In-ear sound pressure level, SPL, is determined that is caused by output audio being converted into sound by a headset worn by a user. The in-ear SPL is converted into a sound sample having units that are suitable for evaluating sound noise exposure. These operations are repeated to produce a sequence of sound samples during playback. This sequence of sound samples is then written to a secure database. Access to the database is authorized by the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

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.

An earbud for detecting biosignals from and presenting audio signals at an inner ear canal and method therefor are disclosed. The earbud includes a nozzle and a housing including a body. The nozzle extends from the housing body and has a proximal end arranged for positioning within an inner ear canal of an individual. An earbud tip of the earbud attaches to the proximal end of the nozzle and is adapted to engage the inner ear canal. The earbud includes a speaker and various sensors including an infrasonic/vibration sensor. The infrasonic/vibration sensor detects the biosignals including infrasonic signals from the body of the individual in the canal, and the speaker transmits sound from an audio source into the canal via the nozzle. The earbud preferably seals the inner ear canal to block external sound while also decreasing an acoustic volume of the canal that amplifies the biosignals prior to detection.

An acoustic management module (300) for control of an audio device, in particular for allowing ambient passthrough when a user speaks, and for combining the voice pick up of an ambient microphone and an internal microphone when a user speaks to improve voice quality in noisy environment communications.

An in-ear optical sensor device sits deep within the ear canal of a subject such that is in the cartilaginous region and/or the bony region of the ear canal where effects from temporomandibular joint activity or other movement, and external light, are limited. The device has a lateral housing and a medial articulating head joined at an articulation joint so that the medial articulating head may be angled relative to the lateral housing to help the device fit within tortuous ear canals. The device also includes a seal configured to conform to the shape of the ear canal to physically support the device to further limit movement and block environmental light. An audio receiver is also included in the device.

An information processing device 10 according to an embodiment includes an acquiring unit 111 that acquires information concerning sound propagating in a space separated from an outside world by a support member that separates the space including an eardrum of a user and the outside world, a measuring unit 1121 that measures a sealing degree of the space by the support member based on the information concerning the sound acquired by the acquiring unit 111, and a determining unit 1122 that determines, based on sealing degrees measured by the measuring unit 1121 for a respective different plurality of support members, an optimum support member for the user out of a plurality of support members.

An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end facing a tympanic membrane when the earmold is worn by a user, and a second end facing toward a surrounding of the user when the earmold is worn by the user, includes: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end; and a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a first vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening in the second end; wherein the receiver channel comprises a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured to cause the first vent port to be open when in a first state, and to cause the first vent port to be closed when in a second state.

A method performed by an in-ear headphone. Coupled to the in-ear headphone is a first ear tip that is inserted into an ear canal of a user. The method obtains an audio signal from an audio source device paired with the in-ear headphone and uses the signal to drive a speaker of the headphone to output a sound into the ear canal. The method obtains a microphone signal that is responsive to the outputted sound. The method notifies the user to replace the first ear tip with a second ear tip in response to a parameter associated with the microphone signal being less than a threshold.

Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones in the form of a part of a headset or as in-ear headphones that reduce acoustic adaptation by providing an electrodynamic speaker in a housing with ventilation openings and an acoustically permeable front panel. These components form a module that can be integrated into ANC headphones, permitting its installation in different headphones without customization. The module reacts to a reduction of the impermeability situation in such a manner, that an impedance change of the speaker takes place below 100 Hz. For example, a microphone and electronics with a feedback filter for active noise cancellation can be provided that form a secondary route between speaker and microphone. In a further development, an evaluation unit is provided which detects and evaluates a change in the impedance of the speaker and adapts the feedback loop.

A system, device and method for assessing a fit quality of an earpiece while in use in a noisy environment. The earpiece having an external microphone for capturing an outer-ear audio signal and an internal microphone for capturing an inner-ear audio signal. The fit quality being assessed by estimating a filter according to the captured inner-ear and outer-ear audio signals, and determining a fit quality according to identified coefficients of the estimated filter. A system, device and method for assessing a seal quality of an earpiece while in use in a quiet environment. The earpiece having a loudspeaker for emitting a sound stimulus towards the ear canal and an internal microphone for capturing an audio signal inside the ear canal. The seal quality being assessed by estimating a transfer function according the emitted and captured sound stimulus, and determining at least one seal-quality indicator according to a signal magnitude of the transfer function.