Hearing protection devices for protection in different listening situations, controllers for such devices, and methods for switching such devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hearing protection device 10, 10' for protection under different hearing situations A, B, C. The device 10, 10' includes microphones 30, 30', 32, 32'; a sound reproduction unit 38 having speakers 50, 50', 52, 52'; and a controller 60 for processing ambient electrical signals. The present disclosure also relates to a controller 60 for such hearing protection devices 10, 10'. The present disclosure also relates to a method for switching such hearing protection devices 10, 10' under different hearing situations A, B, C.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hearing protection device for protection in different hearing situations and a controller for such a hearing protection device. The present disclosure also relates to a method for switching such a hearing protection device in different hearing situations.

[0002] Noise environments such as workplaces, airports, and tarmacs may include noise sources that can potentially damage a person's hearing. People working in a noise environment may suffer from hearing loss caused by acute acoustic trauma or gradually developing noise-induced hearing loss. To help prevent hearing impairment or even complete loss, people working in a noise environment may wear hearing protection.

[0003] Hearing protection in the form of two cups interconnected by a headband or stirrup has been used for a long time. The hearing protection can be passive or active. Passive hearing protection can use earplugs or earmuffs that attenuate sound to a certain extent, allowing for 8 hours of use even when exposed to a specific noise level (e.g., 100 dB(A)). Active hearing protection can use earmuffs or earplugs that allow certain types of noise to pass through to the person (i.e., level-dependent function) by electronically or mechanically filtering out specific parts of the ambient sound. For example, hearing protection systems have also been developed that include electronic amplification, attenuation, and / or other signal processing of ambient sound. The reception of ambient sound is achieved through a microphone, and the sound can be amplified or damped separately by an electronic device before being transmitted to the wearer of the headphones via a speaker.

[0004] In a working environment where the temperature steadily increases, the need for protection devices, etc., has increased. For example, it is important that hearing protection can be employed in the correct way so that safety is not compromised. However, improvements in safety must not be made at the expense of user-friendliness and / or comfort.

[0005] For example, in DE 101 14 015, a hearing aid for processing sound signals based on user input is described, whereby the user classifies ambient sound signals as useful signals or interfering signals. Useful signals are highlighted, and interfering signals or noise are suppressed. However, manual interaction by the user of such a hearing aid is required, which may be cumbersome on the one hand and may lead to incorrect classification, i.e., insufficient for a specific situation, on the other hand. In addition, since the users of such hearing protection devices may be workers, i.e., employees, there may be a contradiction between the needs of the employer of the user and the needs of the user as an employee regarding the hearing protection device. For example, the employer must ensure that the hearing protection device effectively protects the user's hearing in a specific hearing situation, while the employee as a user may wish to listen to specific sounds according to personal preferences. The latter may lead to an ineffective setting of the hearing protection device.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a hearing protection device that takes into account different hearing situations while avoiding manual interaction and thus minimizing the risk of insufficient hearing protection. In addition, there is a need to prioritize between user requirements and other requirements, such as those required by the mechanism for setting the hearing protection device.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a hearing protection device for protection in different hearing situations. The device includes at least one ambient microphone and a sound reproduction unit. The at least one ambient microphone is configured to convert ambient sound into an ambient electrical signal. The sound reproduction unit is for reproducing sound based on the ambient electrical signal from the at least one ambient microphone. The sound reproduction unit includes at least one speaker for converting a speaker electrical signal into a corresponding sound. Such an amplifier can be advantageous because the amplified speaker electrical signal provides a greater degree of freedom in level and can enhance the audibility of the speaker signal for the user. The speaker can include one or more electroacoustic transducers that convert an electrical signal into sound. Some speakers can include one or more of a magnet, a voice coil, a suspension, and a diaphragm structure or membrane. The device also includes a controller operatively coupled to the at least one ambient microphone and the sound reproduction unit. The controller includes a plurality of predetermined profiles for specific hearing situations. The controller is configured to associate a predetermined profile with a specific hearing situation based on the ambient electrical signal from the at least one ambient microphone. The controller processes the ambient signal to the sound reproduction unit according to the parameters of the predetermined profile to generate a speaker electrical signal for the at least one speaker. The sound reproduction unit optionally includes an amplifier configured to amplify the speaker electrical signal from the controller. Processing the signal to the sound reproduction unit generally includes analog signal processing or digital signal processing. The controller can include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, or an analog signal processor, etc. Other controllers can also be contemplated. Additionally, although the controller and the amplifier are described as different components of the hearing protection device, the controller can also include an amplifier, i.e., one component can provide the functions of both the controller and the amplifier simultaneously. The advantage of such a hearing protection device is that the hearing protection device is appropriately set according to the specific hearing situation around the user of the hearing protection device. For example, considering a first specific hearing situation, the frequency range and / or level may be limited for the user in this hearing situation, while the unrestricted frequency range or level in another hearing situation is different from the first hearing situation. By detecting the hearing situation and setting the hearing protection device accordingly, incorrect settings are avoided, which may lead to user hearing damage on the one hand and an ineffective working condition where relevant sounds are not heard on the other hand. In other words, automation of the hearing protection setting is thereby achieved. Moreover, when the sound reproduction is working / optimized to present the sound environment, the hearing protection device according to the present disclosure provides an effective balance and / or prioritization among safety, work efficiency, user comfort, and user needs. Additionally, since the hearing protection device is set according to both the sound environment and the employer's needs and the employee's needs, misuse or accidental incorrect settings are minimized. Compared with other systems, this enables the user to focus more on a better comfort level.

[0008] The present disclosure also relates to a method of switching a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure in different hearing situations. The method comprises the following steps: providing a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure; converting ambient sound into an ambient electrical signal by at least one ambient microphone; associating a predetermined profile with a specific hearing situation based on the ambient electrical signal from at least one ambient microphone; processing, by a controller, the ambient electrical signal to a sound reproduction unit of the hearing protection device according to the parameters of the predetermined profile, so as to generate a speaker electrical signal for at least one speaker (optionally an amplifier for amplifying the speaker electrical signal) of the hearing protection device. The controller may also include the function of an amplifier or a controller, and the amplifier may be a separate component. Such a method is advantageous because it provides a simple and reliable way to switch the hearing protection device in different hearing situations. In addition, an automated setting of the hearing device is thereby achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to a controller of a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure for protection in different hearing situations. The controller is operatively coupled to at least one ambient microphone and is operatively coupled to a sound reproduction unit of the hearing protection device. The controller includes a plurality of predetermined profiles for specific hearing situations. The controller is configured to associate the predetermined profile with a specific hearing situation. The controller is configured to process the ambient electrical signal to the sound reproduction unit of the hearing protection device according to the parameters of the predetermined profile to generate a speaker electrical signal for at least one speaker. As described above, the controller may be a separate component of the hearing protection device or may be combined with other functions or components (such as an amplifier). Examples of the controller may be a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, etc. The advantage of a hearing protection device having such a controller is that the hearing protection device is appropriately set according to the specific hearing situation around the user of the hearing protection device. By detecting the hearing situation and by setting the hearing protection device accordingly, incorrect settings are avoided, which may on the one hand lead to user hearing damage or safety risks and on the other hand lead to an ineffective working condition where relevant sounds are not heard. Moreover, when the sound reproduction is working / optimized to present the sound environment, the controller according to the present disclosure provides an effective balance between safety, working efficiency, and user comfort. In addition, since the hearing protection device is set according to the sound environment and an automated setting is achieved using such a controller, misuse or unintentional incorrect settings are minimized. In addition, the user is more concerned about compared to other systems. In addition, such a controller can be retrofitted to conventional hearing protection devices, enabling these hearing protection devices to reliably and conveniently provide protection in different hearing situations.

[0010] Sound is understood as a specific audible imprint or vibration that typically propagates as an audible pressure wave through a gaseous, liquid, or solid transmission medium.

[0011] A user in the context of the present disclosure is a person wearing a hearing protection device. The user can be an employee and can wear the hearing protection device, for example, while working. Such a work environment can be at an employer's facility, such as a factory, etc.

[0012] A hearing situation is understood as the sum of sounds (direct or reflected from, for example, a wall) from different sources, origins, and / or directions affecting the user. Different hearing situations can differ, for example, in terms of level / intensity, frequency content, directional characteristics, origin, or exposure time. Moreover, different hearing situations are characterized as situations where the user has specific needs. For example, the user may need to hear a specific sound, such as a warning signal, like a fire alarm or the signal horn of a vehicle, etc. On the other hand, the user in a specific hearing situation may not wish or must not hear other specific sounds (e.g., the sound emissions of work machines, vehicles, or other devices required for work but not necessarily to be specifically heard). Even more specifically, such sound emissions may cause negative effects on the user when not required to be heard. Such negative effects can include noise-induced hearing loss or complete loss, fatigue, loss of work efficiency, and loss of speech intelligibility. The definition of a hearing situation is specifically aimed at balancing the priorities among the user's perception of safety, work efficiency, and comfort based on the current statistical values and / or time statistical values of signals from environmental microphones or voice microphones. In some hearing situations, the concern for safety is related to the fidelity of the reproduced sound. In other hearing situations, the concern for work efficiency is related to the speech intelligibility of ambient sounds and input sounds from connected communication devices. A hearing situation can also concern comfort related to the fidelity of low-level sounds but attenuation of high-level sounds. Examples of different hearing situations can include patrol, observation, conversation, comfort. Attenuation of ambient sounds can be relevant when there is an input sound from a connected communication device or an information sound from the hearing protection device.

