Hearing protector with sensor module and method of retrofitting a hearing protector to have a sensor module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hearing protector (10) with a sensor module (30) having a module sensor (32). The sensor module (30) is removably attached to the cushion (22, 24) and cup (12A, 14A) of the ear muff (12, 14) of the hearing protector (10). The hearing protector (10) according to the present disclosure allows for an easy and cost-effective way of arranging sensors at the hearing protector (10), even with multiple sensors. An advantage of such a hearing protector (10) is an easy, compact and reliable solution for a hearing protector (10) that provides information about the environment and about the condition of a user (100) or worker using such a hearing protector (10). In addition, a method of retrofitting such a sensor module (30) to a hearing protector (1) is provided. Such a method is advantageous because a reversible retrofitting of an existing hearing protector (1) that does not have the required sensor functionality is provided.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a hearing protector having a sensor module. This disclosure also relates to a method for modifying a hearing protector to have a sensor module.

[0002] Hearing protectors, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), are typically used in noisy environments to protect the wearer's hearing from noise at potentially harmful levels. Hearing protectors usually consist of two cups or caps that cover the wearer's ears and are connected to each other by a headband. Each cup is also typically formed from a rigid shell equipped with a noise-damping material, such as foam.

[0003] Hearing protectors are generally expected to be user-friendly, especially encouraging people in noisy environments to wear them for extended periods. While noise damping is a fundamental purpose of hearing protectors, wearers typically need to be aware of the environmental conditions they are in. For example, ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, and ambient sound levels can be relevant information. Furthermore, the wearer's condition is important for understanding, for example, their physiological parameters or movement. In some cases, this information may be necessary from a safety perspective or for regulatory purposes.

[0004] With the increasing digitalization of all aspects of life, it is imperative to reflect this in the PPE space. There is a growing expectation that the workforce will be increasingly digitally conscious. For example, US 2018 / 0310893 A1 describes systems and methods for measuring physiological parameters in which sensors are attached to the housing or cup of a headset. Another example is described in WO2019 / 051270 A1, in which sensors are mounted to the padding of a headset via sensor mounts.

[0005] This leads to a complex arrangement of multiple sensors necessary to acquire the required or desired information. The main design challenges in implementing these technologies into hearing protectors are twofold. First, finding a cost-effective implementation within the price range of the product portfolio, and second, minimizing the size and weight of the electronic circuit boards containing sensors, processors, power supplies, and wireless transmitters so that they fit within the limited space of the hearing protector without compromising the user's level of comfort, such as head force, weight, and compatibility with other PPEs.

[0006] While existing solutions can provide the necessary data to some extent through sensor placement, there is still a need for an easy and cost-effective solution to equip hearing protection devices with the required sensors. Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an easy and cost-effective solution for a hearing protector with multiple sensors. Another object of this disclosure is to equip existing hearing protection devices with the required multiple sensors.

[0007] This disclosure relates to a hearing protector comprising two earmuffs. Preferably, these earmuffs are generally dome-shaped. Each earmuff has a first side and a second side facing away from each other, the first side facing the user's ear during use. Each earmuff includes a cup comprising the first side and the second side facing away from each other. Each earmuff includes a pad comprising the first side and the second side facing away from each other, and at least one pad sensor. At least one of the earmuffs further includes a sensor module comprising the first side and the second side facing away from each other, and at least one module sensor. The sensor module is removably attached to the first side of the cup with its second side. The sensor module is removably attached to the second side of the pad with its first side, and the sensor module is connected to at least one pad sensor. This hearing protector is advantageous because it provides an easy, compact, and reliable solution for hearing protectors that provide information about the environment and about the condition of the person using such a hearing protector. In particular, the arrangement of multiple sensors in the pad and in the sensor module is advantageous because different information can be reliably acquired.

