Abstract: Methods of operating an audio device are provided. A method includes calculating estimated sound pressure levels (SPLs) for drive signals directed to an ear canal receiver (ECR) during a time increment ?t; calculating an estimated SPL_Dose during the time increment ?t using the estimated sound pressure levels; and calculating a total SPL_Dose at a time t of the audio device using the estimated SPL_Dose.

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: Methods and devices for sound detection and audio control are provided. A listening device (100) can include a receiver (102) and a sound director for directing a sound produced by the receiver into an ear of the user, a microphone (104) and a mount for mounting the microphone so as to receive the sound in an environment, a detector for detecting an auditory signal in the sound received by the microphone, and an alerting device for alerting the user to the presence of the auditory signal. The user's personal safety is enhanced due to the user being alerted to the presence of the auditory signal, which otherwise may be unnoticed by the user due to a loud sound level created at the ear of the user by the receiver.

Abstract: An ear cup which comprises an inner cup portion for the formation of a noise damping space and an outer cup portion for the formation of a space for accommodating electronics, electrical connections and/or a current source. The outer cup portion is fixable on the inner with the aid of a locking member which is insertable in a guide in the outer cup portion. The inner cup portion has a locking recess and the outer cup portion has an aperture. The locking member is placed in the locking recess and the aperture. The locking member has an outer shank and an inner shank. The outer shank is provided with a bulge which engages with a recess in the outer cup portion. The inner shank is provided with a locking portion which engages with the inner cup portion. The locking portion has projections which prevent withdrawal of the inner shank out of the aperture.

Abstract: A kit for preparing a custom-fit ear protection molding is provided having a first container containing a compliant material and a second container containing a hardening agent such that when the compliant material and the hardening agent are combined and kneaded, a resulting compound is formed which may be inserted into the ear of a user and allowed to cure. A method of affecting the hearing of a user is provided. A method of selling a hearing-protection kit is also provided along with a method of manufacturing the disclosed kit.

Abstract: Method of evaluating perception intensity of an audio input signal (IS) comprising the steps of receiving the audio input signal (IS), estimating a time variant distribution function (TVDF) on the basis of said audio input signal (IS) or a derivative thereof, determining the perception intensity as at least one perception intensity estimate (PIE) on the basis of said estimated time variant distribution function (TVDF). According to the invention perception intensity has been obtained on the basis of a time variant distribution function. Thereby, an advantageous universal and flexible determination of perception intensity is obtained. The universal applicability is basically obtained due to the fact that a distribution function may match and describe audio input signal of very different nature. Thus, according to the invention even speech, music and noise may be evaluated on the basis of a distribution function.

Abstract: A system for testing audio of a motherboard includes a recording fixture and a computer. The recording fixture includes a recording device and a soundproof device. The soundproof device is configured for soundproofing the audio device and the recording device from environmental noise. The computer includes an output/input module, a comparing module and a displaying module. The output/input module is configured for outputting a first sound signal generated by the computer to the audio device to cause the audio device to generate a sound and receiving the sound generated by the audio device and recorded by the recording device from the recording device and transforming the sound into a second sound signal. The comparing module is configured for comparing the first and second sound signals. The displaying module is configured for displaying the compared result.

Abstract: Methods of acoustic dose monitoring and acoustic dose systems are provided. An acoustic dose system includes a first device configured to measure sound pressure levels directed to an ear drum and a second device configured to convert the sound pressure levels into a sound pressure level dose. The second device sends a notification signal to a third device if the sound pressure level dose is larger than a threshold value.

Abstract: An earphone set includes a main device having a digital signal processor, and an earplug has an external microphone and a speaker electrically connected with the digital signal processor respectively. The external microphone converts an external sound wave into an electronic signal and transmits the electronic signal to the digital signal processor for processing. The speaker converts the electronic signal processed by the digital signal processor into a sound wave for output.

Abstract: An earpiece device includes a housing having a sound output portion, a speaker and a microphone. The speaker disposed in the housing includes a diaphragm and a sound transmitting hole. The diaphragm is located between the sound output portion and the sound transmitting hole. The microphone is disposed in the housing and covers the sound transmitting hole. A sound wave generated within an ear canal would be received by the speaker and delivered through the sound transmitting hole to the microphone for pickup.

