Abstract: A headset with an elongated housing is provided with an in ear speaker that is suspended from the elongated housing so that it may assume a stowed position in which the in ear speaker is substantially in line with the elongated housing and may assume a deployed position in which the in ear speaker is disposed sidewards from said elongated housing. The in ear speaker may be suspended from the elongated housing by an arm, such as a simple arm or a parallel arm mechanism.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the antihelix of a wearer's ear, thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's antihelix and tragus, to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear-mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear-mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the antihelix of the wearer's ear. The ear-mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A hearing apparatus includes a charging contact being movable relative to an accumulator and being electrically conductively connected to the accumulator in a first position and less effectively conductively connected thereto in a second position. A spring-elastic element engages with the charging contact in order to push the charging contact into the second position with a predetermined force, so that the charging contact can only be pushed into the first position by overcoming the predetermined force. As a result, the charging contact configuration obtains a switching function, so that electro-corrosion on the charging contacts can be prevented. Therefore, charging an accumulator of a hearing apparatus and in particular of a hearing device using a direct conductive contact is possible, with zero potential of the charging contacts which are accessible from the outside being ensured during normal operation of the hearing apparatus.

Abstract: A compact audio speaker assembly that fits into the ear canal without occluding the ear canal, thus allowing ambient sounds to be heard along with the audio source. The ear speaker is secured in the ear canal by a ribbon or wire like spring structure anchoring the speaker to the concha portion of the outer ear and typically pushing the speaker up against the top side of the ear canal, leaving a space for external sounds to bypass the speaker to the eardrum. The speaker may further include a connecting signal cable that passes over the ear and behind the ear to provide additional support for the speaker and strain relief for the signal cable. One embodiment may include a shell over the speaker connected to the wire like spring anchor and may include an ear wax screen. Two speakers may be configured for stereo listening.

Abstract: An in-ear earphone includes a shell and a sound output device. The shell has a first engaging portion. The sound output device has a sound tunnel, a second engaging portion and a speaker. The speaker is disposed between the sound tunnel and the second engaging portion coaxially with the sound tunnel. The second engaging portion is movably engaged with the first engaging portion. The angle between the shell and the sound output device is adjustable so that the sound tunnel can be suitably plugged into individual user's ear canals.

Abstract: An audio output device includes: a speaker unit including at least first to third speakers; and an audio signal processor configured to select either one of a first mode for outputting a stereo audio signal from the first and second speakers and a second mode for outputting a monaural audio signal from the third speaker and the first or second speaker.

Abstract: A headphone including a housing that includes a speaker unit and that has a generally flat surface that comes into contact with an outward facing surface of an auricle of an ear and a neckband that is connected to the housing. The neckband has a ring form with a partially cut-out section and the inner side of at least one end of the neckband is connected to the housing. The neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing are generally coplanar, and have an elastic force in a direction that causes the neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing to return to the coplanar arrangement.

Abstract: An audio source (TV, stereo) detects, through a wireless signal from a headphone or from its cradle, when the headphone has been disengaged from the cradle. In response the audio device automatically mutes or lowers the volume output by its speakers.

Abstract: An earphone system (1; 23) comprising a wireless earphone (2; 20, 21) and a portable holding device (3; 22). The earphone (2; 20, 21) comprises an ear hook (8) for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) to the ear (14) of a user. The holding device (3; 22) comprises an outer surface (25) with an earphone recess (4; 30, 31) adapted for receiving the earphone (2; 20, 21) with the ear hook (8), such that the ear hook (8) follows the outer surface (25) of the holding device (3; 22), and attachment means for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) in the earphone recess (4; 30, 31).

Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a hoop (1) with a first and a second pivot point (A0, B0) at least one end of the hoop (1). The earphone has at least one earpiece (3) for receiving at least one electroacoustic transducer. The earpiece (3) has a first and a second pivot point (A, B). The earphone further has a first coupling element (2) for coupling the first pivot point (A0) of the hoop (1) to the first pivot point (A) of the earpiece (3) and a second coupling element (4) for coupling the second pivot point (B0) of the hoop (1) to the second pivot point (B) of the earpiece (3).