[0008] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a method of modifying a hearing protector to have a sensor module according to this disclosure. The method includes the steps of: providing a hearing protector comprising two earmuffs, each earmuff having a first side and a second side facing away from each other, the first side facing the user's ear in use, wherein each earmuff comprises: a cup including the first side and the second side facing away from each other; and a pad including the first side and the second side facing away from each other, and at least one pad sensor. Preferably, these earmuffs are generally dome-shaped. The method further includes the steps of: providing a sensor module including the first side and the second side facing away from each other, and at least one module sensor, wherein the sensor module is configured to be removably attached to the first side of the cup with its second side, wherein the sensor module is configured to be removably attached to the second side of the pad with its first side, and wherein the sensor module is configured to be connected to the at least one pad sensor; removing the pad from the cup; attaching the sensor module to the first side of the cup with its second side; and attaching the sensor module to the second side of the pad with its first side. This approach is advantageous because it provides reversible retrofitting of existing hearing protectors that lack the necessary sensor functionality. The reversible retrofitting of the sensor module further allows for easy modification of the sensor configuration to suit the varying needs of users of such hearing protectors. Furthermore, retrofitting existing hearing protectors helps increase their functionality if multiple sensors are required and / or if different sensors are needed, without requiring new hearing protectors. Additionally, this minimizes or avoids material waste.

[0009] Hearing protectors typically have two cups or caps that cover the wearer's ears and are connected to each other by a headband. Each cup is also usually formed of a rigid shell equipped with a noise-damping material, such as foam. Each cup has an ear-facing side that faces the user's ear during use and a closed side that faces away from the user's ear. Typically, the material used for the padding includes porous or foam materials. Alternatively, the material includes non-porous or non-foam materials, for example, with a theoretical density between 1.1 g / cm³. 3 With 1.2g / cm 3 The material used is silicone. The material and construction of the pad typically provide elastic properties, allowing the pad to fit snugly and seal against the user's or wearer's skin. Rubber can also be envisioned as a material for the pad. The pad can be cut or molded to achieve the desired size and shape.

[0010] Sensors suitable for hearing protectors according to this disclosure include a pad sensor for sensing the condition of the pad on the skin in contact with the pad, a cup sensor for sensing the condition of the cup, a skin sensor for sensing the skin condition of the user or wearer, a physiological sensor for sensing the physiological parameters of the user or wearer, an environmental sensor for sensing the environment or surrounding conditions of the user or wearer, and / or a motion sensor for sensing the movement of the user or wearer.

[0011] Within the scope of this disclosure, a sensor module is understood to be a module comprising at least one sensor. In addition to the at least one sensor, the sensor module also includes electronic components such as a processing unit for processing sensor data, a transmission unit for transmitting and / or receiving sensor data from and / or to other devices for further processing of such data, and optionally, a power supply unit. In some embodiments, the sensor module is a self-contained module having attachment members for attaching the sensor module to the pad and cup of the hearing protector, respectively.

[0012] Connections between components or units of a hearing protector, such as between a sensor module and its components, between individual sensors inside or outside a sensor module, or between other components such as a microphone, can be, for example, electrical or optical. Connections can be wired, such as electrical wires or optical fibers; or wireless, such as those belonging to the radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) type, or other suitable wireless connections. Additionally, wirelessly transmitted optical signals (e.g., infrared light signals) are also envisioned for such connections.

[0013] Within the scope of this disclosure, attachments include removable attachments (i.e., attachments that can be removed after initial attachment) and non-removable attachments (i.e., attachments that are permanently fixed after initial attachment). Attachment members are used for attachment, such as mechanical attachment members like threads, screws, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, pins, and mechanical fasteners like hook-and-loop systems. Alternatively, adhesive members, such as adhesives like pressure-sensitive adhesives or hot-melt adhesives, can be used. The choice of attachment member may also depend on whether the attachment is removable or non-removable. Removable attachment members are more precisely mechanical attachment members, while non-removable attachment members more precisely include adhesive members, rivets, bolts, brazing, welding, etc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector also includes a processing unit for processing sensor signals from the module sensor and / or from the pad sensor. The advantage of such a processing unit in the sensor module lies in its ability to process signals from sensors adjacent to the sensor module. Furthermore, a compact design with the desired sensor module functionality is thus achieved. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit uses software for processing sensor signals, including specific signal processing algorithms. This software can be initially set on the processing unit. It is conceivable that such software can be later transferred to the processing unit and / or updated, for example, via a cloud-based service. For such updates, the processing unit may require an interface and a transmission unit, respectively.

