Ear insert

Abstract

An ear insert (100) having a funnel-shaped wall defining a tapering passage extending between a first open end (104) having a diameter greater than a diameter of a second open end (109), wherein a portion (108) of the funnel-shaped wall adjacent the second open end (109) enables the ear insert to be located within an opening of an ear canal of a user with the first open end (104) adjacent to a user's tragus and the second open end (109) facing a user's tympanic membrane, at least a portion of the tapering passage comprising a sound wave reflection region (116) extending from a location at or adjacent the first open end (104) towards the second open end at an angle of 60°-75° relative to a transverse plane defined by an edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end (104).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an ear insert for insertion into an ear, and more particularly to an ear waveguide device for reducing sound distortion caused by resonance within the ear canal. BACKGROUND

[0002] The human ear has three distinguishable parts, namely the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear is made up of the visible part known as the pinna or auricle, which protrudes from the side of the head. The middle ear is a narrow air-filled cavity known as the ear canal, which leads from the outer ear to the inner ear, the inner end of the ear canal being closed off by the eardrum, forming the boundary between the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear is shaped to form an irregular shallow funnel, having a recess known as the concha with an entrance to the ear canal. The concha is partially covered by two small protrusions, the antitragus in front and the antihelix behind.

[0003] The function of the outer ear is to collect sound waves and direct them via the ear canal to the eardrum. In effect, the outer ear acts to "funnel" sound waves from the vicinity of the listener into the ear canal. The ear canal is essentially a tube, which is open at one end (the concha region) and closed at the other end (the eardrum). The air inside the ear canal acts as a resonator. The natural resonant frequency of the ear canal is four times its length (approximately 25mm on average for an adult), and thus it acts as a quarter wave resonator and amplifies sound waves. Thus, sound waves enter the ear canal, and as they travel through the ear canal, the sound waves are amplified until they reach the eardrum and are transmitted to the inner ear. However, the geometry of the outer ear, including the concha, causes interference with the sound waves as they are "funneled" into the ear canal, and this interference, which is characterised by incoherent sound waves, is amplified at some frequencies by up to 20dB of gain, and manifests as noise distortion at the eardrum, which can have a negative and detrimental effect on the quality of sound (such as music) reaching the inner ear.

[0004] Furthermore, it is documented that noise (i.e. an intrusive or unwanted sound that interferes with, distracts from or impairs regular functioning) causes stress, and can have a negative impact on health and productivity. The vagus nerve is responsible, along with the parasympathetic nervous system, for triggering the fight or flight stress response in humans, amongst other things. As a result, this noise can trigger the fight or flight response and cause stress. The inventors have found that noise distortion, caused by the geometry of the concha and amplified within the ear canal (particularly at frequencies above about 15kHz), can cause the vagus nerve to trigger the fight or flight stress response. Given that humans receive sound waves from various sources almost constantly during their daily lives, they will often receive distorted sound at the eardrum, amplified by up to 20dB of gain, and this amplified distorted sound can cause the fight or flight stress response to be triggered by the vagus nerve. As a result, the average person can be in a heightened state of stress frequently and continuously, simply due to noise distortion of the type described above.

[0005] Thus, clearly, there is a desire to reduce the occurrence of noise distortion generated and amplified within the human ear canal without necessarily reducing the quality or volume of the true sound waves reaching the tympanic membrane. SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the application, there is provided an ear insert having a substantially funnel-shaped wall defining a tapering channel extending between a first open end and a second open end, the first open end having a diameter or width greater than that of the second open end, wherein a portion of the funnel-shaped wall immediately adjacent the second open end is configured to enable the ear insert to be located within the opening of a user's ear canal for use with the first open end adjacent the user's eardrum and the second open end facing the user's tympanic membrane, at least a portion of the tapering channel comprising a sound wave reflection region extending from a position at or adjacent the first open end towards the second open end at an angle between 60° and 75° relative to a transverse plane defined by an edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the sound wave reflection region extends from a position at or adjacent the first open end towards the second open end at an angle between 65° and 70° and optionally between 62° and 63° relative to a transverse plane defined by an edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

[0008] Beneficially, and according to certain exemplary embodiments, the ear insert can be configured to fit over or onto the ear tip of an in-ear earphone. In exemplary embodiments, the ear insert can be shaped and configured at the second open end to receive and retain a resilient tip.

[0009] Optionally, the sound wave reflection region can comprise a substantially planar surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the portion of the funnel-shaped wall immediately adjacent the second open end can comprise a substantially tubular portion having a longitudinal axis extending at an angle relative to a transverse plane defined by an edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end, the second open end being located at a distal end of the tubular portion. Beneficially, the longitudinal axis of the substantially tubular portion can extend at an angle between 40° and 50° (e.g. approximately 45°) relative to a transverse plane defined by an edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

[0011] Beneficially, the tubular portion can be configured to be inserted into the ear canal for use with the second open end facing the user's tympanic membrane and the first open end facing generally towards the user's posterior. Thus, the outer diameter of the tubular portion can be between 5mm and 8mm and the diameter of the second open end can be between 2mm and 5mm.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the outer profile of the funnel-shaped wall can comprise a rounded convex region extending from an edge adjacent the first open end to an edge adjacent the second open end, and opposite concave regions between the first and second open ends at the proximal end of the tubular portion. In this case, in use, the concave regions define the front of the ear insert, and the diametrically opposite convex surfaces define the back of the insert, and the overall length of the funnel-shaped wall can be configured such that, in use, with the tubular portion partially inserted in the user's ear canal, the edge of the first open end at the back of the ear insert is located adjacent the inner surface of the user's tragus. Advantageously, therefore, the overall length of the funnel-shaped wall can be between 7 and 17 mm, and optionally between 10 and 12 mm for an average adult human.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the length or diameter of the first open end can be at least twice the length or diameter of the second open end.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the second open end can be substantially elliptical. In this case, the length of the first open end can be between 9.5 and 18 mm, and the width of the first open end can be between 7 and 13 mm.

[0015] In a first example embodiment, the ear insert can be integrally moulded from a resiliently deformable material. In a second example embodiment, at least the sound wave reflecting region can be formed from a rigid material. For example, the ear insert can comprise an inner component formed from a rigid material and defining the tapered channel, and an outer sleeve formed from a rigid or resiliently deformable material. Alternatively, the ear insert can be integrally formed from a rigid material such as plastic, wood or metal.

[0016] In other example embodiments, the tapered channel can communicate at its narrower end with a coaxial tube, the inner surface of the tapered channel and the inner surface of the tube being surfaces of revolution about a common longitudinal axis, and the outer surface of the tube defining at least one circumferential ridge or groove, wherein the inner surface of the tube has a diameter of at least 2.5 mm, the outer surface of the tube has a diameter of no more than 10 mm, and the overall length of the insert is no more than 17 mm.

[0017] In this case, the tapered channel can be conical at least along a portion of its length, and the angle between the opposing conical surfaces can be between 30° and 60°, and more preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0018] Optionally, the tapered channel can have a curved longitudinal shape. For example, the tapered channel can be flared such that as the diameter decreases, the angle between the tangent to the inner surface and the longitudinal axis also decreases.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the narrow end of the tapering channel can have a curved longitudinal shape such that the inner surface of the tube is tangential to the curved longitudinal shape where they meet.

[0020] The inner surface of the tube can have a diameter of at least 2.2mm but less than 6.0mm, and the outer surface of the tube can have a diameter of no more than 8mm.

[0021] The total length of the insert can be between 7mm and 16.5mm, and the length of the tube can be between 25% and 50% of the total length of the insert.

