An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator, an earpiece having an axial earpiece bore, and a valved conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator and the axial earpiece bore, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

The present invention provides a customizable ear insert for fitting within a user's outer ear or ear canal or both and methods therefor. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customizable ear insert having: a body formed of photocurable polymer, the body having a first shape configured for insertion into the outer ear canal of a user; a light source, the light source positioned adjacent the body, and wherein the body can be cured into a second shape by application of light generated by the light source, the second shape snugly conforming to the interior surface of the user's outer ear or ear canal or both.

The present disclosure describes a cost-effective earplug device that delivers minimally distorted sound, offers sound protection, can fit most users, and can protect human hearing from dangerously-high acoustic levels without the cost or inconvenience of a custom earplug.

A device for insertion into an ear canal of a mammalian subject, including a body, a first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion, a second adjustable acousto-mechanical portion and an adjustment arrangement. The body has at least one sound path extending therethrough. The first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion incudes an adjustable channel forming at least part of the sound path, and the second adjustable acousto-mechanical portion includes an adjustable membrane. The second adjustable acouto-mechanical portion is arranged acoustically in series with the first adjustable acousto-mechanical portion. The adjustment arrangement is configured for simultaneously adjusting the first and second adjustable acousto-mechanical portions to alter an acoustic response of the at least one sound path.

An earplug includes a tubular member configured to extend in one direction and to be capable of bending relative to the one direction, a first acoustic sensor configured to collect sound via the tubular member, and an earplug type sound insulation member in which the tubular member is inserted. The tubular member is preferably bendable according to a shape of an external auditory meatus. A housing having a first opening being communicated with the tubular member is preferably provided. The first acoustic sensor is preferably provided in the housing and collects sound via the tubular member and the first opening.

Systems and methods for occluding a duct and attenuating sound may be provided. In some embodiments, a system may include a toroidal component enclosing an interior volume. The interior volume may contain a fluid and may have an extended state and a retracted state. When the toroidal component is in the extended state, a distal portion of the toroidal component that defines a distal tip is configured to extend in a distal direction and a proximal portion of the toroidal component may define a proximal end of the toroidal component. When the toroidal component is in the retracted state, a portion of the inner surface may extend proximally beyond the proximal end of the toroidal component. A fluid composition and methods for attenuating sound may also be provided. In some embodiments, the fluid composition may be a suspension that includes an interstitial fluid and a plurality of gas-filled spheres.

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 aquatic 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.

The application discloses an eartip, an earphone device, an earphone housing and a hearbud housing device. The eartip can include an outer portion, an inner portion, and an encapsulated volume formed by the inner and outer portion, wherein the outer portion is designed to contact the ear canal, and wherein the inner portion is designed to fit upon a stent. In an alternative embodiment, the airtip can include an inverted body, wherein when the inverted body is at least partially folded on itself the inverted body is arranged to include a bulbous region sized for insertion in an ear canal, a cavity internal to the bulbous region that holds a gas, where increasing pressure on the bulbous region releases a portion of the gas.

An attachment for a device for generating an airflow or for dispensing a fluid, which attachment is adapted to be inserted at least in sections into an external ear canal of a human or animal ear. The attachment has a connecting piece for connecting the attachment to the device for generating an airflow, and has a guide vane of tongue-like design with a guide vane base for guiding air flowing out of the device for generating an airflow via the connecting piece.

Customizable hearing protection devices include a body portion. A channel is defined through the body portion. A sound modifying insert is removably inserted into an outer portion of the channel. An adapter insert is removably inserted into an inner portion of the channel. The devices further include an eartip mounted to a mounting portion of the adapter insert that protrudes from the proximal side of the body portion. The channel includes a middle portion connecting the outer portion and the inner portion. The body portion may further include a loop portion, into which an interchangeable chip may be removably inserted. The interchangeable chip may have an outward facing surface with customized indicia thereon.