263 results about "Hearing protection" patented technology

A system and method that reduces the perceptual effect resulting from ear occlusion is disclosed. It comprises of an electro-acoustic feedback network that produces phase cancelling sounds in the ear, where a receiver and a microphone are located. A novel control mechanism is disclosed that controls the response of the feedback network to minimise distortion in the ear while maintaining a desired frequency response for external signals. Devices producing the external signal include hearing aids, personal sound devices, in ear monitors, communications headsets and hearing protectors. The integration of the present invention with these devices improves the user's perception of their own voice.

A hearing protection device for a human ear. The device has an arm that clips about the pinna. A plug member caps or enters ear canal. The device is biased to provide some force against the plug member so that is stays in position during use. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

A hearing protection device and method for a human ear. A plug member caps or enters ear canal, and may be shaped to conform to the external auditory meatus. The device is biased at least in part by a pressure pad to provide some force against the plug member. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. An optional bow member clips about the pinna. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.

The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and / or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible / expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended.

Embodiments may comprise personal protective equipment with integrated physiological monitoring. Some embodiments may relate specifically to in-ear devices (such as hearing protection and / or communication devices) having one or more physiological sensors for early monitoring for heat related illnesses. Several embodiments may incorporate a temperature sensor and a speaker into such in-ear device.

An earplug is provided including an elongate stem component having a first end and an opposite second end, a first flange disposed on the stem proximate the first end, a second flange disposed on the stem adjacent the first flange, a third flange disposed on the stem adjacent the second flange, opposite the first flange, and proximate the second end, a rib support element formed on the first, second, and third flanges, wherein, the first, second, and third flanges comprise generally hemispherical flange elements extending from the stem in a direction toward the second end such that a generally annular space is formed between inner surfaces of the first, second, and third flanges and the stem, and wherein the rib support element is formed on the inner surfaces.

A method for continuously monitoring noise exposure level of a person via measuring sound level within an ear canal of the person using a sound measurement means linked to a sound level recording device external to the ear canal, wherein the sound measurement means may be shielded from the environment by a hearing protective device, and wherein the cable does not interfere with the ability of the hearing protective device to reduce noise exposure level in the ear canal. Also provided are a system comprising a sound measurement means mounted within an ear canal of the person, an external sound level recording means and a linking cable. Further provided is a system for providing continuous noise exposure monitoring level of a person, and for providing radio communication in a noisy environment, said system comprising the above sound monitoring system linked to a radio signal transmission means, and is switchable between said sound level recording means in a recording mode and said radio signal transmission means in a communication mode.

A dynamic hearing protection method and device with which a hearing protection device specific differential head related transfer function corresponding to the difference between an open ear resonance measurement of the user's ear canal or an ear canal approximating the user's ear canal without the hearing protection device being worn in the ear canal and an open ear resonance measurement with the hearing protection device being worn in the ear canal as a function of the angle of sound incidence is determined and when using the hearing protection device, a frequency-dependent gain function to the captured audio signals selected according to the presently determined angle of sound incidence with each of the gain functions is determined by inverting the previously determined HPD specific differential HRTF for the respective sound incidence angle, to compensate for the effect of the presence of the hearing protection device on the open ear resonance.

A hearing protection device insertable into an ear canal is provided, the device generally including a stem portion, a sound attenuating portion affixed to and extending at least partially over the stem portion, and a volume of space disposed between and delimited by the sound attenuating portion and the stem portion, where at least a part of the sound attenuating portion is collapsible into the volume of space during insertion of the hearing protection device into the ear canal.

A hearing protection device and a method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The device includes a sound attenuating portion for being disposed within an ear canal of a user to obstruct the passage of sound and a channel formed through the sound attenuating portion for allowing sound to pass through the sound attenuating portion.

An earplug formed of a plurality of materials having different hardnesses by use of a multi-material rapid prototyping (RP) system.

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

An improved earbud design providing for full modularity; improved and variable hearing protection, sound quality, comfort, fit, aesthetics, and signal connectivity; and the ability to maintain environmental sound directionality comprised of a multitude of new features with variable vents and membranes which dilute the harmful pneumatic effects of sound while improving its acoustic quality. A location-based transmission system provides event attendees to mix live sound with streamed sound through Ambrose Earbuds for reduced hearing risk and no quality detriments due to timing gaps, occlusion or ear tip spectral broadening, and enables noise pollution-free musical performances. A displacement-based digital compression algorithm caps maximum output air displacement as well as sound pressure level. Thus, an earbud is provided that through adjustments and modularity can act as a personal listening device, a hearing protection device and as a personal aesthetic statement with customized fit and comfort.

