Patent Description:
Reference is made to <CIT>, which discloses: an apparatus and method for determining an operating state of an earpiece of a personal acoustic device and/or the entirety of the personal acoustic device by analyzing signals output by at least an inner microphone disposed within a cavity of a casing of the earpiece and an outer microphone disposed on the personal acoustic device in a manner acoustically coupling it to the environment outside the casing of the earpiece. This apparatus is adapted to turn on or turn off depending on the determined operating state. Reference is further made to <CIT>, which discloses a headset with fit detection system.

The claims are defined in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Advantageous features are set out in the sub claims.

Aspects of the disclosure include embodiments of an active hearing protection device comprising: a communication device operable to provide active hearing protection to a wearer; a set of earmuffs connected to the communication device, wherein each earmuff comprises an indicator mechanism operable to indicate to the communication device when the earmuff is inserted into a user's ear; a processor operable to receive information from the set of earmuffs and the indicator mechanisms of the earmuffs, and operable to automatically power the active hearing protection device on or off based on the information received from the indicator mechanisms.

In some embodiments, when it is determined that both earmuffs are inserted into the user's ears, the active hearing protection device is powered on, and when it is determined that at least one of the earmuffs is not inserted into the user's ear(s), the active hearing protection device is powered off. In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a user interface operable to receive input from a user and communicate information to the user, and the user interface comprises a menu button, a power button and a screen; and one or more ports for connecting the earmuffs, radio devices, microphones, and other devices to the communication device. In some embodiments, the information received by the communication device from the earmuffs comprises data related to active hearing protection from the earmuffs, including one or more of the following: noise exposure levels, frequency levels, decibel levels, and time of exposure. In some embodiments, the earmuffs are operable to communicate voice communication to a user received via a radio connection, and wherein the earmuffs may comprise a voice pick-up device operable to pick up the voice of a wearer for communication over the radio connection. In some embodiments, a fit test is performed by the active hearing protection device when the device is turned on, to ensure that the earmuffs are worn correctly and providing adequate hearing protection. The indication mechanism(s) comprise one or more of the following: a pressure sensor, a push button, a thermal sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a pressure sensor located within an internal portion of the earmuff, and wherein the pressure sensor is compressed when the internal portion of the earmuff is inserted into a wearer's ear canal. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a push button operable to interact with the surface of a wearer's ear canal.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of an active hearing protection device comprising a communication device operable to provide active hearing protection to a wearer; a set of earmuffs connected to the communication device, wherein each earmuff comprises an indicator mechanism operable to indicate to the communication device when the earmuff is inserted into a user's ear; a processor operable to receive information from the set of earmuffs and the indicator mechanisms of the earmuffs, and operable to automatically power the active hearing protection device on or off based on the information received from the indicator mechanism(s), wherein, when it is determined that both earmuffs are inserted into the user's ears, the active hearing protection device is powered on, and when it is determined that at least one of the earmuffs is not inserted into the user's ear(s), the active hearing protection device is powered off, wherein the information received by the communication device from the earmuffs comprises noise exposure data related to active hearing protection from the earmuffs, and wherein a fit test is performed by the active hearing protection device when the active hearing protection device is turned on, to ensure that the earmuffs are worn correctly and providing adequate hearing protection.

