A listening enhancement device in which a flat body (18) with a ear-hook (14) cutout can be converted to a sound gathering acoustical scoop by engagement of a fastener system located on the body (18) of the device. Once fastened into its functional shape the device can be independently engaged wtih the ear. The device is made in mirror image pairs so one device is specifically for the left ear and the other for the right. The device is reversible as to which side of the body (18) forms the sound gathering acoustic scoop. When reversed the device that is specific to the left ear becomes specific to the right ear and visa versa. Each side of the body (18) of the device has its own acoustic properties. By reversing the device the user can choose which acoustic properties most benefit them. The device is adjustable in acoustic gain. This is accomplished by different fastener engagement positions, which in turn change the size and shape of the sound gathering acoustic scoop. The body (18) is soft and flexible, providing resistance to damage and reducing discomfort and skin irritation to the user. The body (18) has acoustic properties that preserve a natural spectral balance, being free of colorations or resonances in the audio spectrum.

A hearing-enhancing device includes a cap adapted to be worn on a person's head, and a pair of hearing-enhancing members connectable to the cap. The cap size can be adjusted to accommodate varying user head sizes. The hearing-enhancing members each act to substantially enclose the person's ears leaving a forwardly facing opening allowing sound to enter therein, and are constructed so as to direct sound to the person's ears. A connection arrangement is provided between the cap and the hearing-enhancing members for allowing the members to be moved to varying locations on the cap, to provide proper positioning of the members even when the cap is adjusted to accommodate different user head sizes.

An acoustic device for mechanically reflecting sound waves into the ear in an undistorted and directionally selective manner has a pair of movable acoustic reflectors constructed, configured and mounted to preserve accurately phase, frequency and image information in the sound waves of interest to the front of the user, secured to a headband or helmet in positions that place the focal points of the reflectors beyond the base of the lenses within the user's ear.

An anechoic ear piece for placement about a human ear. The internal surface of the ear piece is lined with acoustic foam to prevent sound wave from reflecting off of the inner surface of the ear piece into the human ear. Furthermore, the ear piece is cone shaped with the apex of the cone adapted to lie opposite the listener's ear whereby sound waves entering the ear piece but not entering the ear itself directly, will impact on the inner surface of the ear piece wherein those waves not absorbed will be reflected toward other inner surfaces of the ear piece where continued absorption will take place.

A sound capturing device for directionally capturing sound waves, comprising a shell for encompassing an ear of a wearer, the shell having a front portion and a back portion corresponding to the front and the back of the wearer, respectively. The shell includes at least one opening in the front portion of the shell, the opening sized and positioned to capture sound waves transmitted from a sound source substantially in a pre-selected direction, wherein the wearer perceives said sound source to be located within the shell proximate the ear of the wearer, with reduced interference from other sources of sound not located substantially in the pre-selected direction. Preferably, the device further comprises adjustment means attached to the shell for selectively adjusting the size of the opening to regulate the amount of sound waves entering the opening from the surrounding environment.