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a support structure (41) that is fastenable to a safety helmet (58). A vibration conduction microphone (54) is carried by the support structure. The vibration conduction microphone and the speaker enclosure (43) are positioned so that, when the support structure is fastened to the safety helmet, the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker enclosure come into contact with a rear of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A vented tip for in-the-ear headphones has a core portion to be mounted to a sound output tube of an in-the-ear earphone and a flange portion extending outward from and surrounding the core portion. The vented tip has a) an outer portion formed in the flange portion that is to be in contact with, and thereby form a seal with, a user's ear canal, and b) an inner portion spaced inwards from the outer portion to thereby not form the seal with the user's ear canal. The inner portion has a calibrated perforation or hole formed therein. Other embodiments that may help reduce bone conduction effects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An ear hook microphone comprises an ear hook, a cable pole, a cable pole receiving device and a cable pole adjusting device. The ear hook comprises an injection position. The cable pole receiving device is fixed in the injection position and comprises an underlying flange. The cable pole adjusting device is fixed in the cable pole receiving device, which includes a fixed block, a pressing block, a button and a plurality of flexible members. The fixed block includes a base plate. A button hole is formed in the middle of the base plate. Two side plates upwardly extend from the two opposite ends of the base plate respectively. Each of the two side plates opens a through hole at the cable pole. The pressing block is placed between the two side plates. The top end of the button inserts through the button hole then connects with the pressing block. The button comprises a bar. The top end of the bar has a perforated hole. An upborne flange protrudes from the lower portion of the bar.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) includes a housing (2), at least a first microphone for receiving ambient sound, processing circuitry for processing a signal from the first microphone (6, 7) and an output transducer. At least one further microphone (8) is disposed in the hearing housing at a location, which, during normal use of the hearing aid, is sheltered against wind influences.

Abstract: An ear hooked earphone is provided for selectively being worn on a left or right ear of a user. The earphone includes a body and an ear hook. The body includes a first coupled portion formed on a surface thereof. The ear hook includes a hook section and a fastened section. The hook section is used for hooking around the ear of the user. The fastened section is connected with the hook section, and a separation is formed between ends of the hook section and the fastened section. The fastened section has a second coupled portion, and one of two sides of the second coupled portion is selectively coupled with the first coupled section. Thereby, the position of the separation relative to the body is able to be changed, that is, the ear hooked earphone is able to hang on the left or right ear of the user freely.

Abstract: A Bluetooth headset includes a case, a circuit board, a speaker, a USB plug, a memory slot, an actuating structure, and a movable lid. The case is a hollow structure. A containing space in the case is accessible to an opening of the case. The circuit board is installed in the containing space. The speaker is installed on the case and electrically connected to the circuit board. Both the USB plug and the memory slot are electrically connected to the circuit board. The actuating structure is disposed on the case for driving the circuit board to selectively move the USB plug and the memory slot toward or away from the opening of the case. The movable lid is disposed at a side of the opening of the case in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: Adapters for use with sound devices and methods for making and using the same. In some embodiments, an example adapter may include an adapter body having a first side, a port or projection extending from the first side, and a second side. The second side is generally configured to be attachable to a sound device such as an earbud or earbud-type of headphone. The projection may include a sleeve attached thereto. The projection and sleeve are generally configured to at least in part extend into the ear canal of a user during use.

Abstract: Adapters for use with sound devices and methods for making and using the same. In some embodiments, an example adapter may include an adapter body having a first side, a port or projection extending from the first side, and a second side. The second side is generally configured to be attachable to a sound device such as an earbud or earbud-type of headphone. The projection may include a sleeve attached thereto. The projection and sleeve are generally configured to at least in part extend into the ear canal of a user during use.