[0013] Hearing protection is understood as a limiter of sound exposure that can be worn by a user exposed to hazardous noise to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

[0014] A profile in the context of the present disclosure is a set of parameters for setting a hearing protection device. Generally, a profile is a predefined profile that is set before using the hearing protection device and is typically based on pre-use experience. For example, a profile can be modified as one or more parameters of the predefined profile can be changed. Additionally, it is envisioned to set a new profile based on current experience and / or user input to form the predefined profile. These parameters can include frequency range and response, amplification, attenuation, level, etc. The parameters can relate to characteristics based on the frequency domain and / or time domain. Devices or components for influencing such parameters can include equalizers, amplifiers, attenuators, compressors, and expanders. Additionally, other transient characteristics (such as attack / release time, i.e., waiting time or delay) may be influencing the parameters, and after this waiting time or delay, the hearing protection device returns to a previous stage before a specific sound impact occurs. A profile can also contain parameters of the hearing protection device characteristics, such as devices allowed to be connected and their parameters or software-related parameters, such as the menu structure for configuring the device or product. Specific profiles are set for the above-mentioned specific hearing situations (patrol, observation, conversation, comfort) using predefined or predetermined parameters for each of these profiles.

[0015] A sensor is a device, module, machine, or subsystem that detects an event or change of the sensor or an event or change around the sensor. In response to these events or changes, the sensor generates an analog electrical signal or a digital electrical signal and can send this signal to other components of the system. For example, the sensor is operatively coupled to a controller of a hearing protection device in a wired or wireless manner. Generally, a sensor detects a specific event or change, such as a sound like a voice sound or an environmental sound. Such a sound sensor will be referred to as a microphone. Additionally, the sensor can also be an accelerometer that separately detects the acceleration that the sensor and the device are experiencing. Thus, movement including speed, direction, etc. can be calculated.

[0016] The terms "coupled" or "connected" mean that elements or components are attached to each other directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements located between the two elements and attaching the two elements). Either term can be modified by the interchangeably used "operatively" and "operably" to describe that the coupling or connection is configured to allow the components to interact to perform at least a certain function (e.g., a controller operably coupled to an amplifier can allow the controller to use the amplifier to transmit a signal).

[0017] In one embodiment, the parameters of the pre-determined profile of the hearing protection device include frequency response, amplification / attenuation, transient characteristics, and / or combinations thereof. The advantage of such profiles is that all the necessary parameters for a particular hearing situation are included in a particular profile, making it easy and quick to switch the hearing protection unit accordingly.

[0018] In another embodiment, the controller of the hearing protection device further includes at least one sensor for detecting the situation of the device or the situation around the device. The sensor converts the situation of the device or the situation around the device into a sensor electrical signal. For example, these situations can be the movement of the device / user, temperature, vibration, angle, and the pressure to which the user of the device can be exposed. The advantage of such sensors is that it is easier to determine the hearing situation of the user of the hearing protection piece because more data is provided to the hearing protection device. That is, not only the ambient sounds used for determination are considered, but also other parameters detected by the sensors. Therefore, the accuracy of determining a particular hearing situation is higher, and better switching of the hearing protection device is achieved.