Abstract: A manually switching dual-mode hearing protector including an active hearing protection device that does not only provide for acoustic attenuation of ambient sound in order to protect hearing of a user in a noisy environment but in addition provides electro-acoustically bypassing of this acoustic attenuation function in order to provide the user with a communication function in order to enable the user to perceive speech signals even when wearing the manually switching dual-mode hearing protector in a noisy environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hearing loss having a body made of a soft compliant material having first and second ends and a channel extending therethrough, an acoustically limp material adjacent one of the ends of the body with the acoustically limp material having a hole therein aligned with the channel extending through the body, and a component film, disc or other structure covering or sealing the opening in the acoustically limp material. The film or disc may be formed of a high-strength polymer material and may be less than 10 micrometers in thickness. Rather than having a single channel extending through the body, a plurality of channels may extend therethrough and a plurality of corresponding holes may be provided in the acoustically limp material. The film, disc or other structure covers or seals the plurality of holes in the acoustically limp material.

Abstract: A semi-insert hearing protector includes a thin-walled enclosure sized substantially to that of the outer ear of a wearer, the enclosure being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and secured to the head of said wearer by means of an adjustable headband. A short tube extends from the enclosure for communication with the ear canal, the short tube being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and including a flexible cuff disposed over the tube made from a resilient material. The enclosure contains sound absorbing material configured to vary the frequency characteristic of sound attenuation by the semi-insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protector for use in magnetic resonance systems. The hearing protector comprises a pad that is to be inserted in the ear and is provided on an adapter. A sound generating device is provided on or in the adapter or a sound transmitting device leads into same.

Abstract: An earphone antenna device operable to be connected with a wireless communication terminal device includes: earphone cables, connected with earphone sections, respectively, for supplying audio signals; an audio cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with the earphone cables; and a coaxial cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with a pair of string-shaped antenna elements integrated with the earphone cables. The earphone cables are insulated from the antenna elements and the audio cable is insulated from the coaxial cable. This provides a dipole antenna device and an earphone antenna device hardly influenced by noises from the wireless communication terminal device and noises transmitted via the audio cable. Further, a wireless communication terminal device to be connected with the antenna devices is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for presenting high-quality auditory stimuli, receiving patient communication and providing noise cancellation within the environment of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) equipment. A microphone is positioned in a noise attenuated channel for recording of the patient's voice. A microphone is disposed outside of a noise attenuated channel to directly record the sounds of MRI equipment during its operation. The signals generated by the microphones are employed to reduce the output of noise generated by MRI equipment.

Abstract: A visual feedback system that activates a visual display when the sound pressure level from a headset attached to the system exceeds a preset level is provided, along with a method of using the same. The visual feedback system is interposed between the audio source and the headset and is either integral to a specific headset or coupleable to any of a variety of headsets. If a non-integral headset is used with the visual feedback system, the system is matched to the characteristics of the selected headset, for example using a selector switch or via a calibration process. During operation, the visual feedback system illuminates a display (e.g., an LED) whenever the sound pressure level from the attached headset exceeds the preset level. The visual feedback system can be implemented using analog or digital circuitry.

Abstract: A power supply includes a battery source supplying power and a voltage converter circuit. The voltage converter circuit converts the power to the input voltage supplied to other circuitry. The voltage converter circuit varies the input voltage in response to a load current drawn by the other circuitry from the power supply.

Abstract: A communication system is provided having at least one earpiece (14, 114, 214) including a loudspeaker (26) for stimulating a user's hearing according to audio signals supplied to the earpiece; a voice microphone arrangement (28, 58, 60, 62, 258, 260) for picking up the user's voice; a configurable audio interface (22, 32, 34, 36, 38) for exchanging audio signals with an external wireless communication device (24) selected from a plurality of different types of external wireless communication devices; and a configuration interface (40) for adapting the configuration of the audio interface to the selected type of the external wireless communication device by an external configuration device (18).

Abstract: Hearing protection system having first and second hearing protection devices worn at/in a respective one of a user's outer ear, each hearing protection device having an active unit with at least one microphone for converting ambient sound into input audio signals and a loudspeaker for transforming filtered audio signals into user perceivable sound, and an audio signal processing unit for processing input audio signals into filtered audio signals, the audio signal processing unit dividing, for each hearing protection device, the input audio signals into a plural frequency bands and selecting the gain applied within each frequency band as a function of the frequency of the respective frequency band and the sound pressure level of the input audio signals falling within the respective frequency band such that the total attenuation provided by the respective hearing protection device in each of the frequency bands corresponds to the same target loudness difference.

Abstract: A hearing protection device including a sound attenuating portion configured to be disposed within an ear canal of a user to obstruct a passage of sound, a channel formed through the sound attenuating portion configured to allow sound to pass through the sound attenuating portion when the portion is disposed within the ear canal, a tube disposed in the channel and configured to allow the sound in the channel to pass therethrough, and a filter disposed at one end of the tube and positioned at an interior of the sound attenuating portion, where the filter attenuates some of the sound passing through the tube.

Abstract: A noise-cancelling headphone includes a cancel signal generator that receives ambient noise via an electro-acoustic transducer and generates and outputs a cancel signal eliminating the noise and a speaker unit that outputs an audio signal and a cancel signal, and connects the cancel signal generator to a first terminal of two input terminals of the speaker unit and connects a sound source of an audio signal to a second terminal thereof, whereby obtaining the noise-cancelling headphone with which one can enjoy music with high quality without the change in the sound quality and volume between when a noise-cancelling function is activated and when deactivated.

Abstract: Power is delivered from a power source in a head-mounted device to a separate accessory that is coupled to the head-mounted device. Power and signals are delivered on a common conductor that couples the head-mounted device to an accessory. One or both of the head-mounted device and the accessory are configured based on the signals. Power may be received at an accessory from the head-mounted device through a dedicated power conductor. Power may be delivered from a power source in a portable accessory to a head-mounted device that is coupled to the portable accessory and uses the power for circuitry in the head-mounted device that delivers audio to a user.

Abstract: The selective filtering earplugs allow a user to filter most external and environmental sounds, only allowing a set of pre-approved sounds to be heard by the user. The earplugs include a sound acquisition module and at least one filtering earplug. The sound acquisition module includes a microphone for receiving environmental sounds and a controller for converting the received environmental sounds to a digital signal. First memory is provided for storing the digital signal and second memory is provided for storing a database of pre-approved sound signals. The controller compares the digital signal with the database of pre-authorized sound signals. If the digital signal matches a pre-authorized sound signal of the database, then a transmitter transmits the digital signal. The filtering earplug includes a receiver for receiving the digital signal and a converter for converting the digital signal into an audio signal.

Abstract: Electronic earplugs, methods of enhancing and/or attenuating sound using electronic earplugs, and kits including electronic earplugs are provided. Certain electronic earplugs may include a circuit operatively connected to a microphone. The circuit may be configured to receive input electrical signals from the microphone and provide output electrical signals to a receiver. Further, the circuit may be configured to modify a sound output level from the electronic earplug based on a sound input level of ambient sound received at the microphone and a gain characteristic setting selected from a plurality of gain characteristic settings. The circuit may be configured such that it can be switched between the plurality of gain characteristic settings, wherein the switching to the selected gain characteristic setting produces an audible switch indication. Certain electronic earplugs also include a receiver configured to convert the output electrical signals into sound that is communicated to a user's ear canal.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for automatically muting a headphone. The headphone detects a sound external to the headphone. A volume threshold and a frequency threshold are received, wherein the volume threshold and the frequency threshold define a sound of interest. A determination is made as to whether the sound external to the headphone is the sound of interest. Responsive to a determination that the sound external to the headphone is the sound of interest, a signal is transmitted to automatically mute an active state of the headphone.

Abstract: A method of conserving battery power includes providing an electrical conductor that is connectable between an audio source and an accessory of the audio source. The conductor is capable of conducting a first electrical signal, containing audio information from the audio source, to the accessory. A second electrical signal is applied to the conductor when the first electrical signal is not present on the conductor. An aspect of the second electrical signal is measured while it is being applied to the conductor. An amount of battery power supplied to the accessory is reduced when the measured aspect meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring noise exposure level of a person via measuring sound level within an ear canal of the person using a sound measurement means linked to a sound level recording device external to the ear canal, wherein the sound measurement means may be shielded from the environment by a hearing protective device, and wherein the cable does not interfere with the ability of the hearing protective device to reduce noise exposure level in the ear canal. Also provided are a system comprising a sound measurement means mounted within an ear canal of the person, an external sound level recording means and a linking cable.

Abstract: An in-ear device comprises a main body for placement in the outer ear of a wearer and has at least two derivative canals each containing a filtering medium differing from one another in terms of their frequency suppression capabilities, and a preferably rotatable knob enabling selection of the respective filtering canal without the need for removal of the device from the ear.

Abstract: Electronic earplugs, methods of enhancing and/or attenuating sound using electronic earplugs, and kits including electronic earplugs are provided. Certain electronic earplugs provided can deliver sound to a user's ear canal at levels below, equal to, and/or above ambient sound levels for specified ambient sound level ranges. Certain electronic earplugs provided can be switched between first and second settings with different sound level delivery settings. Certain electronic earplugs provided can be coupled with or integrated into two-way communication devices. Certain of such two-way communication devices can use induction to receive and transmit audio signals. Certain electronic earplugs provided can include a receive coil configured to allow remote radio signals to be received. Certain electronic earplugs provided can block at least about 35 dB of ambient sound when fully inserted into a user's ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing protector has two closed muffs (2) which sealingly abut against the wearer's head, so that there is formed a closed space in each muff (2) and about the user's ear. A loudspeaker (4) is disposed interiorly in the muff and has a membrane (5) whose one side is turned to face towards the user's ear, and whose opposing side is turned to face towards a closed volume which is defined by the membrane and an enclosure. In order to improve the base reproduction in listening to music, the interior of the enclosure is, via at least one hole or one duct, in communication with the ambient surroundings outside the closed space of the muff (2). In one preferred embodiment, the enclosure comprises a capsule (7) which is integrated part of the loudspeaker (4).

Abstract: An earplug that includes a piezoelectric element that converts electrical signals into oscillations; and a deformable material of which at least one segment is insertable into an external auditory canal of a person to ensure an acoustic seal by deformation, the piezoelectric element being disposed inside the deformable material and in fixed contact therewith, the deformable material being able to transmit the oscillations at a periphery and ensure conduction of the oscillations through cartilage and soft tissue of the auditory canal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a sound attenuator for reducing high level sounds within the ear canal while maintaining high audibility for lower level sounds. The sound attenuator comprises a housing with a passageway for passing external sound, a damping member to restore resonance within a plugged ear, and a disc interposed across the passageway. The disc comprises a cavity, at least one hole through said disc and a flexible diaphragm positioned across the cavity. At a sound pressure level less than that of a predetermined value the flexible diaphragm expands upon an increase in the external sound pressure level maintaining a near constant level of attenuation. For sound pressure levels at or greater than that of the predetermined value the diaphragm contacts the interior surface of the cavity, thereby limiting the flexibility of the diaphragm and increasing the level of attenuation provided by the attenuator.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of monitoring hearing health comprising: measuring a first acoustic sound pressure level due to an ambient audio signal; measuring a second acoustic sound pressure level due to an emitted audio signal from a speaker; calculating a total sound pressure level dosage, where the total sound pressure level dosage is calculated using the first acoustic sound pressure level and a first time span, and the second acoustic sound pressure level and a second time span associated, where the first time span is the time associated with the measured first acoustic sound pressure level and second time span is the time associated with the measured second acoustic sound pressure level; and sending a notification signal when total sound pressure level dosage is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: Device for protecting the hearing from loud MRT sounds Device for protecting the hearing from loud MRT sounds, with a protective sound generating device linked to the MRT electronics for generating a protective sound rising slowly in amplitude, increasing the impedance in the middle ear immediately before the onset of the loud MRT sound.

Abstract: Earplug comprising a plug member for blocking a man's ear canal, said plug member comprising at least one acoustic channel for channeling incoming acoustic energy to said man's ear. According to the invention, a detector for detecting an acoustic energy level or for detecting a control signal that is indicative for an acoustic energy level to be received, an acoustic valve positioned in said channel, and a control unit that, in response to said detector, controls said valve so as to attenuate the acoustic energy channeled through said acoustic channel.

Abstract: A method for using an earpiece (800) in a work environment is provided. The earpiece (800) attenuates sound from the work environment to the user's ear. The earpiece (800) includes an ear canal microphone (820) for measuring a sound pressure level in an ear canal of the user. Sound pressure levels are measured periodically while in the work environment. Each measured sound pressure levels is stored in memory (127) of the earpiece with time and location information. The sound pressure level information is downloaded to a database (1704) when the earpiece is removed from the user ear for recharging. The sound pressure level information is analyzed and any potential noise compliance issues in the work environment are identified.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for forming hearing protectors, an ear cup of such a system and a hearing protector formed from such a system. The system comprises a number of first ear cups (5a) and a number of second ear cups (5b), the first and second ear cups having noise-reducing spaces (11) of different size, and at least one electronic unit (30) with at least one speaker (31). An inner distance (I3) in the noise-reducing space from the speaker (31) in the direction away from the noise-reducing space, and a volume (V3) of a resonance space (15) in the first ear cup are adapted to the inner distance (Ib) and the volume (Vb) of the resonance space (15) in the second ear cup (5b). This is done in such a manner that, when the electronic unit is mounted in each ear cup, sound emitted by the speaker (31) in each ear cup produces substantially the same sound characteristic from the first ear cup (5a) as that from the second ear cup (5b).

Abstract: An active hearing protecting system right earplug and a left earplug and a wearable central unit to be worn at the user's body a digital audio signal processing unit which has at least two channels and which can be connected via an audio input to an external audio signal source each earplug including a microphone and a loudspeaker which are connected to the audio signal processing unit. The central unit also has a detector for detecting audio signals and being adapted to control the audio signal processing unit when audio signal is detected.

Abstract: A kit for preparing a custom-fit ear protection molding is provided having a first container containing a compliant material and a second container containing a hardening agent such that when the compliant material and the hardening agent are combined and kneaded, a resulting compound is formed which may be inserted into the ear of a user and allowed to cure. A method of affecting the hearing of a user is provided. A method of selling a hearing-protection kit is also provided along with a method of manufacturing the disclosed kit.

Abstract: There is proposed a method and system for hearing protecting individuals, especially musicians. Thereby, such an individual is equipped with a hearing device (3, 5), the attenuation of acoustical signals impinging on such hearing device to signals transmitted towards the ear drum (8) is adjustable. There is provided a remote control unit (9), the output thereof being operationally connected to an attenuation control input (C3) of the device (3). The remote control unit (9) is thereby operated differently than by the hands of the individual (1) which are frequently busy.

Abstract: “A hearing protection unit includes two sound damping cups for placing around a user's ears. A retainer device positions the cups and applies a compressive force on the cups. The retainer device includes a front band which extends between the front edge of each respective cup across the user's forehead, and a rear band which extends between the rear edge of each respective cup around the nape region of the user.

Abstract: There is thus provided an earphone having a hoop band (100) for receiving at least one electroacoustic reproduction transducer. The hoop band has at least two hoop band portions (110, 120) which respectively include an angle, wherein at least two of the hoop band portions (110, 120) are rotatably connected together. The hoop band also has at least one adjusting unit (20) for adjusting and fixing the angle, wherein the adjusting unit is coupled to the first and second hoop band portions (110, 120).

Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a hoop band (1) for receiving at least one ear pad (OM). The hoop band (1) has at least two hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein at least two of the hoop band portions (2a, 2b) are rotatably connected together by way of a rotary joint unit (5). In addition in the region of the rotary joint unit the hoop band has a spring unit (10) which couples the two hoop band portions together and thus exerts a spring force on the hoop band portions (2a, 2b), wherein the spring force is adjustable by adaptation of the coupling by way of a coupling means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for variably and/or shiftably limiting signal output are disclosed. The system may include an attenuation circuit having an attenuation network activated by a source signal crossing a threshold to attenuate the source signal and a resistive element such as resistors bridging between the attenuation circuit input and output for variably attenuating the source signal. The attenuation circuit may be activated by a switch such as transistors. To shift the limiting threshold, the system may include a circuit to shift the activating threshold, the circuit having a control voltage source such as DC voltage source coupled to the attenuation network. The threshold shifting circuit may be configured to selectively increase the threshold during music listening and to be inactive during voice applications. The system may be incorporated in a headset adapter or a headset receiver.

Abstract: An expandable device (1100) can be configured to occlude an ear canal to isolate an ear canal volume from an ambient environment. The expandable device includes a support structure (1102). A membrane having a proximal end and a distal end is attached at each end around the support structure (1102) forming an expandable element (1104). The expandable element (1104) has an expanded state and an un-expanded state. The expandable element is adjacent to the support structure (1102) in the un-expanded state. The expandable element (1104) in the un-expanded state minimizes an insert profile of the expandable device (1102).

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment if directed to a device configured to be inserted into an orifice comprising: at least one portion that can vary volume in response to a voltage difference across at least a second portion of the at least one portion's volume, where the at least one portion is at least partially surrounded by a membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protector for use in magnetic resonance systems. The hearing protector comprises a pad that is to be inserted in the ear and is provided on an adapter. A sound generating device is provided on or in the adapter or a sound transmitting device leads into same.

Abstract: A noise-canceling sound playing structure includes a noise canceling mechanism having at least one filtering and phase-reversing unit, an amplifier, and a power supply unit; and a sound output mechanism having at least one enclosure. The enclosure has a first speaker arranged therein and connected to the amplifier, a second speaker arranged therein and connected to an external sound player, and a microphone mounted thereon and connected to the filtering and phase-reversing unit. A chamber is defined in the enclosure between the first and second speakers and the microphone. External noise signals are picked up by the microphone and sent to the noise canceling mechanism for processing at the filtering and phase-reversing unit and the amplifier to thereby produce phase-reversed signals, which are sent to the first speaker to cancel out external noise without being mixed with the musical sound transmitted from the external sound player to the second speaker.

Abstract: An output reducing system for a telephone system, e.g., implemented in a headset, includes an input line and an output line, wherein the input line transmits an incoming signal to an output transducer and the output line transmits an outgoing signal from an input transducer, and a compressor system is provided in the input line for reducing the output signal level.