CA1105393A - Earplug - Google Patents
EarplugInfo
- Publication number
- CA1105393A CA1105393A CA315,440A CA315440A CA1105393A CA 1105393 A CA1105393 A CA 1105393A CA 315440 A CA315440 A CA 315440A CA 1105393 A CA1105393 A CA 1105393A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sound
- earplug
- plug body
- semi
- sound outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A new earplug having a non-linear sound passage therein is disclosed. This plug shows excellent results in preventing sound of high frequencies, and does not give direct influence of atmospheric pressure changes to the ear. The plug is made of silicone, is light weighted and can be fit into the ear readily.
A new earplug having a non-linear sound passage therein is disclosed. This plug shows excellent results in preventing sound of high frequencies, and does not give direct influence of atmospheric pressure changes to the ear. The plug is made of silicone, is light weighted and can be fit into the ear readily.
Description
~l~S3~3 This invention relates to an earplug which can ef-fectively reduce the amount of noise entering into the ears.
Auditory disturbance caused by noise, such as the degeneration and atrophy of the sensory cells of the inner ear or acoustic nerve ending is most difficult to cure among the varieties of nerve deafness. No effective countermeasure is available besides prevention. However, along with the improve-ment of devices treating the source of noise itself, the use of earplugs has been recommended since ancient times. In the current industrialized countries, the noise level has rised sharply and accordingly these countries have now set up noise standards. However, the use of earplugs has not spread ex-tensively as no satisfactory earplugs have been available. The earplugs designed by specialists of hearing have been introduced into practical use but they often suffer poor shapes and construc-tion while earplugs designed by layman, on the other hand, may be used readily but usually lack theoretical support. The advent of earplugs which are easy to use and are supported by theoretical background has been therefore clamored.
It i9 an object of the present invention to provide an earplug which will resolve the aforementioned problems and which can efficiently interrupt noise which is harmful to the human body.
It is another object of the invention to provide an earplug which is so constructed as to be particularly useful in the reduction of high frequency sound.
According to the present invention there is provided an earplug comprising a plug body formed of a relatively flexible material to fit within the auditory canal and having a longitu-dinally extending non-linear elongated passage therethrough extending from a sound inlet to a sound outlet, said non-linear passage having the same diameter throughout said plug body from .~ -1- ~.
-, ... .
~1~53~3 the sound inlet to the sound outlet.
The non-linear elongated passage may be in the form of a zigzag shaped hole said passage having more than two turns, or it may be in the form of a spiral-shaped passage.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to persons versed in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention given as example only and having reference the attached drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view partially broken away of a conventional earplug.
Fig. 2 is a side view partially broken away of one embodiment of the earplug of this invention which is provided with a zigzag longitudinal passage therethrough.
Fig. 3 is a side view partially broken away of another embodiment of the earplug of this invention which is provided with a spiral longitudinal passage therethrough.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are side views of another embodiments earplugs of this invention which have zigzag and spiral longitu-dinal passages respectively.
Fig. 6 is a graph comparing the noise interruption rateof the earplug of this invention with that of a conventional earplug.
Fig. 7 is a graph comparing changes in the atmospheric pressure and time required for the establishment of equilibrium between the inside and outside of the earplug of this invention with that of conventional earplugs.
The inventor has found that the sound perception by the hair-cell of the inner ear and its disturbance is closely 30- related to cound energy. Sound energy is generally expressed as I = 1/2 pc w2 a2 1~1!53~3 p : density of the medium c : velocity of vibration w : frequency of vibration a : amplitude (sound pressure) The frequency and amplitude have the most significant effect on sound energy. The sound pressure of the noise contact-ing us is around 100 phon, 2 - 3 times as high as the sound of conversation, but the frequency is probably several times as high as the conversational sound. Experimentally and clinically, disturbance of the auditory organ is caused by sound higher than 2,000 cps (approximately 70 to 80 phons).
In other words, the formula shows that the shorter the wave length (this implies high frequency?, the stronger the intensity of sound becomes so that the labyrinth structure of the ear becomes more susceptible to degeneration.
Furthermore, the shorter the wave length, the greater is the tendency for the sound to travei in a straight uninter-rupted path. The present invention starts fromthe assumption that such a wave can be prevented or at least greatly inhibited from passing through the passage in the earplug lf the passage takes a non-linear shape.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that a plug body 1 is made of an elastic soft material such as silicon rubber and comprises a front umbrella-like portion la and rear cylindrical portion lb. The plug body also can be shaped in a form of a cocoon as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
The front umbrella-like portion la is of uniform thin thickness such that it can be softly and snugly held in the auditory canal.
