An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing; and a fourth microphone placed external to the second earmuff, the fourth microphone supplying third sounds for the second speaker to output as a third sound output without the third sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing.

An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing; and a fourth microphone placed external to the second earmuff, the fourth microphone supplying third sounds for the second speaker to output as a third sound output without the third sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing.

A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a bulge or protrusion over the ear.

An adapter assembly for attaching a circumaural device to a mounting interface on a helmet comprises a fastener element configured to releasably couple to the mounting interface. A pressure relief assembly coupled to the fastener element has a pivoting subassembly and an adjustment subassembly. The pivoting subassembly I pivotable about a pivot axis and has a range of travel between an upright position and an extended position. One or more attachment arms have a proximal end coupled to the pressure relief assembly and a distal end for attaching the circumaural device. The adjustment subassembly has a manually operable control portion to cause pivoting movement of the pivoting subassembly toward the upright position to decrease a pressure of an attached circumaural device on a wearer's head or toward the extended position to increase a pressure of an attached circumaural device on the wearer's head.

Noise reduction in face masks and helmets reduces ear damage and improves communication by reducing noise in demand regulators with air diffuser perforated plates, screens or open cell foam and by providing muffling chambers. Insertable earmuffs are slid into voids formed in interior padding. Oral-nasal masks are isolated from helmet padding. Various layered helmets shells and padding reduce internal noise.

An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; and a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff and to the second earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker and the second speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing.

Implementations of a ballistic helmet that may include an adapter for each earcup secured thereto and an integrated electronic circuit configured to power and operate conductively connected electronic devices are provided. The ballistic helmet may comprise two armor plates, each armor plate may be positioned to cover an ear of a wearer and thereby provide ballistic protection thereto. In some implementations, the ballistic helmet may further comprise two earcup adapters, each earcup adapter is configured to be mounted on an interior side of an armor plate and to allow an attached earcup to rotate thereon. In this way, each earcup may be comfortably positioned over an ear of the wearer and thereby attenuate sound. In some implementations, the ballistic helmet may also comprise an integrated electronic circuit configured to operate and/or power electronic earcups and other electrically powered devices (e.g., a flashlight) conductively coupled thereto.

A helmet features a sound management mechanism within a hard exterior shell and an interior of expanded polystyrene foam. Ear cups embedded within the shell surround the ears, with a torus-shaped soft material forming a seal against the wearer's head. The helmet allows the transition of ear cups between engaged and disengaged positions. The engaged position is against the head. The disengaged position is away from the head, allowing easy placement and removing of the helmet. Positions may be transitioned using one hand. The helmet may include lateral adjustment of ear cups, and some versions incorporate electronic audio features like noise cancellation, communication capabilities, and wireless connectivity.

A headset apparatus configured to be worn by a user operating outdoor power equipment. The headset may include a noise cancelling system and/or enhanced glasses.

A system for use in connection with a protective helmet having at least one accessory connection mechanism includes a visor accessory which includes a frame including at least one rearward extending member. The system further includes an adapter including a helmet connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet and an accessory connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the at least one rearward extending member of the visor accessory. The accessory connector is adapted to be stowed on the at least one rearward extending member when the adapter is not in use to connect to the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet.