A hearing aid apparatus comprises a pair of cup shaped members positionable behind the ears of a user and being connected by means of a headband. The cup shaped members form sound reflective surfaces which direct sound waves into the user's ears to thus increase his or her hearing capacity. A modified embodiment of the invention utilizes foam padding in a rear portion of the cup shaped members, and this padding causes a gentle forward bending of the user's ears to further increase hearing ability. Additionally, the cup shaped members may be provided with through-extending apertures which permit limited air flow within the members. The air flow through the apertures prevents humidity and heat buildup within the members which could affect sound reflection capabilities. The apertures are of a cone shape with the large open end directed towards the interior sections of the members.
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.
The present invention is comprised of a headband 25 and one or more sound collectors (30, 75). The sound collectors (30, 75) collect sound waves and reflect toward the wearer's ears for louder reception. Some variations to the present invention can have one or more sound collectors (30, 75) that is parabolic in shape so the sound reflected off the collector surface is better focused toward the ear. Moreover, as an additional variation, one or more sound collectors (30, 75) can have one or more parabolic impressions (105) on the sound collector's inner surface (85) for better sound collection.
The present invention is comprised of a headband (25) and one or more sound collectors (30, 75). The sound collectors (30, 75) collect sound waves and reflect toward the wearer's ears for louder reception. Some variations to the present invention can have one or more sound collectors (30, 75) that are parabolic in shape so the sound reflected off the collector surface is better focused toward the ear. Moreover, as an additional variation, one or more sound collectors (30, 75) can have a plurality of parabolic impressions (105) on the sound collector's inner surface (85) for better sound collection.
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.