Abstract: An earphone 1, which adopts the drum air power system the invention, includes at least a drum 5 composed of a drum-shaped casing 2, a front head 3 located on the front part of the casing 2, a rear head 4 located on the rear part of the casing 2, an inner-drum space 5a defined by the casing 2, the front head 3, and the rear head 4. Earphone 1 also comprises a driver unit 6 installed inside the drum 5 and equipped with an external sound conducting part 6a and an internal sound conducting hole 6b. The front head 3 and the rear head 4 resonate in response to driving by the driver unit 6 so that the low pitch sounds B and C are output in addition to the full range sound formed from the external sound conducting part 6a. This structure lowers the minimum resonance frequency and increases the sound pressure.

Abstract: Ear bud headphones configured for use with a portable media player include a main body portion with an extended curvature configuration. In one example implementation, the ear bud headphones include a speaker housing and an extension that form a gap between the speaker housing and the extension. A user can secure a portion of the user's outer ear in the gap (i.e., between the extension and speaker housing) such that the ear bud is securely and comfortably held in place within a user's ear. Additionally, the ear bud headphones can be interchangeable such that a user can customize the size, fit, and style of the ear bud headphone.

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: 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: An earphone and method for forming the same are provided. The earphone includes an earphone housing, a speaker, and an earcap. The earphone housing includes a speaker mounting portion. The speaker is fixed to the earphone housing, and has a cable that passes through the body and is drawn from the body. The earcap is installed to at least partially enclose the speaker and the housing, and has at least one speaker sound emitting hole therein. The earcap is made of a material that solidifies after a predetermined time elapses, and is manufactured by inserting the material into an ear of a user, and then solidifying the material such that it is suited for a shape of the ear of the user.

Abstract: An earphone device (1) comprising a main body (14) to be inserted in the outer ear (28) of a user, a conchal wall stabilizer (4) extending from the main body (14) and adapted to engage the conchal wall (24) of the ear (28), the conchal wall stabilizer (4) being able to assume different positions in relation to the main body (4). The conchal wall stabilizer (4) is a bi-stable mechanism, which is movable from a first stable position via a dead point to a second stable position. Spring means (32) biases the conchal wall stabilizer (4) towards the first stable position, when the conchal wall stabilizer (4) is positioned on a first side of the dead point, and towards the second stable position, when the conchal wall stabilizer (4) is positioned on a second side of the dead point.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories for electronic devices such as headsets are provided. The electronic devices may produce audio output. The headsets may include earbuds with speakers that play the audio output for a user while the earbuds are located in the user's ears. Circuitry in an electronic device and a headset may be used in evaluating how well the earbuds are sealed to the user's ears. In response to seal quality measurements, informative messages can be generated for the user, overall earbud volume may be increased, balance adjustments may be made to correct for mismatched balance between left and right earbuds, equalization settings may be adjusted, and noise cancellation circuitry settings can be changed. Electrical impedance measurements and acoustic measurements can be used in evaluating seal quality.

Abstract: An intra-oral hearing appliance includes an actuator to provide bone conduction sound transmission; a transceiver coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to generate sound; and a first chamber containing the actuator and the transceiver, said first chamber adapted to be coupled to one or more teeth.

Abstract: A headset including first and second ear assemblies, each ear assembly including a rear limb, a front limb, a transducer carried on the front limb, and an earpiece extending from the front limb. The rear limb is configured to locate behind a user's ear and the front limb is configured to extend around an upper portion of the user's ear and locate the earpiece in or near an ear canal of the user. The headset further includes a flexible elongate housing configured to house one or more equipment modules, the housing configured to fit conformingly around a nape region of the user's neck when the headset is worn. Each ear assembly is connected to the housing and/or the equipment modules by an elastic strap.

Abstract: An adjustable, dual speaker element earphone. One of the speaker elements is sized to fit into the cavum concha of the listener's ear and the other element (is not. A hinged joint may allow the larger speaker element may be rotated about a vertical axis of the hinged joint so that the larger speaker element can be rotated towards or away from the listener's ear. The speaker elements may be connected such that sounds produced by both speaker elements emanate from different respective sound openings defined in a surface of the smaller speaker element. Also, one or both of the speaker elements may be operably connected to a hanger bar that is sized and configured to rest on an upper portion of the listener's ear.