A non-linear elongated passage 2 extends through the plug body 1 longitudinally from a sound inlet to a sound outlet.
This non-linear passage 2 may take any shape out from a variety of shapes. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show a zigzag-shaped passage of :, : : . - . : .......... :: -:: :. :. -- ::: . :. . , :. .. :
~Q5393 undulating or sinuous configuration while Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 show a spirally-shaped passage. The selection of the shape or the diameter of the passage may be determined on the basis of the noise interruption rate to be achieved. However, the non-linear passage of the plug has the same diameter throughout the plug body 1 from the sound inlet to the sound outlet and such passage has the diameter of 0.7 mm and the spiral of 7 turns.
In actual use,-a pair of earplugs are employed, and these earplugs are connected by a string or the like.
The earplug of this invention specifically absorbs (interrupts) short-wave high amplitude sound since the pas-sage within the earplug is shaped in a non-linear manner.
For comparing the effect of the earplug of the present invention with a conventional plug, Fig. 6 is provided wherein the noise interruption rate of the earplug of this invention and that of conventional-type earplugs are shown respectively.
As can be observed from Fig. 2 to Fig. 5, since the earplug of this invention has a non-linear elongated pas-sage, sound which has a long wave-length such as is charac-teristic of speaking tones passes throught the passage without being completely absorbed by the earplug, while sound or noise of high frequency which is harmful to the labyrinth of the ear can be effectively absorbed. Furthermore, since the earplug body is made of an elastic material such as sillicon rubber, the user can fit the earplug into the auditory canal without feeling discomfort.
For example, the applicant's earplug can provide an average sound reduction of 30 to 35 decibels in an octave with a frequency range of 2000 to 8000 (It is generally considered that sound above 2000 cps is harmful to the ear.). Whereas ~3 .
l~Q53~3 the conventional earplugs provide an average sound reduction of only 15 to 25 decibels in an octave with a frequency range of 2000 to 6400, The earplug of this invention is also effective in the atmospheric pressure control.
Fig. 7 compares the action of the earplug of this invention and conventional earplugs in controlling the atmos- ,-pheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure changes depending upon the height as follows~
133.22 m bar = 100 mmHg = 10,000 m Fig. 7 shows the time required until the pressure in and outside of the earplug reaches the equilibrium when atmospheric pressure changes every 100 mmHg. The earplug of the present invention requires a considerable amount of time for such equilibrium (prolongation of more than 50~). Thus the earplug of this invention can control not only the blast from explosions, but also milder atmospheric changes. Whereas ~ the conventional earplug necessitates such short time to - obtain equilibrium, so that the ear will be damaged.
As has been described heretofore, the earplug of this invention has the following advantages.
1) Compared to conventional earplugs with straight passage, the earplug of this invention is characterize,d by fine zigzag or spiral passages to markedly reduce passing sounds, especially high frequency sounds. In the high frequency range, its sound-blocking effect exceeds 35 dB.
Auditory disturbance caused by noise, such as the degeneration and atrophy of the sensory cells of the inner ear or acoustic nerve ending is most difficult to cure among the varieties of nerve deafness. No effective countermeasure is available besides prevention. However, along with the improve-ment of devices treating the source of noise itself, the use of earplugs has been recommended since ancient times. In the current industrialized countries, the noise level has rised sharply and accordingly these countries have now set up noise standards. However, the use of earplugs has not spread ex-tensively as no satisfactory earplugs have been available. The earplugs designed by specialists of hearing have been introduced into practical use but they often suffer poor shapes and construc-tion while earplugs designed by layman, on the other hand, may be used readily but usually lack theoretical support. The advent of earplugs which are easy to use and are supported by theoretical background has been therefore clamored.
It i9 an object of the present invention to provide an earplug which will resolve the aforementioned problems and which can efficiently interrupt noise which is harmful to the human body.
It is another object of the invention to provide an earplug which is so constructed as to be particularly useful in the reduction of high frequency sound.
According to the present invention there is provided an earplug comprising a plug body formed of a relatively flexible material to fit within the auditory canal and having a longitu-dinally extending non-linear elongated passage therethrough extending from a sound inlet to a sound outlet, said non-linear passage having the same diameter throughout said plug body from .~ -1- ~.
-, ... .
~1~53~3 the sound inlet to the sound outlet.
The non-linear elongated passage may be in the form of a zigzag shaped hole said passage having more than two turns, or it may be in the form of a spiral-shaped passage.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to persons versed in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention given as example only and having reference the attached drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a side view partially broken away of a conventional earplug.
