Abstract: A headset includes a circumaural assembly having an adjustable sensor mount configured to secure a sensor forward of the tragus of a user. The mount is movable relative to the assembly to position the sensor in contact with or proximal to the user skin. The mount may extend from an interior side or flat component of the assembly into an opening of a circumaural cushion. The sensor mount may include a resilient support arm or structure extending from behind a circumaural cushion, or integrated into the cushion, to urge the sensor into contact with the user. The mount may include a spring-biased rotatable knob having an eccentrically located aperture configured to secure the sensor, and rotatable to position the sensor. Sensor signals may be processed to detect blood flow, heart rate, etc. and/or movement, such as jaw movement indicative of talking for use in automatically muting an associated microphone.

Abstract: The apparatus, for using a frictional sound input, includes a microphone configured to receive an audio signal; and a processor configured to detect frictional sound from the audio signal, determine a frictional property by analyzing a characteristic of the detected frictional sound, and execute a control command corresponding to the frictional property.

Abstract: At least an embodiment discloses an earphone comprising a shell, a signal generator and a first speaker, wherein the signal generator is electrically connected to the first speaker and both the signal generator and the first speaker are within the shell; a first earphone tube including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first earphone tubes is connected to the shell, and the first end of the earphone tube is approximate to the first speaker; and a first earplug connected to the shell via the first earphone tube, wherein a sound generated by the first speaker is transmitted to the first earplug through the first earphone tube.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes a frame containing a first arm configured to rest over an ear of a user. The wearable electronic device also includes a bone conduction unit disposed within the first arm at a position that contacts a head of the user. The bone conduction unit includes a bone conduction transducer and a suspension that isolates at least one surface of the bone conduction transducer from contacting the frame. The suspension includes a first attachment point that is attached to a side of the bone conduction transducer and a second attachment point that is attached to the first arm.

Abstract: An earpiece wearable includes an earpiece wearable housing, an intelligent control system disposed within the ear piece wearable housing, and an operating system associated with the intelligent control system for the earpiece wearable wherein the operating system provides for a user of the earpiece to choose between a plurality of software applications to execute on the intelligent control system. A method includes installing on the earpiece wearable a plurality of different software applications and selecting one of the plurality of software applications to execute on the intelligent control system of the earpiece wearable using the operating system of the earpiece wearable.

Abstract: A system for relieving pain of a user includes an electromechanical transducer configured to generate generate tactile sound waves (vibrations) with a frequency between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, a holder configured to keep the transducer in a fixed position adjacent to the mesenterial and internal organs' Pacinian corpuscles located in the abdominal cavity of the user, and a controller configured to control the amplitude and frequency of the transducer.

Abstract: Provided is a waterproof sound device including: an acoustic unit that emits or receives sound; and a membrane that vibrates to transmit the sound emitted from the acoustic unit to the outside or to transmit sound from the outside to the acoustic unit, wherein a distance from the membrane to the acoustic unit is determined to be greater than the maximum vibration width of the width of the vibration of the membrane that vibrates toward the acoustic unit.

Abstract: An implantable component, such as that utilized for a bone conduction device, the implantable component including a housing and a piezoelectric transducer, wherein the implantable component is configured to prevent the piezoelectric transducer from moving inside the housing. The implantable component can be configured to temporarily prevent the piezoelectric transducer from moving inside the housing.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an earpiece housing, a processor disposed within the earpiece housing, a gesture based interface operatively connected to the processor and configured to detect changes in an energy field associated with user gestures, and at least one sensor operatively connected to the processor for determining positioning of the ear piece. The processor is configured to interpret the changes in the energy field to determine the user gestures. The processor is configured to activate the ear piece based on the positioning of the ear piece.

Abstract: A sound conversion efficiency and a sound quality is improved. Included are an oscillating element that is expanded and contracted in response to a drive signal, two oscillating bodies that are positioned on opposite sides across the oscillating elements, have end faces arranged respectively in contact with both ends of the oscillating element in an expanding and contracting direction, and are oscillated by expansion and contraction of the oscillating element, and an urging spring that urges the two oscillating bodies and press the end faces against both the ends, respectively. Thus, the oscillating element is expanded and contracted, and the oscillating bodies are oscillated with the end faces of the oscillating bodies urged by the urging spring being in contact with both the ends of the oscillating element in the expanding and contracting direction of the oscillating element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein that provide a vibratory device that can apply a vibratory signal to a portion of a head of a user such that the vibratory signal can be conducted via bone to a vestibular system of the user and cause a portion of the vestibular system to move in a manner equivalent to that of a therapeutically effective vibratory signal applied to an area overlaying a mastoid bone of the user. The vibratory device can be associated with frequencies less than 200 Hz. The vibratory device can be effective at treating a physiological condition associated with the vestibular system.