[0015] In another embodiment, the hearing protector's liner is molded, wherein the liner optionally includes at least one opening. Such an opening extends through the liner material, thereby forming a channel through the liner. The advantage of this molded liner is that it allows for easy and reliable manufacturing of the liner. In particular, forming the opening and / or channel through the liner can be easily and reliably achieved through a molding process. Suitable molding processes include injection molding, particularly two-injection molding, which, if desired, even allows for the formation of more than one part at a time. The advantage of the openings and channels through the liner is that these openings and channels provide access to the liner sensor located within the liner.

[0016] In another embodiment, the hearing protector's pad sensor is spring-mounted to the pad. This spring mounting provides easy and reliable attachment of the sensor to the pad. Additionally, the spring mounting allows for quick and easy reconfiguration of the sensor, i.e., removal or replacement of the sensor.

[0017] In another embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector is annular. This annular shape provides a good fit between the sensor module and the cups and pads of the hearing protector, as these cups and pads are typically annular. Additionally, the annular module can be easily provided with threaded portions for attachment.

[0018] In another embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector includes a mounting ring whose shape and size are configured to substantially conform to the shape and size of the liner, wherein the mounting ring is adapted to carry the liner. This mounting ring provides a good fit between the sensor module and the cups and liner of the hearing protector, respectively, since these cups and liner are typically annular.

[0019] In another embodiment, the mounting ring of the hearing protector has a first retaining structure that holds together with a corresponding second retaining structure at the cup. For example, the retaining structure may be provided as a threaded connection member or any other suitable connection member. This retaining structure provides easy and reliable attachment of the sensor module to the cup and liner of the hearing protector, respectively.

[0020] In another embodiment, the mounting ring and gasket of the hearing protector are preferably held together by corresponding third and fourth retaining structures. For example, the retaining structures may be provided as threaded connecting members or any other suitable connecting members. This arrangement provides easy and reliable attachment of the sensor module to the cup and gasket of the hearing protector, respectively.

[0021] In another embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector also includes a power supply for powering the sensor module. This power supply, arranged within the sensor module, provides a compact design for the sensor module with all the necessary functions and components, and enables the sensor module to operate independently of the hearing protector's power supply, thereby saving its energy.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector also includes a memory for storing data generated by the pad sensor and / or the module sensor. This memory, built into the sensor module, facilitates data processing and storage. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to access the hearing protector's memory, allowing the sensor module to store sensor data independently of the hearing protector, thereby saving memory capacity on the sensor module.

[0023] In another embodiment, the hearing protector's pad sensor includes a skin sensor. Such a skin sensor can, for example, sense skin data such as skin temperature, skin resistance, and other relevant data about the user's or wearer's skin. This type of skin sensor is advantageous because the skin data can be easily sensed and thus further processed.

[0024] In another embodiment, the hearing protector's pad sensor includes a physiological sensor configured to generate signal data associated with one or more physiological parameters of the user. Preferably, the pad includes a ventilation channel extending completely through the pad, wherein the physiological sensor is preferably disposed within the ventilation channel. Such a physiological sensor is advantageous because the user's or wearer's physiological parameters can be easily and reliably detected and thereby further processed.

[0025] In another embodiment, physiological parameters include heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (PPG), temperature, heat flux, and bioelectric potential (EEG, ECG). The detection of such physiological parameters is useful in determining the physiological condition of the user or wearer of the hearing protector according to this disclosure.

[0026] In another embodiment, the hearing protector also includes a cup sensor configured to generate signal data associated with temperature, humidity, and / or sound. The cup sensor is connected to a sensor module. Optionally, the cup sensor is spring-mounted to the sensor module or earcup. In other words, the cup sensor is located in the cup or sensor module and is configured to sense the cup's condition. The advantage of this cup sensor is that the cup's condition can be easily and reliably sensed and further processed.

[0027] In another embodiment, the hearing protector's module sensor includes an environmental sensor configured to generate signal data associated with environmental parameters, including ambient temperature, ambient pressure, ambient humidity, ambient atmospheric composition, and sound or noise data. This environmental sensor helps detect the user's or wearer's surrounding conditions that could affect their ability to work.

[0028] In one embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector includes skin sensor contacts for connecting a skin sensor to the sensor module. Such sensor contacts represent an easy and reliable way to access the sensor when the sensor module is attached to the liner and cup of the hearing protector, respectively.

[0029] In another embodiment, the sensor module of the hearing protector also includes an active communication device comprising a speaker and an electronic circuitry system including a wireless communication interface configured to drive the speaker based on information received via the wireless communication interface. This active communication device is useful because it enables the user or wearer of the hearing protector to communicate with others in the surrounding environment, even without removing the hearing protector. Therefore, the risk of needing to remove the hearing protector to communicate in noisy environments is reduced or avoided.

[0030] In one embodiment, the active communication device of the hearing protector includes a microphone, wherein the microphone and an electronic circuitry system are connected or can be connected such that the electronic circuitry system can receive and transmit information from the microphone via a wireless communication interface. This microphone enables the user or wearer to have good voice communication with others in the surrounding environment. Optionally, the microphone also includes an accelerometer. This accelerometer can be used to provide movement information about the user or wearer of this hearing protector.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hearing protector includes at least one microphone configured to acquire noise information about the user's surrounding environment. The ambient microphone can be used for active noise cancellation to provide the desired noise information from the surrounding environment. Additionally, the hearing protector may include one or more microphones located within a cup or pad, configured to acquire sound information from within the cup or pad. This sound information, along with ambient sound information, can be used to provide a fit check, i.e., to check how tight the seal is between the pad and the user's skin. This is useful because it ensures a good fit for the hearing protector.

[0032] In one implementation, the microphone of the hearing protector is a bone conduction microphone. This type of bone conduction microphone provides reliable voice transmission to the user or wearer, even in noisy conditions.

[0033] In another embodiment, the hearing protector also includes a headband for holding the earmuffs in place, wherein the earmuffs are pivotally connected to the headband using cups of the earmuffs. This headband can be used to properly position the earmuffs of the hearing protector on the user's or wearer's ears.

[0034] In another embodiment, the hearing protector also includes a mounting member for attaching each of the earmuffs to the side of a protective helmet. Such a mounting member is useful if the hearing protector is used with other personal protective equipment such as a protective helmet. This allows for easy and reliable attachment of the hearing protector to the protective helmet, thus maintaining the correct position of the earmuffs, even when wearing such a helmet.

[0035] In one embodiment of the modification method, the hearing protector's pad is molded. The advantage of this molded pad is that it allows for easy and reliable manufacturing. Specifically, forming openings and / or channels through the pad can be easily and reliably achieved through a molding process. Suitable molding processes include injection molding, particularly double injection molding, which, if desired, even allows for the formation of more than one part at a time.

[0036] In another embodiment of the modification method, the sensor module of the hearing protector further includes a processing unit for processing sensor signals from the module sensors and / or from the pad sensors. The advantage of this processing unit in the sensor module is that it processes signals from sensors adjacent to the sensor module. Furthermore, a compact design with the desired sensor module functionality is thus achieved. Additionally, the processing unit can be used to process sensor signals for signal fusion and further predict the health status of the headphone wearer.

[0037] In another embodiment of the modification method, the sensor module of the hearing protector further includes a mounting ring having a first retaining structure, wherein the sensor module is attached to the cup by the first retaining structure, which is held together with a corresponding retaining structure at the cup. This retaining structure provides easy and reliable attachment of the sensor module to both the cup and the liner of the hearing protector.

[0038] In another embodiment of the modification method, the sensor module of the hearing protector is attached to the gasket, such that the mounting ring and the gasket are held together by corresponding third and fourth retaining structures. This arrangement provides easy and reliable attachment of the sensor module to the cup and gasket of the hearing protector, respectively.