Fig. 2 is a side view partially broken away of one embodiment of the earplug of this invention which is provided with a zigzag longitudinal passage therethrough.
Fig. 3 is a side view partially broken away of another embodiment of the earplug of this invention which is provided with a spiral longitudinal passage therethrough.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are side views of another embodiments earplugs of this invention which have zigzag and spiral longitu-dinal passages respectively.
Fig. 6 is a graph comparing the noise interruption rateof the earplug of this invention with that of a conventional earplug.
Fig. 7 is a graph comparing changes in the atmospheric pressure and time required for the establishment of equilibrium between the inside and outside of the earplug of this invention with that of conventional earplugs.
The inventor has found that the sound perception by the hair-cell of the inner ear and its disturbance is closely 30- related to cound energy. Sound energy is generally expressed as I = 1/2 pc w2 a2 1~1!53~3 p : density of the medium c : velocity of vibration w : frequency of vibration a : amplitude (sound pressure) The frequency and amplitude have the most significant effect on sound energy. The sound pressure of the noise contact-ing us is around 100 phon, 2 - 3 times as high as the sound of conversation, but the frequency is probably several times as high as the conversational sound. Experimentally and clinically, disturbance of the auditory organ is caused by sound higher than 2,000 cps (approximately 70 to 80 phons).
In other words, the formula shows that the shorter the wave length (this implies high frequency?, the stronger the intensity of sound becomes so that the labyrinth structure of the ear becomes more susceptible to degeneration.
Furthermore, the shorter the wave length, the greater is the tendency for the sound to travei in a straight uninter-rupted path. The present invention starts fromthe assumption that such a wave can be prevented or at least greatly inhibited from passing through the passage in the earplug lf the passage takes a non-linear shape.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that a plug body 1 is made of an elastic soft material such as silicon rubber and comprises a front umbrella-like portion la and rear cylindrical portion lb. The plug body also can be shaped in a form of a cocoon as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.
The front umbrella-like portion la is of uniform thin thickness such that it can be softly and snugly held in the auditory canal.
A non-linear elongated passage 2 extends through the plug body 1 longitudinally from a sound inlet to a sound outlet.
This non-linear passage 2 may take any shape out from a variety of shapes. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 show a zigzag-shaped passage of :, : : . - . : .......... :: -:: :. :. -- ::: . :. . , :. .. :
~Q5393 undulating or sinuous configuration while Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 show a spirally-shaped passage. The selection of the shape or the diameter of the passage may be determined on the basis of the noise interruption rate to be achieved. However, the non-linear passage of the plug has the same diameter throughout the plug body 1 from the sound inlet to the sound outlet and such passage has the diameter of 0.7 mm and the spiral of 7 turns.
In actual use,-a pair of earplugs are employed, and these earplugs are connected by a string or the like.
The earplug of this invention specifically absorbs (interrupts) short-wave high amplitude sound since the pas-sage within the earplug is shaped in a non-linear manner.
For comparing the effect of the earplug of the present invention with a conventional plug, Fig. 6 is provided wherein the noise interruption rate of the earplug of this invention and that of conventional-type earplugs are shown respectively.
As can be observed from Fig. 2 to Fig. 5, since the earplug of this invention has a non-linear elongated pas-sage, sound which has a long wave-length such as is charac-teristic of speaking tones passes throught the passage without being completely absorbed by the earplug, while sound or noise of high frequency which is harmful to the labyrinth of the ear can be effectively absorbed. Furthermore, since the earplug body is made of an elastic material such as sillicon rubber, the user can fit the earplug into the auditory canal without feeling discomfort.
For example, the applicant's earplug can provide an average sound reduction of 30 to 35 decibels in an octave with a frequency range of 2000 to 8000 (It is generally considered that sound above 2000 cps is harmful to the ear.). Whereas ~3 .
l~Q53~3 the conventional earplugs provide an average sound reduction of only 15 to 25 decibels in an octave with a frequency range of 2000 to 6400, The earplug of this invention is also effective in the atmospheric pressure control.
Fig. 7 compares the action of the earplug of this invention and conventional earplugs in controlling the atmos- ,-pheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure changes depending upon the height as follows~
133.22 m bar = 100 mmHg = 10,000 m Fig. 7 shows the time required until the pressure in and outside of the earplug reaches the equilibrium when atmospheric pressure changes every 100 mmHg. The earplug of the present invention requires a considerable amount of time for such equilibrium (prolongation of more than 50~). Thus the earplug of this invention can control not only the blast from explosions, but also milder atmospheric changes. Whereas ~ the conventional earplug necessitates such short time to - obtain equilibrium, so that the ear will be damaged.