A sound monitoring control for controlling the sound pressure level (SPL) delivered to the ears of a user of a hearing protection device. The control employs a measurement of the actual sound heard by the user, using a microphone to control the sound level and to help prevent noise induced hearing loss. A measurement, using a dosimeter microphone, of the actual sound pressure levels heard by the user can be used in audio processing schemes to ensure that the user is only exposed to safe levels.

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

The present invention relates to a cap (11) intended for use as hearing protection and adapted to enclosed the external ear of a user, characterized by at least one vibration-damping weight element (18, 38a-b) of the cap (11), which weight element is arranged so as to at least partly block an audio mode of vibration that would have existed in the cap in the absence of said weight element (18, 38a-b). The invention also relates to a method of producing such a cap, and use of the same.

The disclosure relates to an arrangement in hearing protection, in the form of an acoustic headset, comprising a first auditory cup (10), a second auditory cup (11) and a stirrup or headband (12) interconnecting the auditory cups (10, 11), a microphone (13) being provided for receiving ambient sound and an electronic control unit (15) actuable by means of a button set (14) being provided for transmitting sound from the microphone (13) and a radio unit (16) by the intermediary of loudspeakers (17) in the auditory cups (10, 11). The button set (14) comprises a plurality of associated buttons (18, 18', 19, 19', 20, 20', 21, 22) arranged in groups, and each group of buttons being disposed, for actuation by the wearer's fingers, in a separate depression or recess (23, 24, 25, 26) in the first auditory cup (10).

A system and method that reduces the perceptual effect resulting from ear occlusion include an electro-acoustic feedback network that produces phase canceling sounds in the ear, where a receiver and a microphone are located. A control mechanism controls the response of the feedback network to minimize distortion in the ear while maintaining a desired frequency response for external signals. Devices producing the external signal include hearing aids, personal sound devices, in ear monitors, communications headsets and hearing protectors. The integration of the above with these devices improves a user's perception of their own voice.

The invention provides a hearing protection device having an attenuating body composed of an elastomer with an increased glass transition temperature and a reduced glass-to-rubber transition temperature such that the damping factor of the material peaks at a higher temperature and, resultantly, the damping factor is increased over a range of temperatures and frequencies typically experienced by the device during usage. The increased damping results in higher sound attenuation provided by the hearing protection device.

The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and / or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible / expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended.

A device for providing hearing enhancement and hearing protection. The device includes a means to amplify sounds that do not exceed a specified sound threshold limit. The sound output is restricted to a non-harmful range so that loud, burst full sounds are limited to a safe range and weaker sounds are enhanced for hearing.

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

An audio signal control method and apparatus for hearing protection are disclosed. The audio signal control method includes: producing an output level of an audio signal being input; determining whether the ratio of an output time of the audio signal within a preset time duration to a permissible time corresponding to the produced output level is greater than or equal to a limit reference value; and limiting, when the ratio of the output time to the permissible time is greater than or equal to the limit reference value, the output level of the audio signal to a preset level.

A contact hearing protection device is provided. The contact hearing protection device comprises a perimeter platform, a chassis connected to the perimeter platform, a control system including at least one variable limiting element, and an umbo platform connected to the at least one limiting element. A sound level which meets or exceeds a predetermined level is detected, as can be indicated by an increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform, and the limiting element increases the limiting in response to the increased magnitude of movement of the umbo platform.

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

An ear seal assembly comprises a front panel, an outer panel, a hidden panel, a rear panel, and an acoustic transparent fabric inner panel, wherein a front edge of the acoustic transparent fabric inner panel is positioned at a right angle along an inside circumference of the front panel and a rear edge of the acoustic transparent fabric inner panel is positioned at a right angle along an inside circumference of the hidden panel.

A hearing protection device readily insertable and removable from temple arms of eye glasses of varying size, width, angles and flanges, comprising a stiff but bendable vinyl tube, a connector cord, and an earplug. The tube is positioned around the temple bar of glasses past where the temple bar comes into contact with the user's ear when the glasses are worn. The device is held in position by pressure points of contact between the internal surface of the tube and points along the arm of glasses. Once mounted, and glasses worn, the sensation of the vinyl tube simulates the eyeglass arms themselves, and the earplug is conveniently positioned behind and outside of the user's line of vision. The earplug may be inserted and removed from the user's ears as desired given changing noise levels in the user's environment.

The present invention is a dual position hearing protection device. In one position, the device provides substantial sound attenuation and hearing protection. In the second position, an opening in the device permits sounds to enter the ear of the user relatively unobstructed. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the position of the device is changed simply by compressing the exposed end of the earplug.