[0039] In another embodiment of the modification method, the hearing protector's pad also includes at least one opening. Such an opening extends through the pad material, thereby forming a channel through the pad. The advantage of this molded pad is that it allows for easy and reliable manufacturing of the pad. In particular, forming the opening and / or channel through the pad can be easily and reliably achieved through a molding process. Suitable molding processes include injection molding, particularly two-injection molding, which, if desired, even allows for the formation of more than one part at a time. The advantage of the openings and channels through the pad is that they provide access to the pad sensor located within the pad.

[0040] In another embodiment, the hearing protector also includes a sensor for sensing movement of the user or wearer. For example, a motion sensor or accelerometer may be positioned at the hearing protector to detect such user movement. It is also conceivable to position a gyroscope at the hearing protector to detect specific movements of the user or wearer, such as circular movements. Such additional sensors can help increase the sensing of the situation of the wearer or user of the hearing protector.

[0041] The hearing protector according to this disclosure can be manufactured by arranging a sensor module, desired sensors, and / or electronic components onto one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) and arranging these PCBs at the hearing protector or more specifically within one or both cups of the hearing protector. It is also conceivable that other components, such as a headband (if present), contain sensors or other electronic components. One way to provide the hearing protector according to this disclosure is by modifying a conventional hearing protection method using the sensor module described above.

[0042] The present invention has been described in the various embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that one, several, or all of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention by way of example: Attached image description:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic functional top view of a hearing protector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a hearing protector worn by a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 3 is a partially exploded front view of a hearing protector according to the prior art, in which the liner has been removed from the cup;

[0047] Figure 4 is a partially exploded front view of a hearing protector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the liner is still removed from the cup, and wherein the sensor module according to the present disclosure has been placed between the liner and the cup;

[0048] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pad with a sensor module attached thereto according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pad and sensor module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before they are attached to each other.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic functional top view of a hearing protector 10 including a sensor module 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sensor module includes a module sensor 32; a processing unit 34 for processing sensor data and / or for processing externally received data; a memory 36 for storing sensor data and / or external data; and a power supply 38 for powering components of the sensor module 30. The power supply 38 may also power other components of the hearing protector 10. The hearing protector 10 also includes earmuffs 12, 14 (only one of which is shown here), which have a cup sensor 43; and pads 22, 24 (only one of which is shown here), which have a pad sensor 42. As noted, the cup sensor 43 and the pad sensor 42 are connected to the sensor module 30. The hearing protector 10 also includes an external sensor 44, which is also connected to the sensor module 30. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hearing protector 10 may include an active communication unit 50 to enable the user of the hearing protector 10 (not shown) to communicate with others in the surrounding environment when communication is required, without removing the hearing protector 10. The active communication unit 50 also includes a speaker 52 for playing sound to the user of the hearing protector 10 and an electronic circuitry system 54 for processing the communication signals of the active communication unit 50. The active communication unit 50 includes a wireless communication unit 56 and an antenna 72 for wirelessly transmitting communication signals to other users and / or devices (not shown). Additionally, the active communication unit 50 is connected to the sensor module 30, for example, to transmit sensor data from the sensor module to other devices or to transmit external data to the sensor module 30. The active communication unit may also include a microphone 74 mounted to a microphone boom 70 (not shown, see FIG. 2).

[0051] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a hearing protector 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, worn by a user 100. The hearing protector 10 includes the same functional components as shown in Figure 1 above. As can be seen from Figure 2, the hearing protector 10 includes two earmuffs 12, 14, each earmuff having cups 12A, 14A. Attached to each of the earmuffs 12, 14 are pads 22, 24 for contact with the user 100's skin to provide a tight seal against the environment (e.g., ambient noise) of the hearing protector 10. Each of the earmuffs 12, 14 engages with an earmuff mount of a headband via earmuff mounts 18, 20 and is mounted to the headband 16 using earmuff extensions 26, 28 of the headband 16, respectively, which pivotally hold the earmuffs 12, 14 connected to the headband to fit the user's skin. Similar to Figure 1, the cup 12A of the hearing protector 10 includes a sensor module 30, which is mounted on only one of the cups 12A in the illustrated embodiment. It is conceivable that both cups 12A, 12B have the sensor module 30 mounted thereon. The hearing protector 10 also includes a microphone 74 mounted to one of the earmuffs 14 via a microphone boom 70. The microphone 74 enables the user 100 to transmit voice signals for communication with other users in the surrounding environment.