Abstract: An ear-hanging microphone comprising; a c-shaped hanger; a cable pole, whose first end connecting said hanger at a first end thereof; a flexible strap, whose two ends being twisted on said hanger, and the length of said flexible strap being shorter than the longest one of the diameters of said hanger; a microphone, which connecting said cable pole at a second end thereof; a stop block, which connecting said hanger at a second end thereof; a socket, which being embedded in said stop block, and said socket and said microphone being linked electrically; a pin, which being correspondingly inserted into said socket to realize electrical link; and an electrical cable, which being linked electrically with said pin. Because of the usage of the flexible strap, the usage period of the ear-hanging microphone is prolonged and the user feels more comfortable and convenienter.

Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

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: A hanging type earphone with a hinge unit includes an earphone body, a hang member and a hinge unit. The earphone body has a connecting base defining a receiving space. The hinge unit received in the receiving space includes a positioning base, an axis cover and a pivotal axis having a mating portion whose cross-section is a polygon. The axis cover presses against the positioning base to form a pivotal space, one end of the pivotal axis is fixed in the hang member and the other end passes through the pivotal space, the mating portion mates with the side walls of the axis cover, thereby, the earphone body is positioned after rotating relatively to the hang member. Moreover, the pivot axis can be pulled out from the pivotal hole and then inserted into the pivotal space from the opposite direction, so the hanging type earphone can be hung on either ear of the user.

Abstract: A headset for using an electronic device worn on a head, includes an ear clip formed to have a shape conforming to and wearable on a root of auricle. The ear clip includes a core that can plastically be deformed according to a difference between shapes of the root of auricle and a protecting material that covers the core.

Abstract: A wireless earphone includes an earphone, a microphone, a hanging portion and an adjusting portion fixed with the hanging portion. The answering portion is mounted on the junction area of the hanging portion and the adjusting portion. The microphone is mounted on the other end of the adjusting portion. The wireless earphone is made of flexible, elastic material. The bluetooth has at least one block protruding thereon, to make the wireless earphone be disassembly mounted on a portable electronic device. The invention also includes a portable electronic device using the wireless earphone.

Abstract: What is provided is an eyewear retention device comprising two ends, wherein each end is adapted for removable connection to an earpiece of an eyewear device; an audio device located at or substantially near at least one of the ends, wherein the audio device is adapted to play one or more audio signals for transmission to one or more surfaces of a human auditory passage at a location proximate to and outside of the ear, if the strap is connected to the earpiece of the eyewear device and worn in combination with the eyewear device; a receiver electrically connected to the audio device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive the one or more audio signals, wherein the receiver is further adapted to remotely communicate with a sound transmission device; and a power source electrically connected to the audio device and to the receiver that is adapted to supply power to the audio device and the receiver. In one embodiment the audio device is adapted to connect the strap to the earpiece of the eyewear.

Abstract: A communication headset includes a housing having an upper cover defining a pivot hole and a locating hole. An earpiece and an ear hook are disposed on the top of the upper cover. A microphone arm has a raised portion received in the pivot hole. The bottom center of the raised portion defines an aperture. A locating cavity is defined at the bottom of the microphone arm. A pivot frame fixed in the housing defines a receiving can to accept a spring shaft, around which a spring winds for providing a torsion force to the microphone arm. An end of the spring shaft forms a locking portion fixed in the aperture. And a limiting body having a buckling block is mounted in the housing for limiting rotation of the microphone arm which is driven by the torsion force when the buckling block is forced to withdraw from the locating cavity.

Abstract: Headset includes a signal interface configured for receiving and forwarding electrical signals, a bending-resistant, bendable retaining member, and a functional device attached to the retaining member. Retaining member being bendable and held in a bent position without a restoring force, and is connected to signal interface for positioning functional device. Electrical signal lines provided in retaining member, and running between signal interface and functional device. Fixing element which can be placed on retaining member in various longitudinal positions to secure retaining member. Retaining clip, which can be bent into position, extends between signal interface and fixing element; and. Rear section of retaining member, signal interface, retaining clip, fixing element form a loop, the size of loop being adjustable and changeable by displacing fixing element along retaining member, in use, and loop being configured for receiving an auricle of a user and running at least partially behind auricle, is use.

