A passive non-linear earplug can include: a tapered body having a channel extending from a wider distal end to a narrower proximal end, the tapered body having shape memory and size adapted for being received into an ear canal of a human subject; and a disk attached to the wider distal end of the tapered body, the disk having one or more holes aligned with the channel. A structural tube can be located in the channel. A handle can be attached to the tapered body and/or disk. An annular member can be coupled to the disk opposite of the tapered body, the annular member having an aperture that at least partially aligns with the channel. A tube member can be coupled to the disk opposite of the tapered body. The earplug can attenuate loud sounds while allowing normal sounds to be heard, which provides for the non-linearity.

Earplugs that have enhanced performance in protecting the user from high noise levels without impeding auditory awareness are described. The earplugs comprise a housing and a non-linear acoustic filter, wherein the non-linear acoustic filter can comprise a bulb. The earplugs are designed to be compatible with other types of headwear, e.g., headphones and helmets.

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.

An acoustic filter including a valve system with acoustic valves arranged in a sound passage for controlling the acoustic resistance of respective apertures based on a control signal for selecting an attenuation of a sound pressure level of transmitted sound compared to that of received sound. The acoustic filter is adapted to provide the selection of the attenuation from a sequence of predetermined attenuations based on a selection of the control signal. Each attenuation in the sequence corresponds to acoustic valves providing the apertures with a respective predetermined acoustic resistance, wherein the acoustic resistances of subsequent attenuations in the sequence are adapted to correspond with a linear increase or decrease in the attenuation of the sound in decibels.

A method and system of traversing a device through an accommodating conduit to reach a target area within the accommodating conduit can include varying an amount of elasticity of the device or an amount of torsion moment of the device applied to the accommodating conduit or varying both to minimize bending forces as the device traverses the accommodating conduit. The method or system upon reaching the target area within the accommodating conduit, can further include varying the elasticity or the torsion moment of the device or varying both to cause the device to stiffen. Other embodiments are disclosed.

The disclosure relates to an earpiece configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear and comprising a core comprising a material that during insertion of the earpiece into the ear is deformable above a transition temperature and non-deformable below the transition temperature. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the earpiece. The disclosure further relates to a method of customizing the earpiece.

A method of making personal protective equipment, such as a push-in earplug, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of covering a substrate with an outer layer that includes an unactivated foaming agent, positioning at least a portion of the outer layer in a mold, and activating the foaming agent such that a portion of the outer layer expands.

Systems and methods are provided for anesthetizing a tympanic membrane of an ear. The systems are personalizable to ensure proper anesthetizing solution administration. The systems and methods may also be useful for administering a solution to the ear canal of a human patient and for maintaining the solution therein.

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 attachment for a device for generating an air flow or dispensing a fluid, which attachment is designed to be at least partially introduced into an external auditory canal of a human or animal ear, the attachment including a connection piece for connecting the attachment to the device for generating an air flow, and a tongue-type guide vane for conducting air that flows out of the device for generating an air flow via the connection piece, the guide vane having a bottom.