Abstract
An ear muffler device suitable for coupling to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal. The device includes a muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air and having an inner cross-sectional area of at least approximately 1.15 cm2 so as to substantially reduce the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube. Resilient sealing means adapted to seal the connecting tube to the ear canal are attached to the open end of the connecting tube. The device further includes means for securing it in the ear. A sound source isolated from ambient air may be attached near the end of the muffler tube.
Original language | English (US) |
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Patent number | 5,824,967 |
State | Published - Oct 20 1998 |