In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a pressure sensor located within an internal portion of the earmuff, and wherein the pressure sensor is compressed when the internal portion of the earmuff is inserted into a wearer's ear canal. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a push button operable to interact with the surface of a wearer's ear canal. In some embodiments, turning on the active hearing protection device comprises a <NUM> second delay before the fit test is completed, allowing the earmuffs to expand into the ear canal of the wearer. In some embodiments, turning off the active hearing protection device happens approximately immediately when at least one indicator mechanism indicates that at least one earmuff has been removed from the ear of a wearer.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method for automatically powering on or off an active hearing protection device comprising receiving, by a processor in the active hearing protection device, information from two earmuffs, wherein the earmuffs are connected to the active hearing protection device; receiving indication from a first indicator mechanism that a first earmuff has been inserted into a user's ear; receiving indication from a second indicator mechanism that a second earmuff has been inserted into a user's ear; powering on the active hearing protection device, after receiving indication from both the first indicator and the second indicator that both the first earmuff and the second earmuff have been inserted into a user's ear; performing a fit test on the first earmuff and the second earmuff after a delay; and receiving noise exposure data from the earmuffs while the active hearing protection device is turned on.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the first indicator mechanism that the first earmuff has been removed from a user's ear; and powering off the active hearing protection device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the first indicator mechanism that the first earmuff has been reinserted into a user's ear; powering on the active hearing protection device; performing a fit test on the first earmuff and the second earmuff after a delay; and receiving noise exposure data from the earmuffs while the active hearing protection device is turned on. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the second indicator mechanism that the second earmuff has been removed from a user's ear; and powering off the active hearing protection device. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a pressure sensor located within an internal portion of the earmuff, and wherein the pressure sensor is compressed when the internal portion of the earmuff is inserted into a wearer's ear canal. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a push button operable to interact with the surface of a wearer's ear canal.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);.

If the specification describes something as "exemplary" or an "example," it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;.

The terms "about" or approximately" or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field; and.

Embodiments of the disclosure include active hearing protection devices comprise one or more indicator mechanisms for automatically powering on and/or off of the device. Typical active hearing protection devices may require manual powering on or off of the device. For example, a user may hold a power button for a period of time (such as <NUM> seconds) to power the device on and similarly to power the device off. This requires the user to have free hands and easy access to the device when the user wishes to power the device on or off. Sometimes, a user may power on the device before inserting the earmuffs of the device, resulting in an unnecessary use of battery and inaccurate exposure data collection. Sometimes a user may forget to power off the device, resulting in an unnecessary use of battery and inaccurate exposure data collection. Additionally, if an earmuff is removed and reinserted by a user, the device should be turned off and back on to complete a fit test for the reinserted earmuff. However, sometimes a user may not complete this procedure because of inconvenience, which may result in an inadequate fit of the earmuff.

The current disclosure comprises an active hearing protection device comprising an indicator mechanism location in each of the two earmuffs. The indicator mechanisms indicate to the device whether the earmuffs are inserted into a user's ear or not. The device may automatically power on when both indicator mechanisms indicate that both earmuffs are inserted. The device may then complete a fit test after a delay allowing the earmuffs to expand in the user's ear canal. Similarly, the device may automatically power off if at least one of the indicator mechanisms indicates that at least one of the earmuffs has been removed from (or is not yet inserted into) the ear canal of a user. This may prevent wearing of the device without a correct fit test, prevent wasted battery life, and prevent collection of inaccurate exposure data. Additionally, if an earmuff is removed and reinserted, the device may be automatically powered off with the removal and then automatically powered back on with reinsertion, allowing for a new fit test to be performed on the reinserted earmuff(s). In some embodiments, the active hearing protection device may be known as a QuietPro device.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of an active hearing protection device <NUM> is shown. The active hearing protection device <NUM> may comprise a set of earmuffs <NUM> (which may also be known as earbuds, headphones, or a similar name), wherein the earmuffs <NUM> are connected to a communication device <NUM>. The communication device <NUM> may comprise a user interface <NUM> operable to receive input from a user and communicate information to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface <NUM> may comprise a menu button <NUM>, a power button <NUM> and a screen <NUM>. In some embodiments the communication device <NUM> may comprise one or more ports <NUM> and <NUM> for connecting earmuffs <NUM>, radio devices, microphones, or other devices to the communication device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the communication device <NUM> and earmuffs <NUM> may provide active hearing protection to a wearer (or user), as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, the communication device <NUM> may receive data related to active hearing protection from the earmuffs <NUM>, such as noise exposure levels.

In some embodiments, the earmuffs <NUM> may communicate sounds to a user, such as voice communication via a radio connection. Additionally, the earmuffs <NUM> may comprise a voice pick-up device, which may pick up the voice of a wearer for communication over the radio connection. Alternatively, the communication device <NUM> may connect to an external microphone for picking up the voice of the wearer. This may be useful if the communication device <NUM> is operating as (or connected to) a radio device.