As has been described heretofore, the earplug of this invention has the following advantages.
1) Compared to conventional earplugs with straight passage, the earplug of this invention is characterize,d by fine zigzag or spiral passages to markedly reduce passing sounds, especially high frequency sounds. In the high frequency range, its sound-blocking effect exceeds 35 dB.
2) This earplug has an action controlling the at-mospheric pressure unlike other kinds, being capable of ~ prolonging the time required for the establishment of equilibrium between pressures inside and outside of the earplug by as much as 50~, thereby alleviating the pain due to the change of the atmospheric pressure.
53~3
53~3
3) The material is well suited for the human body with little skin reaction and with a very convenient shape for use.
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Claims (11)
1. An earplug comprising a plug body formed of a relatively flexible material to fit within the auditory canal and having a longidutinally extending non-linear elongated passage therethrough extending from a sound inlet to a sound outlet, said non-linear passage having the same diameter throughout said plug body from the sound inlet to the sound outlet.
2. An earplug comprising a plug body formed of a relatively flexible material to fit within the auditory canal and having a longitudinally extending zigzag shaped hole there-through extending from a sound inlet to a sound outlet, said zigzag-shaped passage having the same diameter throughout said plug body from the sound inlet to the sound outlet, said zigzag-shaped passage including more than two turns.
3. An earplug according to claim 2, wherein said plug body comprises:
a first cylindrical portion having said sound inlet, and a second umbrella-shaped portion having said sound outlet.
a first cylindrical portion having said sound inlet, and a second umbrella-shaped portion having said sound outlet.
4. An earplug according to claim 2, wherein said plug body comprises:
a first semi-spherical portion having said sound inlet, a second semi-spherical portion having said sound outlet, and an intermediate neck portion which connects said two semi-spherical portions.
a first semi-spherical portion having said sound inlet, a second semi-spherical portion having said sound outlet, and an intermediate neck portion which connects said two semi-spherical portions.
5. An earplug according to claim 4, wherein one of said semi-spherical portions has a diameter greater than the other semi-spherical portion.
6. An earplug according to claim 2, wherein said zigzag-shaped passage has an undulating configuration.
7. An earplug according to claim 2, wherein said zigzag-shaped passage has a sinuous configuration.
8. An earplug comprising a plug body formed of a relatively flexible material to fit within the auditory canal and having a longitudinally extending spiral-shaped passage therethrough extending from a sound inlet to a sound outlet, said spiral-shaped passage having the same diameter throughout said plug body from the sound inlet to the sound outlet.
9. An earplug according to claim 8, wherein said plug body comprises:
a first cylindrical portion having said sound inlet, and a second umbrella-shaped portion having said sound outlet.
a first cylindrical portion having said sound inlet, and a second umbrella-shaped portion having said sound outlet.
10. An earplug according to claim 8, wherein said plug body comprises:
a first semi-spherical portion having said sound inlet, a second semi-spherical portion having said sound outlet, and an intermediate neck portion which connects said two semi-spherical portions.
a first semi-spherical portion having said sound inlet, a second semi-spherical portion having said sound outlet, and an intermediate neck portion which connects said two semi-spherical portions.
11. An earplug according to claim 10. wherein one of said semi-spherical portions has a diameter greater than the other semi-spherical portions.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA315,440A CA1105393A (en) | 1978-10-31 | 1978-10-31 | Earplug |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA315,440A CA1105393A (en) | 1978-10-31 | 1978-10-31 | Earplug |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1105393A true CA1105393A (en) | 1981-07-21 |
Family
ID=4112829
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA315,440A Expired CA1105393A (en) | 1978-10-31 | 1978-10-31 | Earplug |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1105393A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101771924B (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2013-08-14 | 江苏贝泰福医疗科技有限公司 | Hearing-aid ear-plugs |
| CN101778331B (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2014-08-27 | 江苏贝泰福医疗科技有限公司 | Ear plug of hearing aid |
| WO2017068575A1 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2017-04-27 | Micronoise Ltd | Noise reductions device |
-
1978
- 1978-10-31 CA CA315,440A patent/CA1105393A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101771924B (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2013-08-14 | 江苏贝泰福医疗科技有限公司 | Hearing-aid ear-plugs |
| CN101778331B (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2014-08-27 | 江苏贝泰福医疗科技有限公司 | Ear plug of hearing aid |
| WO2017068575A1 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2017-04-27 | Micronoise Ltd | Noise reductions device |
| US20180280199A1 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2018-10-04 | Micronoise Ltd | Noise reductions device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |