Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for personalized listening which can be used with an earpiece is provided that can include capturing ambient sound from an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) of an earpiece partially or fully occluded in an ear canal, monitoring the ambient sound for a target sound, and adjusting by way of an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) in the earpiece a delivery of audio to an ear canal based on a detected target sound. A volume of audio content can be adjusted upon the detection of a target sound, and an audible notification can be presented to provide a warning.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing a state of a device coupled to a headphone device is provided. The system comprises a means for detecting if at least one earpiece of the headphone device is activated or deactivated. Based on an activation state or a change in an activation state of the at least one earpiece, a state change may occur in the device. The state change is determined by a preset of a control module.

Abstract: An ear cup with a microphone apparatus including an inner cup portion, for forming a noise damping space, and an outer cup portion for forming a space for accommodating electronics and/or a current source. The inner cup portion and the outer cup portion are separated by a partition. The inner cup portion has a pocket and two opposingly located recesses in which a bracket for a microphone is disposed. Over the microphone, a windshield is provided, this protecting the microphone from being damaged and also damping wind noise. The windshield has an outer configuration that may be seen as a continuation of the outer cup portion, in order to prevent turbulence in the region of the windshield. The windshield is produced from a porous material, which is surrounded by a mounting frame having nap catches for engagement in snap catches.

Abstract: An audio reproduction method and apparatus, in which an audio volume is automatically controlled based on audio energy and human auditory characteristics. The audio reproduction method includes splitting a reproduction audio signal into audio signals corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands, extracting audio energy for each of the frequency bands, and comparing the audio energy for each of the frequency bands with a predetermined threshold and controlling the volume of the audio signal corresponding to each of the frequency bands.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for monitoring exposure to impulse noise includes a sound-sensing device, such as a microphone or other type of pressure transducer, operable to sense impulse noise, and a storage module operable to store the waveform of the impulse noise sensed by the sound-sensing device. The sound-sensing device desirably is operable to sense impulses that are greater than 146 dB, such as impulses created by construction machinery and firearms. The system also can include a processor operable to calculate one or more noise parameters of the impulse noise from the waveform, and a user interface program operable to display said one or more noise parameters selected by a user.

Abstract: A passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for listening to ambient sounds, engage in face-to-face communication, listen to and transmit voice communications, while also protecting the auditory system from hazardous sound pressure levels. Increased gain permits the user to maximize his sound detection ability during “reconnaissance and sentry” activities, thereby increasing the user's ability to detect and localize low level sounds such as, for example, enemy movement or activity. The throughput of the system is linear creating high fidelity of sound until the output level for a particular setting of the final gain reaches the limits established by the power supply. At that point, the output reaches a hard limit. This supply voltage also limits the output to the ear for any instantaneous increase in sound pressure levels. The invention includes barriers to attenuate ambient sounds from entering the ear canal and means for providing sound to the occluded portion of the ear canal.

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 double hearing protection system is disclosed. The earplug portion of the system contains a tether attachment mechanism that may be selectively attached to the interior of a circumaural hearing protector designed with the mating attachment. The tether retracts into the earcup when both the earplug and circumaural hearing protector are worn, ensuring that the earseal against the head is not broken by the retractable tether. The attachment point inside the ear cup mates to the end of the tether in a way that prevents foreign object damage in dangerous work environments, and limits the vibratory path from the earcup to the earplug through a flexible attachment mechanism. The benefit of both the earplug and earcup combined offers the double passive hearing protection for extreme noise environments while providing for a convenient means by which to achieve the double hearing protection and not compromise its performance through the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: Active-noise-reduction (ANR) headsets protect the hearing of their users from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets generally include ear speakers and special circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem the present inventor recognized with active headsets, particularly those manufactured in mass quantities, concerns the performance variations that stem from inevitable variations in the fit of their earcups against heads of their users. For example, in putting on and taking off these headsets, some users experience low-pitched noises. Accordingly, the inventor devised, among other things, headsets that include front-cavity vents for equalizing the pressure between a front cavity portion of an earcup and an ambient environment.

Abstract: A tailored active noise control design method is presented that provides for improved noise attenuation performance for each individual user and improved hearing protection in a specified noise field as a function of a specified metric indicative of a noise reduction objection. Characteristics of individual users, behavior of the associated passive hearing protection, and the external noise environment are all concurrently accounted for in an automatic method for designing an active controller that limits the exposed noise level for a specific individual. The controller manufacturing process and implementation may be performed in-situ for each individual automatically. The design method may also account for actuator limitations and can be applied equally well to any passive/active noise control devices including headphones and earplugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hearing protection in an ambient environment of a sound reproduction device, includes steps of: receiving analog audio signals from an audio signal source via a connector; converting the analog audio signals to digital audio signals; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of sampled amplitude values; computing an actual audio energy of the digital audio signals within a predetermined time period setting the sampled amplitude values sampled within the predetermined time period as parameters; collecting ambient noises to compute a noise level; obtaining an audio reference energy according to the noise level; comparing the actual audio energy with the audio reference energy; generating a hearing protect signal if the actual audio energy reaches the audio reference energy; and changing a current gain value or emitting reminding information, thus, protecting listeners' hearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hearing protection in an ambient environment of a sound reproduction device, includes steps of: receiving digital audio signals from an audio signal source via a connector; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of sampled amplitude values; computing an actual audio energy of the digital audio signals within a predetermined time period setting the sampled amplitude values sampled within the predetermined time period as parameters; collecting ambient noises to compute a noise level; obtaining a reference audio energy corresponding to the noise level; comparing the actual audio energy with the reference audio energy; generating a hearing protect signal if the actual audio energy reaches the reference audio energy; and reducing a current gain value or emitting reminding information when receiving the hearing protect signal, thus, protecting users' hearing. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound reproduction device.

Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing protection method, includes steps of: obtaining digital audio signals from an audio signal source; sampling the digital audio signals and obtaining a plurality of amplitude values; calculating an audio energy within a predetermined time period according to the amplitude values sampled in the predetermined time period; determining whether the audio energy reaches a predetermined value; and generating a hearing protect signal when the audio energy reaches the predetermined value, thereby protecting users' hearing. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound output device for hearing protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing protection method of a sound output device, includes steps of: obtaining analog audio signals from an audio signal source via a plug of the sound output device; converting the analog audio signals to generate digital audio signals; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of amplitude values of the sampled digital audio signals; calculating an audio energy in every predetermined time period according to the amplitude values sampled in the predetermined time period; determining whether the audio energy reaches a predetermined value; generating a hearing protect signal if the audio energy reaches the predetermined value; and in response to the hearing protect signal, automatically reducing a current gain value or outputting prompt information, thus, preventing hearing impairment of users. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound output device for hearing protection.

Abstract: An audio-signal detecting device to be disposed in a user's earmuffs for protecting his eardrums against noise of high-decibel level is comprised of a receiving unit, a first audio-signal amplifying unit, a second audio-signal amplifying unit, a peak-detecting and inverting unit, a first amplifying unit, a peak-detecting unit, a first switch, a delay unit, a second amplifying unit, a second switch, a third switch, an adjusting unit, a third audio-signal amplifying unit, and an output unit. In keeping communicable with outside world, when a noise greater than a predetermined decibel level is detected, this device is supposed to attenuate or reject it temporarily, then, after an RC-constant time period, recover to communicate automatically.

Abstract: A combination hearing protector and illumination provider, including a right cup, a left cup, a band, a first light source, and a second light source. The right cup covers the right ear of a user. The left cup covers the left ear of the user. The band connects the right cup to the left cup and is worn over the top of the head of the user. The first light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is one of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The second light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is the other of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The first light source and the second light source illuminate in opposite directions to each other so as to illuminate forward of the user and rearward of the user.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the audibility of sound from a loudspeaker located close to an ear, comprises the steps of detecting ambient acoustic noise arriving from other sound sources using a transducer that provides corresponding ambient sound signals, inverting the polarity of said ambient sound signals and combining them with the signals being fed to the loudspeaker to reduce the audibility of said ambient acoustic noise, and passing said ambient sound signals through a filter having a predetermined average transfer function that compensates for the spectral modification of sounds travelling from the loudspeaker to the ear caused by the proximity of the ear of a listener in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring noise received by individuals operating in noisy environments. The device comprises a substantially credit card size housing and can be worn as a “badge”. The device includes a monitoring means for monitoring sound, and a display for displaying various noise parameter values, including a percentage value of cumulative noise dose received by the device. The device includes an input key which enables a user to select one of a plurality types of hearing protection equipment, so the user can indicate to the device the hearing protection equipment they are wearing. This enables the device to monitor compliance. The device also includes an input key enabling the user to acknowledge when an unallowable noise dose level has been reached.

