An earpiece body with a convoluted acoustic horn and a hearing protection device that includes the earpiece body. The convoluted acoustic horn that is configured to receive airborne sound waves through a first, sound-receiving opening and to emit airborne sound waves through a second, sound-emitting opening, wherein the first, sound-receiving opening is larger in cross-sectional area than the second, sound-emitting opening.

A speech intelligibility enhancing system for difficult acoustical conditions is disclosed, the speech intelligibility enhancing system comprising at least one ear plug (201) for insertion in an ear canal (218) of a person, the at least one ear plug being arranged with an ear canal facing portion (401) and an environment facing portion (402), and the at least one ear plug comprising an acoustically attenuating path (214; 214, 213) comprising a vent (214) coupling said environment facing portion (402) with said ear canal facing portion (401); and an electroacoustic path (202, 204, 209; 202, 203, 204, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212) comprising a microphone (202) at said environment facing portion (402), a variable gain (204) and a loudspeaker (209) at said ear canal facing portion (401); wherein said acoustically attenuating path (214; 214, 213) is arranged with a transfer function from said environment facing portion (402) to said ear canal facing portion (401) having a low pass characteristic having a low pass cut¬off frequency and said low pass characteristic attenuating sound by a nominal attenuation (Go) for frequencies below said cut-off frequency.

Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other acquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.

Evaluating an implanted hearing prosthesis, including operating the implanted hearing prosthesis, capturing sound generated by a transducer of the prosthesis during said operation, and comparing the captured sound to a sound model.

An earplug and earplug kit having an ear insert, one or more filters that are interchangeable and that may be removably mounted to the insert for filtering various levels and types of sounds, and one or more decorative sound blocking members that are interchangeable and that may be removably mounted to the insert for reflecting or absorbing at least a portion of sounds directed toward a user's ear.

Electronic hearing protection earwear having increased noise reduction rating. The earwear can be configured to plug an ear of the user. The earwear includes a housing defining an interior in which electronic components of the earwear are received. Void filling material can be installed in the housing interior to reduce vibration and sound wave propagation, thus increasing the noise reduction rating of the earwear.

A selective attenuating earplug is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a selective attenuating earplug includes a switch adjustable between a first position and a second position, and the switch includes at least one cantilever spring arm.

A wireless audio system suppresses exterior noise and directs desired sound into a user's ear canal. An audio system may include an earplug to create a seal in the interior of an ear canal. The earplug may include a ribbed exterior profile and can be flexible to create the seal. A speaker may be inserted within the earplug. A channel may extend through a body of the earplug to direct sound into a user's ear canal. A proximal opening may extend from the speaker to the channel of the earplug, and an audio wire may be connected to the speaker. The audio wire may connect to a wireless receiver, or other receiver, to allow audio data to pass through the wire and to the speaker, where it can be converted to audio that is passed directly into the ear canal of the user.

An earplug device that is placed in the ear canal to attenuate sound frequencies within a selected frequency range. The earplug has a plug body with a first end, an opposite second end, and an exterior surface that extends from the first end to the second end. An opening is formed in the plug body at the first end. The opening leads to an internal conduit within the plug body. The internal conduit terminates at a closed membrane wall proximate the second end of the plug body. The internal conduit and the membrane wall both act upon incoming acoustic signals to both lower volume and attenuate certain undesired frequency ranges.

An earplug with pressure regulation and noise control, for assembling on an earphone. The earplug is provided with a sound passage hole to connect with the earphone, and pressure regulation chambers formed on the periphery of the sound passage hole, with the pressure regulation chambers encircling the sound passage hole. In addition, an air inlet and an air vent are respectively formed in the pressure regulation chambers corresponding to the two extremities of the sound passage hole. When the earphone with the earplug is placed in the ear canal, air inside the ear canal is able to pass through the air inlets and enter the inside of the pressure regulation chambers, after which the air is expelled through the air vents. Hence, apart from effectively reducing air pressure inside the ear canal, the present invention further increases supporting strength and also achieves the effect to control noise interference.