[0019] In certain embodiments, at least one sensor of the hearing protection device includes an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor converts the acceleration to which the device is exposed into an acceleration electrical signal. As described above, the advantage of the sensor is to provide a more accurate determination of the hearing situation, especially using the acceleration sensor to provide detailed data on the movement and orientation of the hearing protection device (i.e., the hearing protection device of the user wearing such a device). Since this data can be considered to determine the hearing situation, the accuracy of the determination is even further increased.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the hearing protection device further includes at least one voice sensor, preferably a voice microphone. The voice sensor is operatively coupled to the controller and is configured to generate a voice electrical signal based on the user's voice. In this embodiment, the hearing protection device further includes a transmission unit for transmitting the voice electrical signal and / or for receiving a voice electrical signal transmitted from other devices. Such devices can be other hearing protection devices, machines, computers, etc. Preferably, in this embodiment, the voice sensor is a voice microphone that converts voice sounds into voice electrical signals. Alternatively, the voice sensor can be a bone conductor that is in direct contact with the user's skin bone and receives vibrations corresponding to voice sounds, which are converted into voice electrical signals by the voice sensor. Generally, in this embodiment, the voice electrical signals transmitted to other devices and / or received from other devices are based on the user's voice. Moreover, such voice electrical signals can include artificial voices or so-called phantom voices, i.e., voice commands or other information sounds, such as beeps from a device (such as a hearing protection device) as an alarm, etc. Generally, the voice sensor, preferably the voice microphone, is positioned close to the user's mouth so that the voice sensor, preferably the voice microphone, can adequately capture the voice signal. The voice sensor, preferably the voice microphone, can be spaced apart from other sensors, especially from the ambient microphone. Such a hearing device with a voice sensor and a transmitting unit is beneficial because it allows the user of such a hearing protection device to communicate with other users or devices at a certain distance while still wearing the hearing protection device. Such devices can be the hearing protection device (the hearing protection device the user is wearing, other hearing protection devices of other users) and additional devices that the user is working on or around, such as machines or vehicles, etc.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the controller of the hearing protection device is configured to adjust the parameters of the hearing protection device such that the voice electrical signal from the voice sensor and / or the voice electrical signal received by the transmission unit is prioritized. Prioritization of the electrical signal means setting the parameters of the hearing protection device such that voice communication is emphasized so that the user can listen better. Such a controller is beneficial because the communication between the user of the hearing protection device and other users or devices is enhanced due to the prioritization of the voice signal.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the hearing protection device according to the present disclosure further includes a first cup and a second cup. Each cup includes at least one speaker and at least one ambient microphone. The hearing protection device further includes a headband extending between the first cup and the second cup. The cups may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic material, which in some cases may be a non-conductive dielectric plastic. Generally, the cups are made of a thermoplastic material and exhibit a hollow shape. The cups may be obtained by vacuum forming, injection molding, etc. The cups may further include sound insulation material in order to provide noise reduction. The cups may further include a gasket that may abut around the user's ear and may contribute to damping or otherwise reducing the ability of ambient sounds from the environment outside the cup. Generally, the gasket may be formed of any compressible material and / or expandable material such as foam, gel, air filled in a hollow shape, or any other such suitable material. The gasket may be attached to the cup by using adhesives, form-fitting, press-fitting, mechanical fasteners, etc. In some cases, the gasket may also be integrally formed with the cup such that a portion of the cup is rather rigid or semi-rigid while other portions of the cup (i.e., the portions forming the gasket) are rather soft. Generally, the speaker is positioned in the hollow shape of the cup facing the user's ear such that the speaker can emit sound toward the user's ear. Such a hearing protection device having the first cup and the second cup is advantageous because the cups can provide a good fit with the user's ear and also provide encapsulation of the components of the hearing protection device such as the microphone, the speaker, or the controller. In addition, the cups can provide a compact and robust design of the hearing protection device. Generally, the headband is made of a wire and / or a plastic component and exhibits an arcuate shape. Such a headband is advantageous because it provides a reliable and easy-to-use means to adjust the hearing protection device and thus provides a good fit to the user wearing such a device.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the hearing protection device includes a boom extending from one of the first cup and the second cup or an earplug (as described below) to a voice sensor, preferably a voice microphone. Such a boom is advantageous because the voice sensor, preferably the voice microphone, can be held in close proximity to the user's mouth by the boom during speech and is thus spaced apart from the ambient microphone.

[0024] In still another embodiment, the hearing protection device includes an antenna extending from one of the cup or the earplug (as described below). The antenna can generally also transmit electrical signals to other hearing protection devices and / or receive electrical signals from other hearing protection devices, optionally receive electrical signals from other devices such as machines, vehicles. Generally, the antenna can be operably coupled to the controller by a wireless connection or a wired connection (e.g., using an interconnect). The antenna can be used to improve signal transmission, i.e., to send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from the hearing protection device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the hearing protection device further includes an input unit that is operably coupled to the controller, at least one ambient microphone, and / or the sound reproduction unit of the device. Such input units are often referred to as human-machine interfaces. The input unit optionally includes at least one button. The input unit can be used to set parameters of the reproduction unit, select profiles, transfer profile information to the controller, and / or set other components, such as sensors or microphones. The at least one button can allow switching of the input unit between certain stages (such as the on stage, the off stage, and / or different operating modes). Moreover, the software running on such a hearing protection device can be updated through such an input unit, where the new software is transferred to the controller of the device through the input unit. In addition, the input unit can include a connector for digital communication with, for example, a computer and / or other devices. Such an input unit provides a simple and reliable way for the user to modify the settings of the hearing device or configure the hearing protection device by a computer. In addition, a simple and effective way to obtain detailed user requirement inputs is provided. Using buttons helps the user change the settings of the hearing protection device.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the input unit of the hearing protection device is attached to the device. Such an input unit is beneficial because it can be easily accessed by the user of such a hearing protection device.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the input unit of the hearing protection device is separate from the device and can be connected to the device, optionally wirelessly. The input unit can be a separate stand-alone device or can be part of another device (such as a computer, a device the user is operating or a vehicle, a smart phone, etc.). Such a separate input unit is beneficial because it can be better positioned for the user of such a hearing protection device, for example, positioned on other protective equipment (such as a sheath, etc.) worn by the user. Using a wirelessly connectable input unit allows for more freedom of operation for the user because no cable connection is required between the input unit and the hearing protection device. This can further enhance the user's wearing comfort.