Abstract: An improved active noise reduction system which has a transducer, an electro-acoustic sensing means including adjacent to the transducer, an attenuation means with electro-acoustic sensing means to attenuate selected sound frequencies, said system utilizing both feed forward control means and feedback control means comprising a heteronomous electronic controller with algorithmic transfer function and said controller being individually operable.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and a system (100) for ensuring audio safety in an audio device (110). The system includes a processor (112), a sensor (116), an analog safety circuit (114) and a first feedback loop (117). The processor is programmed to output an acoustic output signal (310, 410), the sensor monitors the acoustic output signal and the analog safety circuit is coupled to an output of the processor. The first feedback loop feeds the monitored acoustic signal from the sensor to the analog safety circuit. The analog safety circuit adjusts from a first level (312, 412) to a second level (316, 414) the acoustic output signal when the acoustic output signal exceeds a predetermined safety threshold (314, 420) such that the audio device has an output capacity that is capable of driving a sound pressure level of the acoustic output signal above the predetermined safety threshold.

Abstract: Ear terminal comprising a sealing section (2) for arrangement in the meatus (3) of a human, comprising: an inner microphone (M2) having a sound inlet (S2) for being directed, directed into the meatus, an electronics unit (11) coupled the inner microphone (M2) and also being coupled to a power supply (12) as well as an outer microphone (M1) for measuring acoustic signals in the environment.

Abstract: A device for attenuating sound on the human ear, especially for preventing sleep disturbances caused by noise and other sounds. The device for attenuating sound has good damping properties and also ensures that certain alarm sounds are heard in spite of the sound-attenuating measure. To this end, a radio receiver with means for converting radio signals received from a radio station into audio signals is integrated into at least one of two sound-attenuating ear plugs. The radio station is connected to at least one alarm-sounding means and/or at least one sound-receiving means in order to convert a specific alarm and/or at least one specific sound into a radio signal that can be received by a radio receiver as it occurs.

Abstract: A volume controlling system and method for regulating the output volume of a headset in order to protect the hearing ability of a user. The system includes a volume sensor/controller for monitoring the volume output of the headset by adjusting the volume to be within a predetermined threshold. A warning indicator indicates to the user or a person monitoring the listening user that the volume is set too high. The method include the steps of comparing the received audio signal to the predetermined volume threshold and adjusting the volume accordingly. The method also includes the steps of notifying that the volume has been set at too high a level by providing a warning signal, such as an audible or visual alarm.

Abstract: A noise-protecting arrangement for ear protector includes an audio-frequency receiving unit, a first audio-frequency amplifying unit, a volume control amplifying unit, a current amplifying unit, a gain control signal unit, an impedance matching unit, a gain control unit, a gain adjusting unit, a volume regulating unit, a second audio-frequency amplifying unit, and an audio-frequency output unit. The noise-protecting arrangement automatically attenuates a noise that enters into the ear protector and is higher than a predetermined dB level, and thereby protects a user's eardrum. The ear protector with this noise-protecting arrangement is suitable for use in environments in which various machine tools, such as drills, millers, lathes and the like are operated, firing training is performed, high-pressure air horn, vehicles, and aircrafts are maintained, or other types of high-frequency noises exist.

Abstract: Improper microphone position and speech level on a telephone headset is sensed by comparison of a speech envelope to multiple signal threshold levels. A first threshold is used to determine whether a headset user is talking. A second threshold is used to determine whether a signal level at the microphone is sufficiently strong for proper communication. An indicator is activated when the user is talking and the signal level is too weak. Typically, a weak signal is caused by a mispositioned microphone or a user talking too softly.

