Sound reflector-modifier for hearing aid microphones

Claim 1

A hoLlow generally ear-shaped sound reflector-modifier for capturing only reflected sound waves rebounding from an immediately adjacent sound reflective surface and for directing the captured reflected sound waves to a hearing aid microphone enclosed in a case in a manner which increases the fidelity and clarity of the sound waves, comprising: a first housing portion including outwardly and forwardly depending sides facing said sound reflective surface, an upper edge directed toward said sound reflective surface with a forward upper lip immediately adjacent thereto, a front face below said upper edge facing said sound reflective surface and relieved below said upper lip away from said sound reflective surface, and a back face rearward of said front face for shielding said front face from direct sound waves from a source rearward of said back face whereby said front face combines with said sound reflective surface to form a chasm for capturing only reflected sound waves rebounding from said sound reflective surface; a second housing portion extending from said first housing portion; means for mounting said second housing portion on said case over an aperture open to said microphone such that the microphone is shielded from said direct sound waves from said source; and sound passageway means for directing the captured reflected sound waves from said chasm to said microphone while increasing the fidelity and clarity of said reflected sound waves, said passageway means having a first open end in said front face immediately below said upper lip and comprising substantially the entire area of said front face for receiving sound waves rebounding from said sound reflective surface, a second open end in said second portion over said aperture open to said microphone, and means defining a substantially spherical quadrant-shaped member in said second portion including said second open end and an opening to said sound reflective surface.