[0022] Optionally, at the wider end of the tapering channel, the outer diameter can be between 9mm and 18mm.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the ear insert can be sized such that, when the tube carrying the resilient tip is inserted into the ear canal, in use, the outer end does not protrude beyond the tragus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of an ear insert according to example embodiments of the present application;

[0026] Figure 1B is a side view of the ear insert of Figure 1A

[0027] Figure 1C is a rear perspective view of the ear insert of Figure 1A

[0028] Figure 1D is a front view of the ear insert of Figure 1A

[0029] Figure 1E is a side perspective view of the ear insert of Figure 1A

[0030] Figure 1F is a view of the tip of an ear insert according to example embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 1G is a rear view of the ear insert of Figure 1A

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to example embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3A ​​​​​is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 3C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3D is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3E is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic front perspective view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic back perspective view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; Figure 4

[0040] is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an ear insert according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Figure 4

[0041] Figure 7 and Figure 8 ear insert having a tubular and resilient silicone or foam tip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Directional description words such as up, down, left, right, clockwise, counterclockwise, front, back, and other similar adjectives are used for clarity and refer to the orientation of the present application as illustrated in the drawings, however it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present application can not always be oriented as illustrated and the present application is not intended to be limited in this regard.

[0043] Referring to the drawings Figures 1A to 1G , an ear insert 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application is illustrated. The ear insert 100 comprises a single piece molded silicone or other moldable and elastically deformable plastic material. The insert comprises a generally rounded outer profile having two integral portions. A first tubular portion 102 has a generally oval cross-section and an open first end 104. The outer lateral width OW( Figure 1C ) at the open first end 104 is in the range of 7mm to 13mm, for example 10mm for an average adult, and the outer lateral length OL​​Figure 1C The diameter of the first tubular portion gradually decreases along its length, and at the opposite second end 106, the outer diameter OD1 ( Figure 1F The diameter can be in the range of 6mm to 9mm, for example, 7mm for a typical adult. An integral second tubular portion 108 extends from the second end 106 of the first tubular portion 102 such that its longitudinal axis forms an angle of 35°–70°, for example, 45°, with the longitudinal axis of the first tubular portion 102. The outer contour of the insert is convex and relatively gently rounded on one side ("rear") to accommodate the angle between the first tubular portion 102 and the second tubular portion 108, and on the other side ("front"), this angle is accommodated by a rounded but relatively sharp recessed "corner" between the first and second tubular portions. The second tubular portion 108, open at its distal end 109, has a generally circular cross-section and an outer diameter OD2 in the range of 5mm to 8mm. Figure 1B For example, 6mm for a typical adult, and a length L1 ranging from 3.6mm to 6.9mm. Figure 2 For example, 3.6mm is the standard adult size. It will be recognized that various sizes can be varied within a given range to fit smaller or larger ears, and even children's sizes, depending on requirements.

[0044] See also the attached diagram. Figure 2 The first integral portion 102 and the second integral portion 108 together define a continuous channel 110 therethrough, which itself is composed of two parts: a first channel portion 112 defined for passage through the first tubular portion 102, and a second channel portion 114 defined for passage through the second tubular portion 108. The first channel portion is defined along its "front" and "side" by a rounded profile of an elliptical shape of the first tubular portion 102. However, the "rear" wall of the first tubular portion 102 is thicker than the rest of the walls, thereby providing a substantially flat "rear" channel portion 112, thus providing a flat surface 116. As shown in the figures. Figure 2 As shown, when the insert 100 is in the "upright" position, the transverse plane of the first open end 104 is horizontal, the flat surface 116 of the first channel portion 113 extends toward the second channel portion 114 at an acute angle greater than 45°, and the diameter or width of the first channel portion 113 decreases from the open end 104 to the junction with the second channel portion 114 defined by the second tubular portion 108. The angle of the flat surface 116 relative to the horizontal plane defined by the transverse plane of the first open end 104 can be in the range of 62.5 to 72.5°, for example 67.5° for an average adult.