[0052] Figures 3 and 4 each show schematic front views of embodiments of the hearing protector 10, wherein Figure 3 shows a conventional hearing protector 1 according to the prior art, and wherein Figure 4 shows a hearing protector 10 arranged, preferably modified to have a sensor module 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a method of modification of the conventional hearing protector 1, wherein the pad 24 has been removed from the cup 14A of the earmuff 14. The pad 24 of the hearing protector 1 includes an opening 24A thereon. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the earmuff mount 28A of the headband 16 has been disconnected from the earmuff mount 20 of the earmuff 14 to allow for more working space. In this spaced-out configuration, the retaining structure or connecting member 48 of the pad 24 and the retaining structure or connecting member 60 of the cup 14A have been disconnected from each other. Although the earcups 14 and headband 16 have been disconnected by disconnecting the earcup mount 28A of headband 16 from the earcup mount 20 of earcup 14, this step may be omitted depending on size, available space, and the skill of the person performing the modification method. The other earcup 12 of the hearing protector 1 is still shown in its original configuration as a pad 22 attached to the cup 12A of earcup 12. Here, earcup 12 remains connected to headband 16. Figure 4 shows further steps of the method for modifying the hearing protector 10. A sensor module 30, including a mounting ring, is placed between the pad 24 and cup 14A of earcup 14 in the spaced-out configuration provided by the steps described above. The pad 24 of the modified hearing protector 10 includes an opening 24A thereon. In the next step, the retaining structures or connecting members 48, 64 of the mounting ring 30A included in the sensor module 30 are respectively connected to the retaining structure or connecting member 60 of cup 14A and the retaining structure or connecting member 62 of pad 24. If the earcups 14 have been disconnected from the headband 16, the earcups 14 need to be reconnected to the headband. In the illustrated embodiment, the module sensor 32 is mounted on the spring 32A. The modification method has only been shown for one earcup 14 for the sake of simplicity in Figures 3 and 4. Those skilled in the art will understand that if it is desired to modify both earcups, a similar procedure can be performed to complete the modification of the hearing protector 10 for the other earcup 12. However, it is also conceivable that only one earcup 14 may be modified to have the sensor module and mounting ring, while the other earcup 12 remains in its original configuration.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a pad 22 to which a sensor module 30 is attached, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity, the cup 12A of the earmuff 12 is omitted in this view. As can be seen, the pad 22 includes openings or channels through it, as indicated by 22A. The openings or channels 22A allow ambient air to approach the interior of the pad 22, thereby allowing access from the outside to the sensor mounted to the pad 22. This increases the sensing accuracy of the sensor 42 mounted to the pad 22. Further as seen in Figure 5, a cup sensor 43 (not visible here) is arranged in the cup 12A of the earmuff 12 of the hearing protector 10 such that the cup sensor is in close contact with the openings 40 that allow access from that side to the cup sensor 43 (not visible here), as is the access provided for the pad sensor 42.

[0054] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the pad 22 and sensor module 30 of one embodiment of the hearing protector 10 according to the present disclosure before they are attached to each other. The sensor module 30 is similar to the sensor module shown above. In the figure, the connecting member 48 of the annular sensor module 30 is still exposed, i.e., not connected to the corresponding connecting member of the pad 22 (not visible here). Figure 6 further shows a large elliptical opening 22B in the pad 22, which is envisioned to accommodate the user's ear (not shown here). Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the pad 22 also includes an opening or channel 22A through it to allow access to the pad sensor 42.