When a user is wearing the active hearing protection device <NUM>, a fit test may be performed when the device <NUM> is powered on, to ensure that the earmuffs <NUM> are worn correctly and providing adequate hearing protection. The fit test may occur automatically when the device is powered on, to ensure that the device is not used incorrectly. Additionally, while the device <NUM> is powered on, data may be collected about the conditions the user is experiencing, such as sound exposure, frequency levels, decibel levels, time of exposure, etc..

In some embodiments, the earmuffs <NUM> may be designed to allow for automatic powering on or off of the communication device <NUM>. For example, the earmuffs <NUM> may comprise an indicator mechanism <NUM> for determining if the earmuffs <NUM> are inserted into a user's ears. When it is determined that both earmuffs <NUM> are inserted into the user's ears, the device <NUM> may be powered on, and when it is determined that at least one of the earmuffs <NUM> is not inserted into the user's ear(s), the device may be automatically powered off. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism may comprise one of the following: a pressure sensor, a push button, a thermal sensor, and/or an accelerometer (or other movement sensor).

Referring now to <FIG>, a typical earmuff <NUM> is shown, wherein the earmuff <NUM> is designed for use with an active hearing protection device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The earmuff <NUM> comprises an internal portion <NUM> that fits into the ear canal of a user, a external portion <NUM> that remains outside the ear canal of a user when the earmuffs <NUM> is worn, and a connector <NUM> between the internal portion <NUM> and external portion <NUM>. The external portion <NUM> may connect to a cord <NUM>, wherein the cord <NUM> may connect to a device <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The earmuff <NUM> may comprise a speaker for communication purposes and/or active noise protection (or active noise cancellation) purposes. In some embodiments, the earniuff <NUM> may comprise a microphone and/or voice pick-up device for communication purposes.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of an earmuff <NUM> is shown. The earmuff <NUM> may comprise an internal portion <NUM>, an external portion <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, and cord <NUM>. In some embodiments, the earmuff <NUM> may comprise an indicator mechanism (as described in <FIG>) for determining if the earmuff <NUM> is inserted into a user's ears <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the indicator mechanism may comprise a pressure cell <NUM> located within the earmuff <NUM>. The pressure cell <NUM> may be used to automatically power on and power off an active hearing protection device (as described in <FIG>). The pressure cell <NUM> may be located within the internal portion <NUM> of the earmuff <NUM>, and may therefore be compressed when the internal portion <NUM> is inserted into a user's ear <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. A predetermined level of compression of the pressure cell <NUM> may indicate (to a communication device) that the earmuff <NUM> is inserted into the ear canal <NUM> of a user. Additionally, if the pressure cell <NUM> is not compressed to the predetermined level, this may indicate that the earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into the ear canal <NUM> of the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, an alternative embodiment of an earmuff <NUM> is shown. The earmuff <NUM> may comprise an internal portion <NUM>, an external portion <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, and cord <NUM>. In some embodiments, the earmuff <NUM> may comprise an indicator mechanism (as described in <FIG>) for determining if the earmuff <NUM> is inserted into a user's ears <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the indicator mechanism may comprise one or more push buttons <NUM> located within the earmuff <NUM>. The push buttons <NUM> may be used to automatically power on and power off an active hearing protection device (as described in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the push buttons <NUM> may be located between the internal portion <NUM> and external portion <NUM> of the earmuff <NUM>. In some embodiments, the push buttons <NUM> may be positioned on the earmuff <NUM> such that, when the internal portion <NUM> of the earmuff <NUM> is inserted into the ear canal <NUM> of a user, the push buttons <NUM> may contact the surface of the ear canal <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. A predetermined level of compression of the push buttons <NUM> may indicate (to a communication device) that the earmuff <NUM> is inserted into the ear canal <NUM> of a user. Additionally, if the push buttons <NUM> are not compressed to the predetermined level, this may indicate that the earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into the ear canal <NUM> of the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method for turning on and turning off an active hearing protection device <NUM> is described. The earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> may be similar to the earmuffs <NUM> described in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the active hearing protection device <NUM> may be constantly (or periodically) receiving information from the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is not being worn by a user. The right earmuff <NUM> and the left earmuff <NUM>, and the pressure cells <NUM> located in the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>, are uncompressed and therefore both pressure cells <NUM> are indicating that the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are not being worn. The active hearing protection device <NUM> may comprise a processor <NUM> operable to receive and process the information from the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine from the information if the device <NUM> should be turned off or on. The processor may follow an AND condition to turn on the device <NUM>, wherein the default if the AND condition is not met is to turn off the device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the right earmuff <NUM> has been inserted into a user's ear, and the pressure cell <NUM> within the earmuff <NUM> is compressed. Therefore the right earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that is it inserted into a user's ear. However, the left earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into a user's ear, and the pressure cell <NUM> within the left earmuff <NUM> is not compressed. Therefore, the left earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that it is not inserted into a user's ear. Because the processor is following an AND condition to turn on the device <NUM>, and the condition is not met, the device <NUM> may remain off. This scenario may occur when a user is in the process of inserting the earmuffs before use, or when the user is removing the earmuffs after use.