Abstract: A hearing system to activate an auditory system using cerebrospinal fluids includes at least one processor configured to receive an audio signal captured using a sound sensor (e.g., a microphone), extract temporal and spectral features from the audio signal, and create modulated ultrasound signals in a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with ultrasound carrier frequencies in the range of 50 kHz to 4 MHz, which are ultrasound frequencies that are well-suited to reach the cerebrospinal fluids (e.g., can pass across the skull/bones to reach the cerebrospinal fluids). The system further includes at least one ultrasonic transducer which receives the modulated signal and delivers the modulated signal to the body and activates the auditory system via vibration of cerebrospinal fluids that vibrate cochlear fluids, bypassing the normal conductive pathway that uses middle ear bones and minimizing bone conduction and distortion through the skull.

Abstract: The two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which remains completely invisible to an outside observer when in use by an operator or user and allows for clear two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: There are provided audio headsets including one or more vibration speakers. Each vibration speaker includes a haptic driver and a haptic actuator for generating physical vibrations based on an audio input to the vibration speaker. In addition, each vibration speaker includes a rigid output surface designed to make physical contact with a user of the audio headset. The haptic actuator is designed to transfer the physical vibrations generated by the vibration speaker to the user via the rigid output surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrical-acoustic transformation device and an electronic device, including a moving coil electrical-acoustic transformation unit and a piezoelectric buzzer. The electrical-acoustic transformation device in the present invention has a moving coil sound generating structure and a piezoelectric sound generating structure. The piezoelectric plate compensates the high-frequency response of a vibrating system, realizing an electrical-acoustic transformation device with good performance and super wideband.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a microphone and an electronic device for improving communication with the environment. The microphone is arranged on a supporting cage below a shell of the helmet and captures the sound waves that are generated by an organ of speech of the wearer of the helmet and propagate the sound waves in the area of the supporting cage.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a multi-mode headset incorporating both bone conduction and aural transducers. Bone conduction plates of the headset rest on a users' temples, just in front of each ear in one implementation, and create sound through vibrations in a first mode, allowing the user to listen to the headset while still leaving environmental or external sounds audible. In a second mode, the user detaches aural transducers or earbuds from an attachment point and inserts them into the user's ears, blocking external noise and providing passive and/or active noise isolation. In a third mode, both the bone conduction plates and aural transducers may be used simultaneously, providing additional amplitude and potentially wider frequency response. The headset may include a switch, such as a magnetic proximity sensor detecting the position of the aural transducers, to control a mixer or amplifier to re-route audio through the aural transducers.

Abstract: A moving-coil speaker includes: a magnetic path unit (1); an annular frame (3) connected to exterior of the magnetic path unit (1) and used to carry a membrane (2); and a PCB (4) installed on the frame (3) and used to solder thereon a component or provide electrical conduction. An outer perimeter of the frame (3) is 45 mm. A positioning pin (5) is disposed at a front side of the frame (3) and overlapping with a central axle extension line of the PCB (4). Two sets of air vents (6) are provided on the frame on two sides of the positioning pin (5). A tune paper (7) is pasted on the surface of the frame (3) on the two sides of the positioning pin (5). A distance between the positioning pin (5) and the center of a first air vent at the starting place of each set of air vents (6) is equivalent to a distance between a side of the PCB (4) and the center of a second air vent at the last place of each set of air vents (6).