Abstract: This invention relates to an earphone with a movable push rod structure, which comprising a housing, a sound-emitting unit assembled inside of the housing, and a sound duct connected to the sound-emitting unit for sound transmission, and an earplug connected to the sound duct, with an air duct assembled on the housing for the flow of air inside and outside the earphone, as well as a movable push rod assembled inside the housing and connected with the housing for adjusting air flow condition of the air duct. A completely sealed earphone can be achieved when the push rod is pushed to ii block the air duct, or an open earphone can be achieved when the push rod is separated from the air duct. This invention has advantages of convenient and flexible regulation of sound modes of the earphones, which can be applied to users who have different requirements for sounds, and also a broader range of applications.

Abstract: A wired or wireless earset assembly comprises an earset housing having a curved portion configured to fit to the top of an ear, a speaker driver contained in a speaker housing, a flexible tube having a first extension so as to be coupled with at least a part of the curved portion of the earset housing and a second extension coupled with the speaker housing, a rotatable cap containing a bud coupled with the speaker driver, a sound delivery port in the bud, a circuitry for processing an input signal in the case, and a wire in the flexible tube connecting the circuitry and the speaker driver. The structure of the assembly allows a user to wear it with great comfort and high quality acoustic performance for an extended period, enables the assembly to fit to both right and left ears by a simple rotation of the cap, and increases ease of manufacturability.

Abstract: An inflatable in-ear device includes a core member with a platform provided with a sealing assembly in the form of a locating recess for the registration of a retention ring formed around a defining opening of a sheath arranged in close circumjacent manner around the platform attached to the core member, an abutment surface being formed on a capping for the platform and the core member whereby in use positive location of the retention ring within the recess is achieved by the closure of the recess by the abutment surface. A space is defined between the sheath and the core member for the injection of a settable material used for the inflation of the sheath once the device is emplaced within the ear canal of the ear.

Abstract: An earphone device with a bass adjusting function is provided. The earphone device includes an accommodating portion and an extension segment. The accommodating portion has an inner chamber for accommodating a speaker. The extension segment which is hollow-shaped and has a first space and a second space therein, and the first space is in communication with the inner chamber of the accommodating portion, and when a portion of the extension segment is adjusted from a first position to a second position, the first space, the second space, and the inner chamber of the accommodating portion are in communication, so as to increase a volume of the back chamber of the speaker.

Abstract: An earphone device having a biological information measuring apparatus, structured to facilitate insertion into a user's ear or to absorb vibration generated by external movement before or after the insertion. To this end, the earphone device includes a speaker portion, a sensor housing rotatably coupled with the speaker portion, a shaft provided in the speaker portion and the sensor housing to couple the speaker portion with the sensor housing such that the speaker portion and the sensor housing rotate together, a support housing coupled with the shaft to pass the shaft therethrough, the support housing supporting rotation of the speaker portion and the sensor housing, and a stopper portion provided in the shaft and the support housing to rotate the speaker portion and the sensor housing and then stop them before or after insertion into a user's ear, thereby facilitating the insertion or urging the speaker portion to contact the user's ear.

Abstract: An electronic device including a body and an earphone is provided. One end of the body has an earplug-accommodating opening and a power-supplying terminal. The earphone has an earplug and a power-charging terminal. The earplug is accommodated in the earplug-accommodating opening, and the power-charging terminal is electrically connected to the power-supplying terminal.

Abstract: A multi-driver, in-ear monitor is provided that is coupleable to an external audio source, for example via a source input cable or a wireless receiver. A circuit, for example comprising a passive or active crossover circuit, receives the electrical signal from the external audio source and provides separate input signals to the drivers contained within the in-ear monitor. A plurality of discrete sound delivery tubes acoustically couple the audio output from each of the drivers to the acoustic output surface of the in-ear monitor. The in-ear monitor may be configured as a custom fit IEM or configured to accept a removable eartip.

Abstract: An earphone includes a first acoustic chamber having a reactive element and a resistive element in a parallel configuration, a second acoustic chamber separated from the first acoustic chamber by an acoustic transducer and including a unitary port to provide both pressure equalization of the second chamber and equalization of the earphone to a predetermined frequency response, and a housing to support the apparatus from the concha of a wearer's ear and to extend the second acoustic chamber into the ear canal of the wearer's ear.

Abstract: A multi-driver, in-ear monitor is provided that is coupleable to an external audio source, for example via a source input cable or a wireless receiver. A circuit, for example comprising a passive or active crossover circuit, receives the electrical signal from the external audio source and provides separate input signals to the drivers contained within the in-ear monitor. A plurality of sound delivery tubes acoustically couple the audio output from each of the drivers to the acoustic output surface of the in-ear monitor. The in-ear monitor may be configured as a custom fit IEM or configured to accept a removable eartip. The plurality of sound delivery tubes may be comprised of a pair of concentric tubes; a pair of concentric tubes and a discrete tube; or three concentric tubes.

Abstract: There is provided an auditory canal earphone comprising a housing (120) for receiving an electroacoustic transducer and a sound guide unit (130) on the housing (120) for feeding audio signals produced by the sound transducer into an auditory canal of a user of the auditory canal earphone. The sound guide unit (130) has an outside (136). The auditory canal further has at least one ear adaptor (200) with an inside wall (220) for at least partial placement over the sound guide unit (130) and an outside wall (210) for sealing off the auditory canal. The auditory canal earphone further has a tube (400) between the outside (136) of the sound guide unit (130) and the inside wall (220) of the ear adaptor (200).

Abstract: An earphone includes a shell and a speaker in the shell. The shell includes a front cover and a rear cover joined with the front cover. One of the front and rear covers has a protrusion extending out toward the other one of the front and rear covers, and the other of the front and rear shells defines a fixing groove facing the protrusion. The protrusion is engaged in the fixing groove to join the front and rear covers together.

Abstract: An earpiece carrying a microphone and a transmitter is disclosed. The earpiece is adapted to position the microphone within a canal of an ear of a wearer.

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: An earphone device converts electric signals to audible sound. The earphone includes a first electroacoustic transducer and a second electroacoustic transducer. A separating part of the earphone is positioned between the second transducer and a sound opening of a plug area of the earphone. The separating part forms a barrier between a first sound path for the first transducer and a second sound path for the second transducer. The first sound path comprises a substantially annular cross-section disposed around the second sound path. The earphone includes a filter disk arranged in the sound opening, in which an acoustic friction is provided for each of the first and second sound paths.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing instrument comprises a deformable holding element (3) outside the ear canal and a sealing element (7) comprising venting elements. The sealing element is an exchangeable resilient eartip, which by means of venting elements, such as holes, channels, openings, etc. defines the amount of acoustic leakage.

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: Various embodiments are directed to earphones, earphone assemblies, and methods of using the same. Further, these embodiments provide earphones that can releasably interconnect in a compact configuration that also reduces the likelihood that the earphone wires or cords will become entangled. By way of example, in at least one embodiment, an earphone can comprise a housing including a channel defined therein and a wire stem extending from the housing. The channel may be sized and configured to releasably retain a wire stem portion from another earphone. These and other various embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An audio adapter including a first connector, a second connector, a manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit, and a signal line is provided. The signal line sequentially connects the first connector, the manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit, and the second connector. An earphone and a speaker box using the same manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit are also provided.

Abstract: An earphone including a housing, a moving coil speaker, and a balance armature speaker is provided. The housing has an accommodating space and a single sound conducting channel connected to the accommodating space. The moving coil speaker and the balance armature speaker are disposed in the accommodating space of the housing, and sounds generated by the moving coil speaker and the balance armature speaker are output together through the single sound conducting channel. The earphone is characterized by soft bass from the moving coil speaker and a smooth frequency response curve from the balance armature speaker.

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: An earpiece adapted to transmit acoustic sound into an year, the earpiece having a flexible ear canal engagement member that is adapted to be repositioned longitudinally inwardly by way of some form of an extension member. When the extension member is released, the member contracts to a first position, thereby increasing a portion of its cross-sectional diameter at some portion thereof to engage the ear canal of a user's ear to securely fit the device to the user's ear.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupleable to a first audio source using a wired connection and to a second audio source using a wireless connection. A controller is used to determine whether the first, or second, audio source is coupled to the active crossover network which, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within the headphones of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupled to an audio source using either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The active crossover network, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal from the audio source into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within each headphone of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters. The power source can be included within some portion of the headset or included within a wireless interface.

Abstract: To avoid undesirable electrostatic discharge events while maintaining low leakage currents, earbuds may be provided with controlled electrostatic discharge paths. The discharge paths may include discrete components such as resistors or more distributed resistive components such as resistive elastomers. A resistive elastomer may be incorporated into an interior portion of an earbud between an earbud housing structure and a ground path. A resistive elastomer may also be used in forming an ear bud tip.

Abstract: There is provided an earphone having at least one housing (10) and at least one electroacoustic transducer (20) having a first and a second surface (21, 22). The earphone further has a first volume (100) defined by the first surface (21) of the electroacoustic transducer (20) and by a first end (12) of the housing (10), and a second volume (200) defined by the second surface (22) of the electroacoustic transducer (20) and by a second end (11) of the housing (10). An opening (300) is provided between the first and second volumes (100, 200). A closing unit (30) serves to at least partially close the opening (300).

