Hearing protection devices and methods for animals
Inventors
McCreery, Thomas • McLoughlin, Michael • McCreery, Evelyn • Bryden, Noella A. • Collymore, Stuart • Sager, Thomas • Baxter, Rebecca
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12302860-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-20
Expiration Date
2039-09-15
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Abstract
Passive noise reduction components provide reduction of at least 20 dB to 30 dB in dogs using flexible soft muffs that are housed in a hearing protection sleeve. Active noise cancellation (ANC) features may also be used to increase noise reduction to about 40 dB over a large frequency range. The devices may employ passive noise reduction electronic bypass to measure and playback sounds at safe levels bypassing at least one of ANC and passive noise reduction. Communication components may be employed for communication between the handler and the animal. The systems and methods may be used to protect the hearing and utility of military working dogs and hunting dogs.
Core Innovation
The invention provides hearing protection devices and methods for animals, specifically designed for dogs, to address hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise environments such as military and hunting activities. The core device is a flexible hearing protection sleeve made of stretchable fabric that slips over a dog's head and incorporates passive noise reduction components positioned to seal with the surface of each external ear. The sleeve can be secured with a drawstring around the dog's neck, ensuring the noise reduction components maintain a reliable seal and fit diverse canine head and ear shapes.
The device may include a composite passive noise reduction structure, potentially using closed cell foam with a mass loaded vinyl backing, or a molded cup of polyurethane foam or liquid silicone rubber, shaped to fit the dog's head and ear for comfort and effectiveness. Additionally, it can incorporate electronic features such as passive noise reduction electronic bypasses, active noise cancellation (ANC) components, and communication components for handler-to-dog communication. These electronics allow playback of environmental sounds at safe levels, ANC to enhance noise reduction (notably at low frequencies), and communication via radio, Bluetooth, or wireless means.
The problem addressed is the lack of adequate hearing protection for dogs, particularly military working dogs and hunting dogs, who are exposed to both continuous and impulsive noise sources that can cause hearing degradation and impact their performance. Existing solutions for animals provide insufficient noise reduction, poor fit, or limited utility in active scenarios, and lack features like active noise control or effective handler communication. This invention seeks to overcome these limitations with customizable, robust hearing protection that adapts to various breeds and sizes, offers significant noise attenuation, and optionally allows for safe communication and monitoring.
Claims Coverage
There are three main independent claim sets detailing the inventive features related to the flexible hearing protection device for dogs, its advanced configurations, and method of fabrication.
Flexible hearing protection device for a dog with conformable sleeve and passive noise reduction components
A hearing protection device comprising: - A sleeve made of stretchable fabric with an inside surface, a reinforcing wear strip along a length of the sleeve joined to an outside surface region, and a pair of donning/doffing tabs, each attached to an end of the reinforcing strip and positioned out of the sight line of the dog when worn. - The sleeve is configured to slip onto the dog's head using the donning/doffing tabs. - Two flexible passive noise reduction components, each housed in a respective cover attached to the inside surface and sealing with the dog's external ear when worn. - A drawstring positioned opposite the reinforcing strip, enabling removable tightening of the sleeve around the dog's neck to ensure the noise reduction components seal with the dog's external ears. - The entire device is conformable to the dog's head and ears, minimizing peak pressure points.
Flexible hearing protection device for a dog with noise reduction adjustment and communication capability
A flexible hearing protection device featuring: - The above sleeve and passive noise reduction components structure. - At least one of passive noise reduction electronic bypass components and active noise cancellation (ANC) components to adjust the level of noise reduction in each ear. - A communication component enabling the dog's handler to communicate with the dog. - The device maintains conformance to the dog's head and ears, minimizing peak pressure points.
Flexible hearing protection device for a dog with molded passive noise reduction components made of liquid silicone rubber
A device comprising: - The flexible sleeve with reinforcing wear strip and donning/doffing tabs, as well as the drawstring for tightening and ear-conforming fit. - A pair of flexible molded passive noise reduction components made specifically of liquid silicone rubber, each inserted into a housing on the inside of the sleeve and configured to form a seal with the dog's external ear. - The molded component includes an internal surface as a cup-shaped structure bounded by a ring sealing with the ear, and a planar external surface having an arch-shaped end opposite a straight end, with thickness at the straight end greater than at the arch-shaped end.
Method for fabricating a molded noise reduction component for the hearing protection device
A fabrication method entailing: 1. Selecting a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) material characterized by a mixed viscosity of about 3000 cps prior to curing. 2. Degassing the mixed LSR material under vacuum. 3. Feeding the degassed LSR material into a mold of predetermined shape. 4. Curing the degassed LSR material. The mold may be made of Aluminum 6061 Alloy.
The claims encompass a flexible and conformable dog hearing protection device featuring novel sleeve construction, advanced passive noise reduction components (including molded variants), inclusion of active noise reduction and handler communication options, and a dedicated method for manufacturing molded noise reduction components.
Stated Advantages
Provides superior noise reduction capabilities (20–30 dB and up to 40 dB with ANC) for dogs across a broad frequency range, significantly mitigating hearing loss from high-noise environments.
Flexible, stretchable sleeve and customizable passive noise reduction components ensure a reliable, comfortable fit for a wide range of dog breeds and sizes, effectively sealing the ear.
Minimizes peak pressure points on the dog's head, reducing irritation and discomfort, and helps maintain device position even during active movement.
Allows for safe playback of environmental sounds at reduced levels and supports handler-to-dog communication through integrated electronic and wireless communication components.
Modular design supports selection of features such as passive, ANC, or both, and communication, providing versatility for different operational needs.
Documented Applications
Protecting the hearing and utility of military working dogs in high-noise military environments, such as helicopters, weapons fire, and machinery.
Providing hearing protection for hunting dogs exposed to gunfire, machinery, and other loud environmental noises.
Use in dogs kept as pets exposed to high noise levels in environments such as kennels, grooming, aircraft, auto racing, concerts, hunting, and fireworks.
Providing hearing protection for other animals, including cats and horses.
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