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide an assembly for transmitting vibrations to a helmet worn by a user, including an annular element adapted to adhere to an outer surface of the helmet. The exemplary embodiments also include an assembly which rotationally connects with the annular element and comprises a bottom housing having a floor, teeth near the floor which engage with the annular element, and a sidewall extending upwardly around the circumference of the circular base unit. The embodiments further include a top housing having an outer sidewall that fits outside of the sidewall of the bottom housing and a plurality of apertures in a top surface; a pressure transducer placed atop the floor; and a mechanical user interface placed above the PCB and having at least one button which extends upwardly and through one of the apertures on the top surface of the top housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described, including a system for electrostimulation. The system includes a patch (22), including a plurality of electrodes (24a, 24b), and a mobile device (28). A processor (30) of the mobile device is configured to receive an input from a subject (20) that indicates that the subject is experiencing a headache, and, in response to the input, while the patch is coupled to the subject, wirelessly communicate a control signal that causes the electrodes to stimulate the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A bone conduction device utilizes discrete retention magnets to secure both a sound processor housing and a vibration actuator to a head of a recipient. Only an electrical lead connects the sound processor housing and the vibration actuator. As such, the sound processor housing and the vibration actuator are mechanically separated. This mechanical separation helps reduce or eliminate vibration transmission between the two components, thus reducing feedback caused by the vibrations.

Abstract: A system for receiving multiple conversations or messages and for playing the multiple conversations or messages with a mobile device and wireless earpieces. The system may determine various presentation parameters based on various characteristics of the received messages and may play the messages such that audio appears at distinguishing locations around the user. The system may change how messages and/or conversations are played in response to recognize a change in the focus of the user based on detected user inputs, such as body movement gestures.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to vibration transducers. Such a transducer includes an electromagnet having a conductive coil. The conductive coil is configured to be driven by an electrical input signal to generate magnetic fields. The transducer further includes a magnetic diaphragm that is configured to mechanically vibrate in response to the generated magnetic fields. Additionally, the transducer includes a pair of cantilevered arms formed from damping steel. The cantilevered arms couple the magnetic diaphragm to a frame. The magnetic diaphragm vibrates with respect to the frame when the electromagnet is driven by the electrical input signal. Additionally, the pair of flexible support arms are connected to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an earpiece for a mobile device. The earpiece is detachably mounted to the mobile device and provides sound amplification for a user.

Abstract: There is provided is a stereo headphone provided with a pair of earphones having a cartilage conduction unit, a sheath unit connected to the cartilage conduction unit, and a piezoelectric bimorph of a vibration source connected to the cartilage conduction unit covered by the sheath unit without making contact with the inner wall thereof. The cartilage conduction unit is an elastic body. The cartilage conduction unit is in contact with the entrance to the external auditory meatus and has a passage hole in communication with the external auditory meatus. The vibration source is supported by a thick portion on the tragus side at the periphery of the passage hole. In accordance with a more specific feature, the thick portion is provided. The outer shape of the sheath has a thickness in the direction of the earhole that is less than the thickness in the direction orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: An open water navigation apparatus for use by a swimmer, the navigation apparatus includes a pair of swim goggles having a right lens, a left lens, and a head strap, a navigation module retained on the head strap of the pair of swim goggles, and a navigational signal output mechanism connected for signal communications to the navigation module.

Abstract: A dual mode headphone has a band positioning the dual mode headphone on one of a head or neck of a user. A pair of first housings is provided wherein one of the first housings is formed on each end of the band. A dual mode headphone circuit is provided and has a dual-output acoustic transducer module positioned in each of the pair of first housings. The dual-output acoustic transducer module allowing for both air conduction and bone conduction of sound waves.

Abstract: A device, including an actuator configured to evoke a hearing percept via actuation thereof, wherein the device is configured to make a detection of at least one phenomenon related to the actuator that is indicative of a recipient of the device speaking and control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control an operation of the device based on the detection.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a volume level of a communications unit is provided. The communications unit is configured for communication between a medical operator and a patient during a magnetic resonance examination and includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker. The method includes detecting communication signals by the at least one microphone, transmitting the detected communication signals to the at least one loudspeaker, and an acoustic output of the detected communication signals by the at least one loudspeaker. A volume level of the at least one microphone may be automatically adjusted during detection of the communication signals, and/or a volume level of the at least one loudspeaker may be automatically adjusted during the acoustic output of the communication signals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to crosstalk cancellation to reduce crosstalk vibrations during use of multiple bone conduction transducers. A system, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD) for providing audio to a user, uses vibration sensors to detect vibrations caused by the bone conduction transducers. In particular, a vibration sensor may generate an error signal representing residual vibrations due to crosstalk at a given ear region of the user. The system uses estimated transfer functions for noise propagation paths through the user's head to generate an anti-crosstalk signal. In response to the anti-crosstalk signal, a bone conduction transducer transmits anti-crosstalk vibrations that reduce the error signal at the given ear region.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an apparatus for sensing vibrations produced by a bone conduction hearing aid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a proximal end, a distal end and a side surface. The proximal end comprising a proximal periphery comprising a material adapted to, during a measurement, contact a skin of a user of the bone conduction device and to enclose a skin area within the proximal periphery. The distal end comprising a measurement microphone adapted to, during the measurement, receive an acoustic signal in dependence of vibrations produced at the skin area, the vibrations being representative of skull vibrations produced within the user by the bone conduction hearing aid in response to a sound signal. The side surface, in combination with the proximal periphery and the distal end, adapted to define an acoustic signal transmission cavity that allows transmission of the acoustic signal from the skin area to the measurement microphone during the measurement.