[0045] As described above and byFigure 2 As best illustrated, the angled configuration of the second tubular portion 108 relative to the first tubular portion 102 is received at the "rear" and "side" portions of the insert by a gently rounded outer wall that curves from the first open end 104 to the distal second open end 109 defined by the second tubular portion 108. As stated above, the length L1 of the second tubular portion 108 (…) Figure 2 The diameter ID of the distal open end 109 is in the range of 3.6 mm to 6.9 mm, for example, 3.6 mm for a typical adult. Figure 1F The thickness can range from 2.2 mm to 5 mm, for example, 4 mm for a typical adult. It will be appreciated that although the open end 109 of the second tubular portion 108 is illustrated as generally circular in this exemplary embodiment, it may have alternative shapes and configurations. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, it may be generally elliptical or "slit-like," and the invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this respect. The thickness of the "front" wall and "side" wall of the second tubular portion 108 is substantially constant along the length of the junction between the first tubular portion 102 and the second tubular portion 108 defined by the recessed rounded "corner" 120. However, although the diameter of the second channel portion 114 is substantially constant from the distal open end 109 along a portion of the length of the second tubular portion 108, it tapers inward along a short portion toward the junction between the first tubular portion 102 and the second tubular portion 108 (by means of thickening the rear wall of the second tubular portion 108), such that this short portion of the inner rear wall of the second channel portion 114 forms an extension of the flat surface 116 that defines the "rear" wall of the first channel portion 113.

[0046] An elongated tab 122 may be provided, which extends from the edge of the first tubular portion 102 at its open end 104 to facilitate insertion of the device into and removal of the device from the user's ear.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiments described above, the ear insert 100 is integrally molded from an elastic, flexible material such as silicone. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the insert 100 may have a two-part construction. In this case, the device may include: a metal (e.g., stainless steel or titanium) insert that provides defining a first channel portion 113 and a second channel portion 114 (i.e., a channel including a flat surface 116); and an outer sleeve formed of an elastic, flexible material (such as foam or silicone) that defines a curved outer profile to allow the device to fit comfortably in the user's ear. Thus, when the flat (reflective) surface 116 is formed of a rigid material, the reduction in noise distortion can be further enhanced.

[0048] In use, the ear insert 100 is inserted into the user's ear at the open end of the ear canal (adjacent the concha region) so that the second tubular portion extends into the ear canal (with the distal open end 109 facing the eardrum at the other end of the ear canal), and the rounded "back" surface of the first tubular portion 102 rests at or just behind the tragus, with the first open end 104 facing back. It will be appreciated that in this example, the outer diameter (OD2) of the second tubular portion 108 is designed to be approximately the same as the diameter of the entrance to the ear canal (external ear canal) of an average adult human. The overall length of the insert 100 (excluding the tab 122) is approximately equal to the average length of the external ear canal of an average adult human, where the external ear canal includes the ear canal extending from the tragus to the middle ear. As a result, the insert 100 can be fully inserted into the external ear canal, with the outer edge of the first tubular portion 102 resting against the back (inner) surface of the tragus, and the second tubular portion 108 extending a short distance into the ear canal, with the distal open end 109 facing the eardrum.

[0049] As described above, at least the outer walls of the insert 100 are beneficially formed from a soft, elastically deformable material such as silicone, so that it can be sufficiently compressed for insertion into the ear, and then released back to its original form once inserted, to fit snugly within the ear. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the insert 100 is formed from a single piece of silicone, with the internal channel 110 being formed by a moulding process. However, as stated above, in alternative embodiments, the device can comprise an inner component defining the profiled internal channel including the flat surface 116, and an outer sleeve component surrounding the inner component. In this case, the inner component can be formed from a rigid material such as plastic or metal (e.g. stainless steel or titanium), and the sleeve component can be formed from an elastically deformable material such as silicone, to provide a comfortable, snug fit in use. Figures 1A to 1G Figure 2 In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the insert (including the profiled internal channel) is integrally formed from a mouldable material such as silicone. However, and as stated above, in alternative embodiments, the device can comprise an inner component defining the profiled internal channel including the flat surface 116, and an outer sleeve component surrounding the inner component. In this case, the inner component can be formed from a rigid material such as plastic or metal (e.g. stainless steel or titanium), and the sleeve component can be formed from an elastically deformable material such as silicone, to provide a comfortable, snug fit in use.

[0050] The angle defined by the longitudinal axis of the second tubular portion 108 is approximately 45° to the diametral plane defined between the rims surrounding the first open end 104, and the angle of the flat surface 116 provided at the "back" inner surface of the first channel portion 113 (and a small portion of the second channel portion 114) is approximately 22.5° relative to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular portion 108. The inventors have found that these relative angles, and in particular the angle of the flat reflective surface 116 relative to the first and second open ends 104, 109 of the insert, can provide the best results in adults with average ear dimensions. Also, and as stated previously, all dimensions, in particular the outer dimensions of the tubular portions 102, 108, can be adjusted (specifically within the tolerances provided) to accommodate ear dimensions of e.g. children, or adults with larger or smaller external ear canals.