Abstract: An improved personal noise attenuation system which attenuates both tonal and broadband sound and which includes a spatially adjustable acousto-electric sensor and attenuation means including both feedback and feed forward components so as to provide a heteronomous attenuation and more complete active noise attenuation and the adjustable acousto-electric sensor is moved to exploit the changing physical characteristics of spatial silent zones in different noise fields.

Abstract: Some workers wear headsets to protect their hearing from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets are generally passive or active, with the active ones including ear speakers and automatic noise-reduction (ANR) circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem with active headsets, particulary those that are battery-powered, concerns battery life. Workers often take the headset off or store them without turning them off and thus wasting costly battery life. Accordingly, the inventor devised active headsets with automatic turn-on and/or turn-off circuits. One exemplary embodiment senses a condition of the headsets, for example, the light, pressure, or temperature within one earcup, and then turns the headset on or off in response to the sensed condition.

Abstract: A module adapted for use in a noise reduction headset earcup has an enclosure having walls separating an interior of the enclosure from an exterior of the enclosure outside the earcup. There is a driver with a diaphragm. A port connects the interior and exterior. An acoustically resistive opening connects the interior and exterior in parallel with the port.

Abstract: An acoustic earmuff device is provided comprising a rigid cup, including inner and outer surfaces, a sound channel means disposed through said cup shaped portion, and a plate means operatively associated with said sound channel means, such that when the plate means is in a first orientation, sound attenuation through the plate means is greater than when the plate means is in a second orientation.

Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring noise received by individuals operating in noisy environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing selective acoustic signal filtering. The apparatus comprises two acoustic ports, an electrical output port and an acoustic signal processing device, where all three ports have an impedance characteristic. The acoustic signal processing device includes a diaphragm which will manifest vibration in response to an admitted input acoustic signal and generates an output acoustic signal. The signal processing device is characterized by a frequency response such that the spectrum level of the output acoustic signal will have predetermined differences with respect to the input acoustic signal. The frequency response characteristic of the signal processing device may be set and adjusted by the manipulation of the impedance characteristics of either the acoustic output load or the electrical output load.

Abstract: An ear protection comprises a monitoring device, which is designed in order to be able to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the ear protection during use. The invention provides that, in a method for operating a noise-emitting device,during which at least one individual is wearing an ear protection and located in the area in which the noise-emitting device is generating noise, the noise-emitting device, in the event of a monitoring result of the ear protection indicating a risk of damage to the individual's hearing, is controlled whereby appropriately reducing the noise emission thereof.

Abstract: A noise suppression earphone is constructed to include a microphone adapted to receive environmental noises, and a circuit board connected between the microphone and the voice output speaker of the earphone and adapted to set off external noises, the circuit board having a music band pass circuit, which removes high frequency and low frequency from received external noises, and a 180 deg. reverse amplifier, which reverses the waveform of input sound signal from the music band pass circuit.

Abstract: Ear terminal and ear terminal system, in which at least one ear terminal includes a sealing section (2) arranged for use in the ear meatus (3) of a human, including an inner microphone (M2) having a sound inlet (S2) for being directed into the meatus (3); an electronic unit (11) including filtering part coupled to the inner microphone for filtering the signal from the inner microphone (M2), the filtering part being programmable to transform the signals based on the sounds received in the ear by the inner microphone (M2) into sounds when combined with the user's own voice, providing a voice sounding natural to the user.

Abstract: A low voltage and low current compression circuit for connection between a telephone receiver and a telephone headset earphone, the circuit having an operational amplifier with variable gain, the gain being determined by the output signal level and by the presence or absence of transient signal spikes generated by the telephone receiver. The amplifier is connected to a voltage clipper circuit and a JFET feedback device, wherein the JFET operates as a variable resistance to control the signal feedback.

Abstract: Active-noise-reduction (ANR) headsets protect the hearing of their users from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets generally include ear speakers and special circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem the present inventor recognized with active headsets, particularly those manufactured in mass quantities, concerns the performance variations that stem from inevitable variations in the fit of their earcups against heads of their users. For example, in putting on and taking off these headsets, some users experience low-pitched noises. Accordingly, the inventor devised, among other things, headsets that include front-cavity vents for equalizing the pressure between a front cavity portion of an earcup and an ambient environment.

