate varying user head sizes. The hearing-enhancing members each act to substantially enclose the person's ears leaving a forwardly facing opening allowing sound to enter therein, and are constructed so as to direct sound to the person's ears. A connection arrangement is provided between the cap and the hearing-enhancing members for allowing the members to be moved to varying locations on the cap, to provide proper positioning of the members even when the cap is adjusted to accommodate different user head sizes.

Abstract: A listening enhancement device in which a flat body (18) with a ear-hook (14) cutout can be converted to a sound gathering acoustical scoop by engagement of a fastener system located on the body (18) of the device. Once fastened into its functional shape the device can be independently engaged wtih the ear. The device is made in mirror image pairs so one device is specifically for the left ear and the other for the right. The device is reversible as to which side of the body (18) forms the sound gathering acoustic scoop. When reversed the device that is specific to the left ear becomes specific to the right ear and visa versa. Each side of the body (18) of the device has its own acoustic properties. By reversing the device the user can choose which acoustic properties most benefit them. The device is adjustable in acoustic gain. This is accomplished by different fastener engagement positions, which in turn change the size and shape of the sound gathering acoustic scoop.

Abstract: An acoustic device for mechanically reflecting sound waves into the ear in an undistorted and directionally selective manner has a pair of movable acoustic reflectors constructed, configured and mounted to preserve accurately phase, frequency and image information in the sound waves of interest to the front of the user, secured to a headband or helmet in positions that place the focal points of the reflectors beyond the base of the lenses within the user's ear.

Abstract: An anechoic ear piece for placement about a human ear. The internal surface of the ear piece is lined with acoustic foam to prevent sound wave from reflecting off of the inner surface of the ear piece into the human ear. Furthermore, the ear piece is cone shaped with the apex of the cone adapted to lie opposite the listener's ear whereby sound waves entering the ear piece but not entering the ear itself directly, will impact on the inner surface of the ear piece wherein those waves not absorbed will be reflected toward other inner surfaces of the ear piece where continued absorption will take place.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus comprises a pair of cup shaped members positionable behind the ears of a user and being connected by means of a headband. The cup shaped members form sound reflective surfaces which direct sound waves into the user's ears to thus increase his or her hearing capacity. A modified embodiment of the invention utilizes foam padding in a rear portion of the cup shaped members, and this padding causes a gentle forward bending of the user's ears to further increase hearing ability. Additionally, the cup shaped members may be provided with through-extending apertures which permit limited air flow within the members. The air flow through the apertures prevents humidity and heat buildup within the members which could affect sound reflection capabilities. The apertures are of a cone shape with the large open end directed towards the interior sections of the members.

Abstract: A device for improving the hearing acuity of a user directionally, including a pair of reflectors to be supported behind the user's ears so as to increase the effective area of the outer ear and reflect an increased amount of sound energy into the user's ears from a position in front of the user. The reflectors are supported alternatively on a headband or a cap equipped with horizontally extending straps which permit adjustment of the location of each reflector, and the reflectors are attached to the headband or straps by a respective base plate to which each reflector is attached pivotably so that the reflectors can be adjusted to optimum positions.

Abstract: An acoustic device for amplifying sound is provided and consists of a pair of ear extenders secured to a head band so that the head band may be positioned on a listener's head with the ear extenders transversely in contact with the listener's head behind the ears whereby sounds are amplified and transmitted into the ears.

Abstract: An acoustical small hearing aid designed to be worn in the concha of the auricle and made of thin-walled plastic, metal, or rubber. This invention modifies the normal conchal resonance and combines it with the ear canal resonance to shift the normal sound pressure gain of 15 to 20 dB at the tympanic membrane downward from 2600-3000 Hz to 1500-2000 Hz dB, or lower, thus providing significant sound amplification for persons with mild high-frequency hearing loss. The invention accomplishes these goals by providing a thin, hollow shell that fits snugly into the auricle and concha of the external ear so as to enclose a volume of air within the concha. An opening in the shell lets sound waves into this air volume. The ratio of the air volume and the area of the opening control the peak frequency of amplification desired, the amplitude, and bandwidth of amplification, and must be kept between 1/2 and 1/15.

Abstract: A sound deflector for attachment to a user's headset earphones is disclosed comprising means situated intermediate the headset earphone and a user's ear canal, said means comprising a hollow cylinder adapted to be operably connected to the headset earphone speaker case and thereby confine the sound from the speaker interiorly to the cylinder, and a cone spatially located proximate the opening of the hollow cylinder and aligned between the earphone speaker and the user's ear canal, a plurality of openings interposed the hollow cylinder wall and the sides of the spatially located cone, said cone adapted to reflect sound waves from the earphone speaker directed towards the user's ear canal and the openings pass sound waves directed away from the user's ear canal and into the folds of skin of the outer ear to be reflected then into the ear canal for hearing by the user.

Abstract: A broad sheet hearing aid of the sound reflecting type having an endless expansion type holding strap inserted in the wings of the device and to also fit over the forehead to hold the device in place.

Abstract: An acoustic amplifier securable detachably to the ears and supported by a head piece to amplify sound without the use of electricity.