[0051] ​Once the device is in place, with the distal open end 109 of the second tubular portion 108 located in the ear canal facing the tympanic membrane, and the "upper" edge of the first tubular portion 102 resting against the posterior (inner) surface of the tragus, with the first open end 104 facing posteriorly, it effectively serves to minimize or even eliminate the effect of the concha on the sound waves entering the ear. The device still "funnels" the sound waves into the ear canal, as it has the tubular shape and configuration of the first open end 104 which has a width that exceeds twice the diameter of the second distal end 109. The angled flat surface 116 serves to minimize the number of reflections of the sound waves reaching the outer ear canal before they reach the tympanic membrane. In view of the fact that it is these reflections that create the non-coherence in the sound waves, and it is this non-coherence that manifests the distortion or "noise" that is then amplified within the ear canal, it is clear that the device serves in use to reduce the distortion in the sound waves reaching the tympanic membrane. Without the device, sound waves from the vicinity of the listener reach the outer ear canal in the concha region, which defines a surface that can be at an angle of up to 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ear canal (leading to the tympanic membrane). Thus, the sound waves reaching the outer ear canal must change direction by up to 90° to reach the tympanic membrane. However, sound waves, especially those above about 1.5 kHz, are not highly diffractive sound waves, and can only be "redirected" in this way by repeated reflections within the concha region until they are oriented to enter the ear canal. The structure of the outer ear canal and its recesses and ridges are such that these sound waves can be reflected many times before they enter the ear canal. These reflections result in predominantly non-coherent sound waves entering the ear canal, and such non-coherent sound waves (manifesting significant distortion or "noise") are amplified within the ear canal before they reach the tympanic membrane. In contrast, the ear insert of the present invention serves to "funnel" more coherent sound waves into the ear canal with significantly fewer reflections, thereby reducing the distortion (or "noise") by up to 8% or more. If the user is wearing the insert while, for example, listening to music through headphones as described above, the quality and clarity of the music heard by the listener is significantly improved. Moreover, and most surprisingly, if the user is wearing the insert while going about their normal daily life, the significant reduction in noise distortion provided by the insert serves to reduce the instances of the stress response triggered by the vagus nerve to fight or flee. Thus, by wearing the insert of the present invention (preferably one in each ear), the user experiences a calming effect as stress is alleviated during their normal daily life.

[0052] Referring to the drawings Figures 3A to 3E , the effect of the flat (reflective) surface 116 within the channel is schematically illustrated. In Figure 3AIn the case shown, the incoming sound wave 130 enters the first channel portion 113 at an angle of 72.5° relative to a "horizontal plane" defined by the plane of the first open end 104 of the insert 100. As shown, the incident sound wave 130 impinges on the reflective surface 116 within the first tubular portion 102 of the device 100, and the resulting reflected sound wave 140 is directed linearly through the second opening 109 towards the eardrum. Thus, only a single coherent sound wave enters the ear canal. Similarly, and as shown in Figures 3B to 3E In the case shown, the incoming sound wave 130 enters the first channel portion 113 at an angle of 72.5° relative to a "horizontal plane" defined by the plane of the first open end 104 of the insert 100. As shown, the incident sound wave 130 impinges on the reflective surface 116 within the first tubular portion 102 of the device 100, and the resulting reflected sound wave 140 is directed linearly through the second opening 109 towards the eardrum. Thus, only a single coherent sound wave enters the ear canal. Similarly, and as shown in