Abstract: An industrial hearing protection and communication assembly including a frame having a front frame member that includes a substantially transparent shatterproof eye panel disposed to shield a wearer's eyes, and at least one protective ear insert structured to be fitted into a wearer's ear in order to substantially muffle exterior noise. The assembly further includes a speaker head to audibly communicate an audio signal received by a receiver disposed on the frame to the wearer. The speaker head is structured to be inserted into a bore defined in the protective ear insert, and as such, into one of the wearer's ears so that the audio signal is audible and clear to the wearer in a loud environment even though the exterior noise is muffled by the protective ear insert and the speaker head is shielded from contact with the wearer and from perspiration or other body contaminants of the wearer.

Abstract: Ear protecting device with a sealing section for acoustically sealing the meatus of a human, includes a sound generator with a sound outlet for being directed toward the user meatus; an inner microphone with a sound inlet from the meatus, arranged for measuring the resulting sound field in the meatus; connected to an electronics unit including a sound analyser coupled to the inner microphone, for analyzing sound characteristics of the resulting sound field in the meatus, producing analyzed sound characteristics; storing part in the electronics unit for storing measured predetermined sound characteristics of a properly functioning ear protecting device; a comparing part in the electronics unit for comparing the inner microphone analyzed sound characteristics with the stored measured predetermined sound characteristics; indicating part coupled to the comparing part for being activated if the analyzed sound characteristics differ significantly from the predetermined sound characteristics.

Abstract: An integrated personal audio device that provides hearing protection is disclosed. The device includes a flexible band configured to extend at least partially around a head of a user. An audio transmitter is coupled to the band. The band has two legs that terminate at respective end portions. Each end portion is coupled to an audio speaker, which is electrically connected to the audio transmitter. A hearing protector is mounted onto each respective audio speaker. Each hearing protector has a sound channel configured to transmit sound from the respective audio speaker to the user's ear. The sound channel may comprise a Venturi-shaped chamber. The sound channel may, for instance, include: (1) a sound-expansion-chamber portion; (2) a central-chamber portion having a smaller diameter than the sound-expansion-chamber portion; and (3) an end-chamber portion having a larger diameter than the central-chamber portion.

Abstract: System and method for actively canceling the acoustic noise generated by changes in the electric current within the gradient coils of a magnetic resonance imager based on the finding that the acoustic noise in the magnetic resonance imager is highly periodic but that the period of the magnetic resonance imager noise changes substantially during a scan. The acoustic noise signal is measured at the ears of a patient undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging, delayed by a variable number of samples and the resulting signal is subtracted from the acoustic noise signal. Magnetic resonance imaging noise cancellation occurs at the level of 20 decibels or more.

Abstract: A selective noise canceling device is disclosed that evaluates an external audio signal and determines whether a given external audio signal should be suppressed or reproduced. A selective noise suppression circuit processes the external audio signal to classify the external audio signal as noise to be suppressed or as a desired audio signal to be reproduced. An external audio signal, or a desired portion thereof, is reproduced if a portion of the external audio signal is likely to be of interest to the user. The desired external signal may optionally be amplified over the primary selected audio signal for emphasis and the selected audio signal may optionally be suppressed entirely when the desired external signal is reproduced.

Abstract: A head strap for a set of headphones or hearing protector s with two ear members comprises two almost parallel wire arcs (18, 19) for connecting the two ear members. The two wire arcs (18, 19) are held together by a connecting member (20), wherein the connecting member (20) is a rigid plate. The rigid plate (20) comprises two recesses (22) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the plate, a wire arc section (18, 19) being fixed in the recesses, respectively.

Abstract: An acoustic conditioning apparatus. The mechanism includes an attenuator to limit excessive noise levels. The attenuator includes a circuit for compressing an output sound pressure level below a desired level, such as 90 dBA over an eight-hour period. The mechanism also includes an amplifier for conditioning ambient sound level in accordance with the normal needs of a hearing impaired person using the conditioning apparatus. Additionally included is a switch in an electrical circuit to enable selection of attenuation of excessive noise levels or normal amplification. The switch can be controlled either manually by means of a toggle on a housing enclosing the various components, or automatically in response to the sensed noise level.

Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.