Abstract: A behind-the-ear type hearing aid which can improve a fit to a user includes a hearing aid main body and a tube for introducing sound output from the hearing aid main body to an external auditory meatus. The tube is comprised of a connector portion, and a tube portion having one end which connects to the connector portion and an opposite end which to an earplug. The tube portion is constructed so as to be freely transformed, into a desired shape and a metal wire for maintaining the transformed shape is embedded in the tube portion. Also, the shape of the hearing aid main body to be in contact with a user's body can be formed corresponding to the shape of a user's body.

Abstract: An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.

Abstract: An eartip that includes at least one acoustic material filled port is provided. The port and the acoustic material contained therein provide the eartip with a controlled acoustic leakage path, thus allowing the user to tailor the performance of the earphones to which the eartips of the invention are attached. The provided eartip is attachable to a standard, generic earpiece, for example through the use of interlocking members (e.g., channel/lip arrangement). At least one port, in addition to the central opening by which the eartip is attached to the earphone, extends through the eartip. The port can have a circular cross-section, arcuate cross-section, or other shape. If desired, for example to increase the port area, the eartip can be designed with multiple ports surrounding the central opening. Within the port is an acoustic material with the desired acoustic impedance. The eartip can be coded to allow identification of the acoustic qualities of a particular eartip.

Abstract: A device for housing an electronic device and which is removably secured to a hat such as a baseball hat. The device includes a front portion and two arm portions, with the electronic device preferably secured to the front portion and a speaker member disposed near the end of each arm portion. Speaker wires running from the speakers to the electronic device can be hidden by disposed the wires within the arm portions. As the device is removable it can be easily and quickly removed from securement to a first hat for use with another hat. No modifications, alterations or adjustments to the hat are required for securing the device from one hat to another.

Abstract: An aural device to be worn over the ear of a user during sleeping hours which generates white noise.

Abstract: The hearing device connector for eyeglasses is a connector that attaches a hearing aid device or a hearing device ear hanger to eyeglasses. The hearing aid device can have a flexible elastic sound tube from the transmitter and the sound tube passes through the connector and the stem of the eyeglasses securing the hearing aid directly to the eye glasses. Other types of hearing devices like telephone or radio sound tube can also be attached to the connector and eyeglasses. Eyeglass holders or attachments that fit around a person's head can also be used to fasten the connector to hearing aids.

Abstract: A headphone device includes: an approximately U-shaped band portion, the band portion being configured such that one and the other ends thereof are held on temples near upper ends of the left and right pinnas of a wearer and an intermediate portion thereof is positioned at the occiput of the wearer; left and right side connecting members connected to the band portion; left and right side housings connected to the band portion via the connecting members in a manner hanging from the band portion; and left and right side headphone drivers disposed in the left and right side housings, respectively.

Abstract: A personal communications earpiece (10, 10a, 10b) for use with a personal communications device such as a telephone (50). The personal communications earpiece (10, 10a, 10b) has an ear hook (12) for placing over an ear (60) of the user. An ear bud (14, 14a) containing a speaker (27) is both physically and electrically connected to the ear hook (12) by a flexible connector (16). A front portion (22) of the ear hook (12) extends generally downward in front of the ear (60). In one embodiment, the ear bud (14) has an in ear portion (28) with a plurality of grooves (30) therein for assisting in preventing the ear bud (14) from completely blocking or occluding the ear canal of the user.

Abstract: An earphone set includes an earphone and a hanger. The earphone includes a shell and a shaft extending from the shaft. The hanger includes a bushing, a connector and a hook. The bushing is mounted on the shaft. The connector includes an annular portion mounted on the bushing. The bushing cannot be rotated in the annular portion just because of a torque derived from the weight of the earphone. However, when additionally subjected to a proper torque, the bushing can be rotated in the annular portion. The hook is rotationally connected to the connector.