[0028] In one embodiment, in a method of switching a hearing device, a controller is configured to associate a predetermined profile with parameters of a sound reproduction unit. The advantage of such a method for switching a hearing protection device is that the hearing protection device is appropriately set according to specific hearing conditions around the user of the hearing protection device. By detecting the hearing conditions and setting the hearing protection device accordingly, incorrect settings are avoided, which may lead to user hearing damage on the one hand and an ineffective working condition where relevant sounds are not heard on the other hand. Moreover, when the sound reproduction is working / optimized to present the sound environment, the hearing protection device according to the present disclosure provides an effective balance between safety, working efficiency, and user comfort. In addition, when the hearing protection device is set according to the sound environment, misuse or accidental incorrect settings are minimized. In other words, an automated setting of the hearing protection device is achieved. In addition, the user is more concerned about compared to other systems.

[0029] In another embodiment, according to the method of the present disclosure, the hearing protection device further includes at least one sensor for detecting the condition of the device or the condition around the device. The sensor converts the condition of the device or the condition around the device into a sensor electrical signal. Optionally, the sensor is an acceleration sensor that converts the acceleration to which the device is exposed into an acceleration electrical signal. The advantage of using a sensor, optionally an acceleration sensor, is that the hearing protection device can be switched more accurately because when switching the device, such conditions of the user and the device or such conditions around the user and the device are taken into account separately.

[0030] In additional embodiments, the hearing protection device according to the present disclosure further includes a first earplug and a second earplug. Each earplug includes at least one speaker and at least one ambient microphone, and optionally a headband extending between the first earplug and the second earplug. The earplugs may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic material, which in some cases may be a non-conductive dielectric plastic. Generally, the earplugs are made of a thermoplastic material and exhibit a tubular shape that connects the exterior of the earplug (with sensors or microphones) and the interior of the earplug (with speakers). The earplugs may be obtained by vacuum forming, injection molding, etc. The earplugs may also contain sound insulation materials in order to provide noise reduction. The earplugs may include additional parts or layers, etc. For example, the earplugs may include a noise absorption layer surrounding a material that does not have such noise absorption. The earplugs may be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of a user, which may contribute to the ability to dampen or otherwise reduce ambient sounds from the environment external to the earplugs. Generally, the speakers are located within the earplugs facing the user's ear canal such that the speakers can emit sound towards the user's ear canal. Such a hearing protection device having the first earplug and the second earplug is advantageous because the earplugs can provide a good fit with the user's ears and also provide encapsulation of the components of the hearing protection device (such as sensors or microphones, speakers or controllers). In addition, the earplugs can provide a compact and robust design of the hearing protection device.

[0031] The present disclosure has been described in the various embodiments above. Those skilled in the art should understand that one, several, or all of the above embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional front view of a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 is a front view of a user wearing a hearing protection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a user wearing a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure, where different users are in different hearing situations.

[0037] Figure 5 is a front view of a user wearing a hearing protection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation mode

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a hearing protection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hearing protection device 10 includes a first cup 12 and a second cup 14 connected by a headband 16. The cups 12, 14 are mechanically connected to the headband 16 via cup mounts 18, 20. The cup mounts 18, 20 may be arranged as pivot joints or hinges to allow some movement of the cups 12, 14 relative to the headband 16, for example to provide a sufficient fit to the head of a user of the hearing protection device 10. The first cup 12 and the second cup 14 include a first ambient microphone 30 and a second ambient microphone 32 mounted therein. The first ambient microphone 30 and the second ambient microphone 32 are each connected to a controller 60 disposed in one of the cups 14. Microphone amplifiers 34, 36 are disposed between the first ambient microphone 30 and the second ambient microphone 32 and the controller 60 and have been omitted in FIG. 1 for simplicity (see FIG. 2 here). The controller 60 may also be disposed in the other cup 12, and / or two controllers may be arranged such that one controller is disposed in each of the cups 12, 14. The cups 12, 14 also include a first speaker 50 and a second speaker 52, each of which is connected to a first amplifier 40 and a second amplifier 42 such that each speaker 50, 52 is connected to the amplifiers 40, 42. The speakers 50, 52 and the amplifiers 40, 42 form a sound reproduction unit 38 (not shown here, see FIG. 3). The speakers 50, 52 are used to convert the speaker electrical signals from the amplifiers 40, 42 into sounds audible to a user wearing the hearing protection device (not shown here). The first amplifier 40 and the second amplifier 42 are each connected to the controller 60 and are configured to generate and / or amplify the speaker electrical signals for the speakers 50, 52. As an alternative form, only one amplifier (not shown here) may be arranged to supply the two speakers 50, 52. The headband 16 includes a connector 62 for connecting the first amplifier 40 mounted in the first cup 12 to the controller 60 mounted in the second cup 14. Similarly, the connector 62 connects the first ambient microphone 30 mounted in the first cup 12 to the controller 60 disposed in the second cup 14. The connector 62 is arranged as a multi-channel connector or a bus connector to allow simultaneous transmission of several different electrical signals, such as ambient electrical signals from ambient sensors or microphones, or speaker electrical signals to the speakers. In FIG. 1 Figure 1 FIG. 1 Figure 2 FIG. 2 Figure 2 FIG. 3 Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 62 provides a general electrical connection between components in the first cup 12 and the second cup 14. Additional connectors 62a, 62b, 62c are shown to provide connections from the controller 60 in the second cup 14 to the ambient microphones 30, 32 in the first cup 12 or the second cup 14, and from the controller 60 to the amplifier 42 in the second cup 14. The first cup 12 and the second cup 14 also include a first ear pad 22 and a second ear pad 24 such that one ear pad 22, 24 is mounted to one cup 12, 14. The ear pads 22, 24 provide a soft and comfortable connection between the cups 12, 14 and the head (particularly the pinna of the ear) of the user of the hearing protection device 10. The ear pads 22, 24 also provide a reasonable seal between the head and the cups 12, 14 such that noise affecting the user cannot reach the user's eardrum or reaches the user's eardrum only to a low degree.

[0039] Figure 2 A block diagram of the hearing protection device 10 is schematically shown. Figure 2The first ambient microphone 30 and the second ambient microphone 32 are shown, which convert ambient sound into ambient electrical signals. The microphones 30, 32 are connected to the first microphone amplifier 34 and the second microphone amplifier 36 to amplify the ambient electrical signals from the microphones 30, 32. The microphone amplifiers 34, 36 are in turn connected to the controller 60. The controller 60 processes the input ambient electrical signals from the microphones 30, 32 and the microphone amplifiers 34, 36 respectively, such that the controller 60 determines the hearing situation in which a user of such a hearing protection device 10 may be. The controller 60 is connected to the sound reproduction unit 38, which includes a first amplifier 40 and a second amplifier 42, and the first amplifier and the second amplifier receive the processed ambient electrical signals from the controller 60. The sound reproduction unit 38 also includes a first speaker 50 and a second speaker 52. The amplifiers 40, 42 amplify the speaker electrical signals from the controller 60 such that these speaker electrical signals can be converted into sound at the speakers 50, 52 connected to the amplifiers 40, 42. The speaker electrical signals reaching the amplifiers 40, 42 and the speakers 50, 52 are processed based on a profile, which is associated by the controller 60 with a specific hearing situation determined by the controller 60. The controller 60 is also connected to a voice microphone 74 and to an antenna 72. The voice microphone 74 is configured to convert voice sound into voice electrical signals to be transmitted to the controller 60. The controller 60 transmits such voice electrical signals from the voice sensor or microphone 74 via the antenna 72 to other communication devices, such that voice communication between the user of the hearing protection device and other persons or other products (such as other hearing protection devices, machines, vehicles or computers, etc.) is enabled. The controller 60 also includes a first sensor 80 and a second sensor 82, which are used to detect the situation of the hearing protection device 10 and the user of such a device 10 or the situation around the hearing protection device and the user of such a device respectively. Such situations can be, for example, movement, acceleration, orientation, vibration, light exposure, temperature or vibration, etc. For example, the sensor 80 can be an accelerometer, which is used to detect the acceleration of the device 10 and the acceleration of the user wearing the device respectively. The sensor 82 can be, for example, a temperature sensor to detect the ambient temperature affecting the device 10 and the user respectively. Figure 2 An input unit 84 is also shown, which is connected to the controller 60 for allowing setting of parameters of the controller 60 or for passing data (such as user preferences, employer preferences, environmental data, procedures and profile data) to the controller 60 via a human-machine interface. The input unit 84 includes at least one button 86, which can be used to switch the input unit 84.

[0040] Figure 3 Shown is the wearing as Figure 1A user 100 of a hearing protection device 10 similar to the illustrated hearing protection device 10. The hearing protection device 10 includes a first cup 12 and a second cup 14 mounted to a headband 16 via mountings 18, 20. The mountings 18, 20 are connected to headband mountings 26, 28 formed by sections of the headband 16. An antenna 72 extends from one of the cups 12 to allow improved signal transmission of, for example, voice electrical signals from or to the hearing device 10. Figure 3 Also shown is a microphone boom 70 extending from one of the cups 14 towards a voice microphone 74 such that the voice microphone 74 is held in a position close to the user's mouth. This enables good sound transfer from the mouth to the voice microphone 74 when the user speaks. As can be seen in Figure 3 ear pads 22, 24 are arranged between the cups 12, 14 and the user's head such that good wearing comfort of the hearing protection device is achieved.