[0053] In the above-described embodiments, the ear insert is a stand-alone device for improving the quality and clarity of sound heard by a user, who can or can not be wearing earphones. In alternative embodiments, the insert of the present application can be configured to fit over each of the integral ear buds of a pair of wireless earphones, or as the tip of any existing earphone having a tubular output. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the insert according to the present application can be configured to fit with a resiliently deformable tip, such as those used in conventional ear buds and in-ear earphones, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0054] Thus, referring to the drawings Figures 4 to 6 The ear insert 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment can be described as generally funnel-shaped, in that it is comprised of a tubular wall 12 defining a tapered channel 14 at one end, and a tube 16 at the other end, the tapered channel 14 and tube 16 having a common longitudinal axis 17 (as shown in Figure 6 The narrow end of the tapered channel has the same internal diameter as the tube 16. In this example, the tapered channel is conical, and the angle between the opposing conical surfaces is 45°

[0055] The tubular wall 12 has a substantially uniform thickness, so that the outer surface of the wall 12 defining the conical tapered channel 14 is also conical, but the outer surface of the tube 16 defines a circumferential ridge 18 adjacent the open end of the tube 16, and a circumferential step 20 adjacent the transition between the tube 16 and the tapered channel 14, so that there is a circumferential recess 19 between the ridge 18 and the step 20. In this example, the internal diameter of the tube 16 is 3.5 mm, and the external diameter of the ridge 18 is 5.5 mm. In this example, the overall length of the ear insert 10 is 12 mm.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the ear insert of the present application can differ from the ear insert 10 of this exemplary embodiment in some details. For example, there can be a gradual transition between the inner surface of the tapered channel and the inner surface of the tube, rather than an abrupt transition; indeed, the tapered channel can have a longitudinally curved shape along its length, e.g., flaring outward like a trumpet mouth, rather than conical.

[0057] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein Figure 7 and 8 Prior to use, the user will provide the ear insert 10 with a tubular and resilient silicone or foam tip, as is commonly used with earphones. The tip 22 having a rounded end is shown in dashed lines in Figure 7 , while a shorter and less rounded tip 23 is shown in dashed lines in Figure 8 . In each case, the tip 22, 23 is tubular, and one end of the tip 22, 23 fits snugly over the tube 16, engaging the circumferential ridges 18 and 19, and with the end of the tip 22 or 23 abutting the step 20. Thus, the tip 22 or 23 is securely attached to the ear insert 10.

[0058] The user will then insert the ear insert 10 and tip 22 or 23 into their ear, with the tip 22 or 23 and tube 16 fitting into the user's ear canal, and the edge of the open end of the tapered channel 14 lying behind the tragus. The walls of the tapered channel 14 can serve to flex the tragus of the user's ear to one side. Typically, the user will insert two such ear inserts, one in each ear. The overall length of the ear insert 10 is such that, after insertion, the outer end of the ear insert is approximately flush with the outer surface of the tragus, so that the ear insert 10 does not protrude from the ear, and is unobtrusive.

[0059] Again, the shape and configuration of the ear insert 10 serves to "funnel" sound waves from the vicinity of the user into the ear canal and towards the eardrum. The slope of the tapered channel 14 is such that incident sound waves can reflect only once before reaching the eardrum, thus reducing distortion and improving the clarity and quality of the sound heard by the user. If the user is using earphones, it will be appreciated that any sound from the earphones that is incident parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 can enter into the inner portion of the ear canal along an unobstructed straight-line path. This has the effect of enhancing sound clarity.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description that modifications and changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ear insert having a generally funnel-shaped wall defining a tapering channel extending between a first open end and a second open end, the first open end having a diameter or width greater than that of the second open end, wherein a portion of the funnel-shaped wall immediately adjacent to the second open end is configured such that the ear insert can be positioned within an opening of a user's ear canal for use, wherein the first open end is adjacent to the user's tragus and the second open end faces the user's tympanic membrane, at least a portion of the tapering channel including a sound wave reflecting region extending from or near the first open end toward the second open end at an angle between 60° and 75° relative to a lateral plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end. in, The sound wave reflecting area includes a generally flat surface, such that the incident sound wave is reflected only once before reaching the tympanic membrane.

2. The ear insert according to claim 1, wherein, The acoustic wave reflecting region extends from or near the first open end toward the second open end at an angle between 65° and 70° relative to the transverse plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

3. The ear insert according to claim 1, wherein, The acoustic wave reflecting region extends from or near the first open end toward the second open end at an angle between 62° and 63° relative to the transverse plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

4. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to be fitted onto or above the earpiece of an in-ear headphone.

5. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second open end is shaped and configured to receive and retain an elastic end.

6. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The portion of the funnel-shaped wall immediately adjacent to the second open end includes a generally tubular portion having a longitudinal axis extending at an angle relative to the transverse plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end, the second open end being located at the distal end of the tubular portion.

7. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the generally tubular portion extends at an angle of 40° to 50° relative to the transverse plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

8. The ear insert according to claim 7, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the generally tubular portion extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the transverse plane defined by the edge of the funnel-shaped wall at the first open end.

9. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, The tubular portion is configured to be inserted into the ear canal for use, wherein the second open end faces the user's tympanic membrane, and the first open end generally faces the user's posterior portion.

10. The ear insert according to claim 9, wherein, The outer diameter of the tubular portion is between 5 mm and 8 mm.

11. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The diameter of the second open end is between 2 mm and 5 mm.

12. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, The outer contour of the funnel-shaped wall includes a rounded convex region extending from an edge adjacent to the first open end to an edge adjacent to the second open end, and a corresponding recessed region at the proximal end of the tubular portion between the first and second open ends.

13. The ear insert according to claim 12, wherein, In use, the recessed region defines the front portion of the ear insert, and the diametrically opposed convex region defines the rear portion of the insert, wherein the total length of the funnel-shaped wall is configured such that, in use, when the tubular portion is partially inserted into the user's ear canal, the edge of the first open end at the rear portion of the ear insert is located adjacent to the inner surface of the user's tragus.

14. The ear insert according to claim 13, wherein, The total length of the funnel-shaped wall is between 7 mm and 17 mm.

15. The ear insert according to claim 14, wherein, The total length of the ear insert is between 10 mm and 12 mm.

16. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, The length or diameter of the first open end is at least twice the length or diameter of the second open end.

17. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, The second open end is generally elliptical.

18. The ear insert according to claim 16, wherein, The length of the first open end is between 9.5 mm and 18 mm, and the width of the first open end is between 7 mm and 13 mm.

19. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it is integrally molded from an elastically deformable material.

20. The ear insert according to claim 6, wherein, At least the sound wave reflecting region is formed of a rigid material.

21. The ear insert of claim 20, comprising an internal component formed of a rigid material and defining the tapered channel, and an outer sleeve formed of an elastically deformable material.

22. The ear insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The tapered channel communicates with a coaxial tube at its narrower end. The inner surface of the tapered channel and the inner surface of the tube are surfaces that rotate about a common longitudinal axis, and the outer surface of the tube defines at least one circumferential ridge or groove. The inner surface of the tube has a diameter of at least 2.5 mm, the outer surface of the tube has a diameter of no more than 10 mm, and the total length of the insert does not exceed 17 mm.

23. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The tapering channel is tapered at least a portion of its length.

24. The ear insert according to claim 23, wherein, The angle between the opposing conical surfaces is between 30° and 60°.

25. The ear insert according to claim 24, wherein, The angle between the opposing conical surfaces is between 40° and 50°.

26. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The tapering channel has a curved longitudinal shape.

27. The ear insert according to claim 26, wherein, The tapering channel is outwardly flared, such that as the diameter decreases, the angle between the tangent to the inner surface and the longitudinal axis also decreases.

28. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The narrow end of the tapering channel has a curved longitudinal shape such that the inner surface of the tube is tangent to the curved longitudinal shape where they meet.

29. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The inner surface of the tube has a diameter of at least 2.2 mm but less than 6.0 mm.

30. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The outer surface of the tube has a diameter of no more than 8 mm.

31. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The total length of the insert is between 7 mm and 16.5 mm.

32. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The length of the tube is between 25% and 50% of the total length of the insert.

33. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, At the wider end of the tapering channel, the outer diameter is between 9 mm and 18 mm.

34. The ear insert according to claim 22, wherein, The ear insert is sized such that when the tube carrying the elastic end is inserted into the ear canal, the outer end does not protrude beyond the tragus during use.

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