Abstract: A bone conduction transducer includes a yoke having a pair of arms, a layer of high permeability steel on a surface of the yoke between the arms, a metal coil, a metallic post that extends into a center portion of the metal coil, a diaphragm, an anvil attached to a surface of the diaphragm, a pair of permanent magnets attached to an opposite surface of the diaphragm, and a pair of springs. A first end of each spring is attached to a respective one of the arms of the yoke, and a second end of each spring is coupled to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil. The diaphragm, anvil, and/or metallic post could be formed from a high permeability steel.

Abstract: A method performing automatic gain control (AGC) using an accelerometer in a headset starts with an accelerometer-based voice activity detector (VADa) generating a VADa output based on (i) acoustic signals received from at least one microphone included in a pair of earbuds and (ii) data output by at least one accelerometer that is included in the pair of earbuds. The at least one accelerometer detects vibration of the user's vocal chords. The headset includes the pair of earbuds. An AGC controller then performs automatic gain control (AGC) on the acoustic signals from the at least one microphone based on the VADa output. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an electronic device includes: a piezoelectric element; a first sound generating unit that is vibrated by the piezoelectric element and generates a vibration sound transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body; and a second sound generating unit that generates an air conduction sound.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system and method for measurement of the force applied to a bone-conduction oscillator during application to a subject, resolving the measured force relative to a pre-determined criteria, and providing an indication to the user to specify whether an external force applied to an applied force indication system coupled with a bone-conduction oscillator is within a pre-determined acceptable range. A mechanical arrangement is prescribed which allows the full extent of the force applied to be represented onto the pressure measurement apparatus. The system and apparatus may be applied onto or integrated into bone-conduction oscillators.

Abstract: A skin interface apparatus configured as an interface of a prosthesis with skin of a recipient, including a first portion configured for direct contact with skin of the recipient, and a second portion configured for direct contact with skin of the recipient, wherein the portions have different material properties. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion is a part of a holding plate pad of a hearing prosthesis and the second portion is part of a driving plate pad of the hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: This application provides an alarming method and device, and relates to the field of communications. The method includes: obtaining a power of an audio signal; determining a transmit power value at least according to the power of the audio signal; broadcasting detection information according to the transmit power value, the detection information including the transmit power value; and alarming, in response to receiving alarming information fed back by another device according to the detection information, a user according to the alarming information. According to the method and device, a user is alarmed in time in a situation in which a risk may occur, and meanwhile an undesired effect of an environmental noise on the user listening to the audio signal in a safe situation is also avoided, thereby improving user experience.

Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing having a driver unit, and a sound guide tube mounted on a front surface of the housing to protrude from the front surface, in which the sound guide tube is disposed at a position deviated from a center position of the housing.

Abstract: A communication and speech enhancement system featuring a first transducer designed to be temporarily affixed to a human such as a hospital patient to convert the audible vibrations of human speech into an electrical signal. The transducer provides this electrical signal to one or more electronic modules which modify and enhance the signal. The enhanced signal may then be amplified and converted back into audible sound by means of a second transducer. A user of the system controls the electronic modules through a user interface. In an embodiment, one or both of the user interface and second transducer feature smooth surfaces amenable to cleaning sterilizing with liquid agents.