[0041] Figure 4 Exemplary hearing situations A, B, C are shown. In these hearing situations, users 100, 100', 100'' are exposed to sound in different ways. Thus, the need for hearing protection may be different for users 100, 100', 100'' in these different hearing situations A, B, C. In hearing situation A, the user 100 wearing the hearing protection device is exposed to the sound of a machine 110 as shown at 105. The user 100 may also be exposed to other sounds, such as the sound from a sound source in another hearing situation (i.e., the sound sources indicated by 105' and 105'' at B and C). The user 100' in hearing situation B is exposed to the sound of a machine 130 indicated by 105''. The user 100' may also be exposed to other sound sources from the hearing situation (i.e., the sound sources indicated by 105, 105'' at A and C). The user 100'' in hearing situation C is exposed to the sound of a forklift 120 indicated by 105'. The user 100'' may also be exposed to other sound sources from the hearing situation (i.e., the sound sources as shown at 105, 105' at A and B).

[0042] These different hearing situations A, B, C will now be described in more detail. As described above, the user 100 in hearing situation A may be exposed to different sounds. Additionally, when the forklift 120 from hearing situation C travels along the lane 122, the user 100 may be at risk of being hit by the forklift. When Figure 4When the hearing situation A indicated is in a rather open space, user 100 can also move to a greater extent compared to other hearing situations, especially compared to the hearing situation B of user 100" in a closed environment. Therefore, it is necessary for user 100 in hearing situation A to hear the sound of an alarm, such as that sent from the signal horn of forklift 120, while crossing the aisle of user 100. Although this sound may increase the overall sound impact and have a negative effect on user 100, it is important for user 100 to hear the sound, such as the alarm of forklift 120 traveling or crossing. This leads to prioritization in the signal processing of the hearing protection device, and the ideal sound attenuation of the surrounding sounds is not of overall importance for user 100. This may somewhat impair the best possible comfort of user 100, but it is still important for user 100 to move safely in the corresponding environment.

[0043] Figure 4 Another hearing situation B is also shown, in which user 100" of the hearing device is encapsulated by wall 140 such that forklift 120 in hearing situation C may not approach user 100'. On the one hand, therefore, it may not be necessary for user 100' of forklift 120 to send an alarm to user 100" respectively and for user 100" to hear the alarm sound. On the other hand, especially if wall 140 has a sound-absorbing function, user 100" can hardly or only to a small extent hear such alarm sounds from forklift 120. Of course, user 100" is exposed to the sound generated by machine 130 that user 100' is working on. This sound is represented by 105", which affects user 100". This sound may also affect other users 100, 100' in other hearing situations A and hearing situation B. When user 100" is in a closed environment, that is, when there is no forklift 120 or the like crossing, the hearing protection device - as described above - may not need to consider such external sounds. Therefore, there are fewer restrictions on the signal processing of the sound to user 100" respectively in this specific environment or hearing situation B to move safely in this environment.

[0044] As Figure 4Further shown, the user 100' in the hearing situation C may have different sounds affecting the user 100', and also have different requirements. As described above, the user 100' drives the forklift 120 along the lane 122. Thus, as shown at 105', the sound emission from the forklift 120 may affect the user 100'. When the forklift 120 is moving - similar to the user 100 in the hearing situation A - in a rather open space, the user 100' may also be exposed to other sound emissions, such as the sound emission from the machine 110 in the hearing situation A. Therefore, the hearing protection device (not shown here for simplicity) worn by the user 100' should consider not only the sound emission from the forklift 120, but also other sound emissions, such as from the machine 110, or for example, the verbal communication from A or B when setting or switching the parameters of the hearing protection device.

[0045] Figure 5 A user 100 wearing a hearing protection piece 10' similar to the hearing protection piece 10 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 is shown. Different from the hearing protection devices in Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the hearing protection device 10' includes a first earplug 12' and a second earplug 14', which are mounted to the headband 16' via the mountings 18', 20'. The mountings 18', 20' are connected to the headband mountings 26', 28' formed by sections of the headband 16'. An antenna 72' extends from one of the earplugs 12' to allow for improved signal transmission of, for example, voice electrical signals from or to the hearing device 10'. Figure 5 It is also shown that a microphone boom 70' extends from one of the earplugs 14' towards the voice microphone 74', such that the voice microphone 74' is held in a position close to the user's mouth. This achieves good sound transfer from the mouth to the voice microphone 74' when the user speaks. Different from Figure 1 and Figure 3 , as can be seen in Figure 5 , no ear pads 22, 24 are arranged between the earplugs 12', 14' and the user's head.