Abstract: A sound box type earphone housing for use in a headset is disclosed to include a body shell having a coupling flange, a springy earphone clamp fastened to the inside of the body shell and having a front clamping hole for securing an earplug type earphone, and an annular cover member, which has a coupling groove coupled to the coupling flange of the body shell, a center opening hole, and a hanging portion extending around the top side of the center opening hole for hanging the annular cover member on the user's ear.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupleable to a first audio source using a wired connection and to a second audio source using a wireless connection. A controller is used to determine whether the first, or second, audio source is coupled to the active crossover network which, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within the in-ear monitors of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters.

Abstract: There is provided an in-ear earphone comprising a housing (100), a transducer housing (200) and a support unit (300). The transducer housing (200) serves to receive an electroacoustic transducer. The support unit (300) is connected to the housing (100) and is adapted to be anchored in a concha of a wearer. The support unit (300) is at least partially made from a soft flexible material. In that way it can be ensured that the in-ear earphone can be anchored in any concha of a wearer.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupled to an audio source using either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The active crossover network, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal from the audio source into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within each in-ear monitor of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters. The power source can be included within some portion of the headset or included within the wireless interface.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

Abstract: Provided is an insertion type earphone, in which a receiver unit (12) is constituted to have a receiver body (50) (or a BA type receiver) housed in a casing (20). The receiver body (50) includes a housing (56) having a small hole (66a) formed to provide communication between a back space (CR) and the external space. The casing (20) is constituted to include a cylindrical frame (32) having a sound guide tube (16) at its leading end portion and a gasket (36) inserted from a root end portion and fixed in the cylindrical frame (32). The receiver body (50) is so inserted into and fixed in the gasket (36) as to isolate a sound releasing hole (64a) and the small hole (66a). In the gasket (36), a communication hole (36e) is formed to provide communication between the sound releasing hole (64a) and a sound way (16a) of the sound guide tube (16).

Abstract: A diaphonic valve utilizing the principle of the Synthetic Jet is disclosed herein. A diaphonic valve pump is provided for the inflation of an in-ear balloon. More complex embodiments of the present invention include stacks of multiple synthetic jets generating orifices as well as an oscillating, thin polymer membrane. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a novel application is provided for the creation of static pressure to inflate or to deflate an inflatable member (balloon). In addition, sound can be utilized to inflate or deflate an inflatable member in a person's ear for the purpose of listening to sound.

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: An apparatus and a method for outputting an audio signal in a portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal for outputting an audio signal includes an ear jack, a modem, and an amplifier. The ear jack connects the portable terminal with one of an earphone and an external apparatus. The modem detects whether one of the earphone and the external apparatus is connected to the ear jack. When connection of the external apparatus is detected, the amplifier high power-amplifies the audio signal and outputs the same to the external apparatus according to a control of the modem.

Abstract: An earphone is disclosed that is used in connection with reproducing audio sounds that are supplied from an audio-frequency source. The earphone includes a housing that includes a boot assembly positioned in the housing. A first audio driver is positioned in the boot assembly such that a first output of the first audio driver is in acoustic communication with a mixing chamber. A second audio driver is also positioned in the boot assembly such that a second output of the second audio driver is in acoustic communication with a chamber in the boot assembly. A tubular needle is positioned in the boot assembly having a first end in acoustic communication with the chamber and a second end in acoustic communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An earphone includes a ceramic shell having an outer surface forming a plurality of facets. The facets reflect lights from different angles to show dazzling and brilliance as a cut gemstone or diamond, providing feeling of beautifulness when worn and increasing competition capability in the market.

Abstract: There is described an earpiece for securing a device within an individual's ear comprising a body made from resilient material and means for attaching the earpiece to the device to form an earpiece assembly, wherein the earpiece body is compressible to allow insertion of the earpiece assembly into the ear and the earpiece body is expandable to substantially fill the individual's auricular cavity. The invention has particular utility for securing an earphone or earplug in the ear. A method for manufacturing the earpiece is also provided.

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: Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

Abstract: According to the first aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing comprises at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers is placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. According to the second aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument comprising a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear as well as a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component is provided, where the connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and/or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. The hearing instrument also comprises fixation means for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. A hearing instrument according to the third aspect comprises a fixation means separate from the in-the-ear-canal component.