Abstract: A bone conduction speaker is provided that, while it is a bone conduction speaker, additionally has a structure allowing a respiratory tract sound to be generated, thereby the high frequency characteristics thereof being improved. In the case where it is used by a hearing non-impaired person, communications at a good voice level can be made as well as in the case where it is used by a hearing impaired person. Further, when the hearing non-impaired person uses it to listen to a music, the music can be enjoyed with a high sound quality.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an acoustic output device capable of reproducing a more natural stereophonic sound giving a realistic sensation regardless of the influence of individual differences in the shapes of ears or an imperfection of the recording system or the reproducing system, through a combination of an air conduction sound and a bone conduction sound produced through bone conduction. [Solution] Provided is an acoustic output device including: an air conduction sound providing unit configured to provide an air conduction sound; and a bone conduction sound providing unit configured to provide a bone conduction sound. The bone conduction sound providing unit is positioned on a portion other than near an ear of a user when worn by the user. According to the an acoustic output device, it is possible to reproduce a stereophonic sound regardless of the influence of individual differences in the shapes of ears or an imperfection of the recording system or the reproducing system.

Abstract: A method, including determining a change in an actuator impedance based on a change in an electrical property of a system of which the actuator is apart, and determining one or more system characteristics based on the change in the actuator impedance.

Abstract: A button on an auditory prosthesis is aligned with a shaft and a bone anchor of the prosthesis. Forces resulting from pressing of the button are evenly distributed towards the anchor, which prevents damage to the prosthesis. The button can be connected to the prosthesis housing with a flexible element or seal, which acts as a soft mute function when the button is pressed, further reducing the risk of feedback. Dampers can be incorporated into the button structure to further dampen feedback that can be transmitted to other components of the auditory prosthesis.

Abstract: Speaker assemblies for a headphone device may include an audio speaker configured to produce audible sound in response to receiving an audio signal at the audio speaker. A tactile bass vibrator distinct from the audio speaker may be operatively connected to the audio speaker. The tactile bass vibrator may be configured to produce tactile vibrations in response to receiving the audio signal at the tactile bass vibrator. A current divider may be operatively connected to the audio speaker and the tactile bass vibrator, the current divider providing greater electrical resistance to flow of current to the audio speaker than to flow of current to the tactile bass vibrator.

Abstract: The embodiments herein disclose a device and a method for controlling noise in a wideband communication system. In one embodiment herein, multiple microphones for receiving wideband audio signals are provided. A processor is configured to analyze each wideband audio signal received by each microphone. Further, unique signal patterns are generated based on each analyzed wideband signals for each microphone and the unique signal patterns are compared to detect any identical signal patterns. A controller is also provided for controlling gains of those microphones that are detected to be receiving wideband audio signal of identical signal patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus, including an external component of a medical device including an electromagnetic actuator configured such that static magnetic flux of the electromagnetic actuator removably retains the external component to a recipient thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a multi-mode headset incorporating both bone conduction and aural transducers. Bone conduction plates of the headset rest on a users' temples, just in front of each ear in one implementation, and create sound through vibrations in a first mode, allowing the user to listen to the headset while still leaving environmental or external sounds audible. In a second mode, the user detaches aural transducers or earbuds from an attachment point and inserts them into the user's ears, blocking external noise and providing passive and/or active noise isolation. In a third mode, both the bone conduction plates and aural transducers may be used simultaneously, providing additional amplitude and potentially wider frequency response. The headset may include a switch, such as a magnetic proximity sensor detecting the position of the aural transducers, to control a mixer or amplifier to re-route audio through the aural transducers.

Abstract: A footwear device for enhancing an entertainment experience in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a first actuator mounted in the footwear device and operable to impart a vibration to the footwear device based on an indication of reproduced sound included in the entertainment experience. A vibration signal is provided to drive the vibration of the footwear device and may be based on reproduced audible information and/or enhanced information optimized to maximize vibration. The present application also relates to an entertainment system for use with the vibrating footwear device.

Abstract: An in-ear headset module including a housing, an earpad, a speaker unit and a microphone is provided. The housing has a chamber and an audio outlet communicated with the chamber. The earpad is disposed outside the housing. The speaker unit and the microphone are disposed in the chamber, and the microphone is located between the speaker unit and the audio outlet. The diameter of the microphone is smaller than or equal to 6 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an earset.