Claims

1. A hearing protection device (10, 10') for protection in different environments (A, B, C), the device (10, 10') comprising: a. At least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32'), the at least one ambient microphone being configured to convert ambient sound into an ambient electrical signal, b. A sound reproduction unit (38), the sound reproduction unit being operative to reproduce sound based on the ambient electrical signal from the at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32'), the unit (38) comprising at least one speaker (50, 50', 52, 52'), the at least one speaker being operative to convert a speaker electrical signal into a corresponding sound, and c. A controller (60), the controller being operably coupled to the at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32') and the sound reproduction unit (38), the controller (60) comprising a plurality of predetermined profiles for a particular environment (A, B, C), wherein the controller (60) is configured to associate a predetermined profile with a particular environment (A, B, C) based on the ambient electrical signal from the at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32'), wherein the controller (60) processes the ambient electrical signal to the sound reproduction unit (38) according to the parameters of the predetermined profile to generate a speaker electrical signal for the at least one speaker (50, 50', 52, 52'), and wherein the sound reproduction unit (38) optionally includes an amplifier (40, 42), the amplifier being operative to amplify the speaker electrical signal from the controller (60).

2. The device (10, 10') according to claim 1, wherein the parameters of the predetermined profile include frequency response, amplification / attenuation, transient characteristics, and / or combinations thereof.

3. The device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one sensor (80, 82), the at least one sensor being operative to detect a condition of the device (10, 10') or a condition around the device (10, 10'), wherein the sensor (80, 82) converts the condition of the device (10, 10') or the condition around the device (10, 10') into a sensor electrical signal.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor (80, 82) includes an acceleration sensor (80, 82), wherein the acceleration sensor (80, 82) converts the acceleration to which the device is exposed into an acceleration electrical signal.

5. The apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises an input unit (84) operatively coupled to the controller (60), the at least one ambient microphone (30, 32) and / or the sound reproduction unit (38) of the apparatus (10, 10'), wherein the input unit (84) optionally comprises at least one button.

6. The apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 5, wherein the input unit (84) is attached to the apparatus (10, 10').

7. The apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 5, wherein the input unit (84) is separate from the apparatus (10, 10') and connectable to the apparatus, optionally wirelessly connectable to the apparatus.

8. The apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises at least one voice sensor (74, 74') and a transmitting unit (72, 72'), the at least one voice sensor (74, 74') being preferably a voice microphone (74, 74'), the at least one voice sensor being operatively coupled to the controller (60) and configured to generate a voice electrical signal based on the user's voice; the transmitting unit being for transmitting the voice electrical signal and / or for receiving the voice electrical signal transmitted from other devices.

9. The apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 8, wherein the controller (10, 10') is configured to adjust the parameters of the hearing protection device (10, 10') such that the voice electrical signal from the voice sensor (74, 74') and / or the voice electrical signal received by the transmitting unit (72, 72') is prioritized over the ambient electrical signal.

10. The apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a first cup and a second cup (12, 14), each cup (12, 14) comprising at least one speaker (50, 52), at least one ambient microphone (30, 32) and a headband (16) extending between the first cup and the second cup (12, 14).

11. The apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprises a first earplug and a second earplug (12', 14'), each earplug (12', 14') comprising at least one speaker (50', 52') and at least one ambient microphone (30', 32') and optionally a headband (16') extending between the first earplug and the second earplug (12', 14').

12. A method of switching the hearing protection device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in different environments (A, B, C), the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a hearing protection device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b. converting ambient sound into an ambient electrical signal by at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32'); c. Associate a predetermined profile with a specific environment (A, B, C) based on the ambient electrical signals from the at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32'); d. Process, by the controller (60), the ambient electrical signals to the sound reproduction unit (38) of the hearing protection device (10, 10') according to the parameters of the predetermined profile, thereby generating electrical signals for at least one speaker (50, 50', 52, 52') of the hearing protection device (10, 10').

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the controller (60) is configured to associate the predetermined profile with the parameters of the sound reproduction unit (60).

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the hearing protection device (10, 10') further comprises at least one sensor (80, 82) for detecting the condition of the device (10, 10') or the condition around the device, wherein the sensor (80, 82) converts the condition of the device (10, 10') or the condition around the device into a sensor electrical signal, and wherein the sensor (80, 82) is optionally an acceleration sensor (80, 82) that converts the acceleration to which the device (10, 10') is exposed into an acceleration electrical signal.

15. A controller (60) for a hearing protection device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for protection in different environments (A, B, C), the controller (60) being operatively coupled to at least one ambient microphone (30, 30', 32, 32') and the sound reproduction unit (38) of the hearing protection device (10, 10'), the controller (60) comprising a plurality of predetermined profiles for specific environments (A, B, C), wherein the controller (60) is configured to associate a predetermined profile with a specific environment (A, B, C), and wherein the controller (60) is configured to process the ambient electrical signals to the sound reproduction unit (38) of the hearing protection device (10, 10') according to the parameters of the predetermined profile to generate speaker electrical signals for the at least one speaker (50, 50', 52, 52').

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