Abstract: A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.

Abstract: A headset is disclosed. The headset includes an earpiece, a voice conducting and connecting system and a microphone connected to the voice conducting and connecting system, the microphone being capable of operating in a directional configuration and in an omnidirectional configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a first speaker which emits sound, a second speaker which emits sound, and a device which connects the first speaker and the second speaker. The device may connect the first speaker or front speaker, and the second speaker or rear speaker, so that the device can be attached to an ear of a person so that the first speaker lies near the middle of the ear while the second speaker lies at a location between an ear lobe of the ear and a mastoid of a skull of the person.

Abstract: Headset for fitting an earpiece that has a lock housing in or on which a fixing device is provided. A flexurally rigid and elastic ear loop which forms a loop for accommodating the outer ear of a user, and one end of the ear loop is received longitudinally displaceable in the fixing device of the lock housing, and for adjusting the size of the loop is adjustably received in various length positions, creating a fixing effect. There is a control device for receiving and outputting electrical signals and a signal interface for receiving and/or outputting electrical signals to and/or from the control device.

Abstract: A system for earbud headphones holds the earbud headphone on during movement. The system has a “C” shaped ear frame with a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening. The ear frame is formed from a soft plastic. A clip has a concave side that mates with an earbud headphone. A pin is attached to the clip and detachably extends through the opening in the ear loop. The opening has a spherically concave shape with a hole in the center. The pin has a ball shaped head that mates with the spherically concave shape to form a ball and socket arrangement. As a result, the clip is able to rotate 360 degrees. The stem of the pin is smaller than the hole and this allows the clip holding the earbud speaker to tilt.

Abstract: An earbud comprising a speaker, a housing for containing the speaker, and a securing arm for contact with an earlobe of a user's ear.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.

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: A communications headset may be worn on an ear of a user. The headset may include a housing provided with a protruding concha-engaging part and a hook. The hook has an ear-engaging part and a joint part. The joint part is connected to the housing in that it is retained by a lug which is provided on an upper surface of a bottom wall of the housing. The joint part has an end portion which is configured as a rotation axis around which the hook is rotatable.

Abstract: Audio equipment comprising a frame having a face and a pair of temples hingedly connected thereto, a conductor extending across the face to electrically connect audio modules associated with the temples, the face including grooves adapted to receive parts of lenses and a channel extending across a bridge region and interconnecting the grooves, the conductor extending through at least parts of the grooves and the channel.

Abstract: An improved antenna device for BTE devices, such a hearing prostheses, is disclosed. Antenna elements (111, 114) are disposed in the BTE body (101) and in the earhook (102), with dielectric material (112, 113) disposed between, so as to form a capacitive coupling.

Abstract: An earhook (1), for example for a headset, to be worn around the root of the auricle (14) in the postauricular sulcus. The earhook (1) extends between a first end (5) and a second end (6) and has at least a first (2) and a second (3) curved element interconnected at the first end (5). Each curved element (2, 3) has a concave first side pointing forward towards the root of the auricle (14) and a convex second side pointing away from the root of the auricle (14) when worn. The curved elements (2, 3) are arranged with lateral distance (w) seen in a direction essentially perpendicular to the side of the head.

Abstract: A microphone positioning structure is connected to an audio output device, and is composed of a sound tube, an end of which is connected with the audio output device; an earplug part which is located at a tail end of the aforementioned sound tube; an ear-hook part, an end of which is connected with the aforementioned sound tube. An end of the sound tube is plugged into the audio output device such as a trumpet or a loudspeaker, the ear-hook part is hung on a user's auricle for positioning, and the earplug part is inserted into the user's ear. In addition, while listening, the ear-hook part is hung and fixed on the user's auricle; therefore, the earplug part will not be subjected to a force, and it will not be fallen off due to a force of gravity and a shaking.