Claims

1. A hearing protector (10), comprising: Two earmuffs (12, 14), each earmuff (12, 14) having a first side and a second side facing away from each other, the first side facing the user's (100) ear in use, wherein each of the earmuffs (12, 14) comprises: a. A cup (12A, 14A), said cup comprising a first side and a second side opposite to each other. b. Pads (22, 24), said pads comprising: i. First side, and ii. The second side, the first side and the second side being opposite to each other, and iii. At least one pad sensor (42), - At least one of the earmuffs (12, 14) further includes: c. Sensor module (30), the sensor module comprising: i. First side, and ii. The second side, the first side and the second side being opposite to each other, and iii. At least one modular sensor (32), - wherein the sensor module (30) is removably attached to the first side of the cup (12A, 14A) on its second side, - wherein the sensor module (30) is removably attached to the second side of the pads (22, 24) on its first side, and - wherein the sensor module (30) is connected to the at least one pad sensor (42).

2. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module (30) further comprises a processing unit (34) for processing sensor signals from the module sensor (32) and / or from the pad sensor (42).

3. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pads (22, 24) are molded.

4. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module (30) is annular.

5. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module (30) includes a mounting ring (30A) whose shape and size are configured to substantially conform to the shape and size of the pads (22, 24), wherein the mounting ring (30A) is adapted to carry the pads (22, 24).

6. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 5, wherein the mounting ring (30A) has a first retaining structure (48) that is held together with a corresponding second retaining structure (60) at the cup (12A, 14A).

7. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 5, wherein the mounting ring (30A) and the gaskets (22, 24) are held together by corresponding third and fourth retaining structures (62, 64).

8. The hearing protector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pad sensor (42) comprises a skin sensor.

9. The hearing protector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pad sensor (42) includes a physiological sensor, wherein the physiological sensor is configured to generate signal data associated with one or more physiological parameters of the user (100), wherein the pad (22, 24) includes a ventilation channel extending completely through the pad (22, 24), wherein the physiological sensor is disposed within the ventilation channel.

10. The hearing protector (10) according to claim 9, wherein the physiological parameters include heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature, heat flux, and bioelectric potential.

11. The hearing protector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A cup sensor (43) is configured to generate signal data associated with temperature, humidity and / or sound, wherein the cup sensor (43) is connected to the sensor module (30).

12. The hearing protector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the module sensor (32) includes an environmental sensor configured to generate signal data associated with environmental parameters, wherein the environmental parameters include ambient temperature, ambient pressure, ambient humidity, composition of the ambient atmosphere, and sound data.

13. The hearing protector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor module (30) further comprises an active communication device (50) comprising a speaker (52) and an electronic circuit system (54) comprising a wireless communication interface (56) configured to drive the speaker (52) based on information received via the wireless communication interface (56).

14. The hearing protector (10) of claim 13, wherein the active communication device (50) includes a microphone (74), wherein the microphone (74) and the electronic circuit system (54) are connected or can be connected such that the electronic circuit system (54) can receive and transmit information from the microphone (74) via the wireless communication interface (56), wherein the microphone (74) further includes an accelerometer.

15. A method for modifying a hearing protector (1) to have a sensor module (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising the steps of: ● Provide a hearing protector (1) comprising two earmuffs (12, 14), each earmuff (12, 14) having a first side and a second side facing away from each other, the first side facing the ear of the user (100) in use, wherein each of the earmuffs (12, 14) comprises: a cup (12A, 14A) comprising a first side and a second side facing away from each other; and a pad (22, 24) comprising a first side and a second side facing away from each other; and at least one pad sensor (42). ● A sensor module (30) is provided, the sensor module including a first side and a second side opposite to each other and at least one module sensor (32), wherein the sensor module (30) is configured to be removably attached to the first side of the cup (12A, 14A) with its second side, wherein the sensor module (30) is configured to be removably attached to the second side of the pad (22, 24) with its first side, and wherein the sensor module (30) is configured to be connected to the at least one pad sensor (42). ● Remove the gaskets (22, 24) from the cups (12A, 14A). ● Attach the sensor module (30) to the first side of the cup (12A, 14A) with its second side attached, and ● Attach the sensor module (30) with its first side to the second side of the pad (22, 24).

Images