In <FIG>, the left earmuff <NUM> has been inserted into a user's ear, and the pressure cell <NUM> within the earmuff <NUM> is compressed. Therefore the left earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that is it inserted into a user's ear. However, the right earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into a user's ear, and the pressure cell <NUM> within the right earmuff <NUM><NUM> is not compressed. Therefore, the right earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that it is not inserted into a user's ear. Because the processor is following an AND condition to turn on the device <NUM>, and the condition is not met, the device <NUM> may remain off. This scenario may occur when a user is in the process of inserting the earmuffs before use, or when the user is removing the earmuffs after use.

In <FIG>, the right earmuff <NUM> and the left earmuff <NUM> have been inserted into a user's ear. Both of the pressure cells <NUM> in the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> have been compressed and are therefore indicating to the processor <NUM> that the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the user's ears. Because the process is following an AND condition and the condition has been met, the processor <NUM> may indicate instructions to turn on the device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may also indicated instructions for the device <NUM> to automatically complete a fit test once both earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the user's ears.

In some embodiments, turning on the active hearing protection device <NUM> may comprise a delay (ten seconds, for example) which may allow for the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> to expand into the ear canal of the user. Therefore, when the fit test is completed, the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> may be completely fitted into the ear canal, providing an accurate fit test. However, turning off the device <NUM> may not comprise a delay, wherein the device <NUM> may be immediately turned off if the AND condition is not met. This may prevent the user reinserting the earmuff <NUM> or <NUM> without activating a new fit test. In other words, if an earmuff <NUM> or <NUM> is removed, the device <NUM> may be approximately immediately turned off. Then, when the earmuff <NUM> or <NUM> is reinserted by the user, the device <NUM> may be turned on and a new fit test may be initiated by the device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method for turning on and turning off an active hearing protection device <NUM> is described. The earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> may be similar to the earmuffs <NUM> described in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the active hearing protection device <NUM> may be constantly (or periodically) receiving information from the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is not being worn by a user. The right earmuff <NUM> and the left earmuff <NUM>, and the push buttons <NUM> located on the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>, are uncompressed and therefore both push buttons <NUM> are indicating that the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are not being worn. The active hearing protection device <NUM> may comprise a processor <NUM> operable to receive and process the information from the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine from the information if the device <NUM> should be turned off or on. The processor may follow an AND condition to turn on the device <NUM>, wherein the default if the AND condition is not met is to turn off the device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the right earmuff <NUM> has been inserted into a user's ear, and the push button <NUM> of the right earmuff <NUM> is compressed. Therefore the right earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that is it inserted into a user's ear. However, the left earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into a user's ear, and the push button <NUM> of the left earmuff <NUM> is not compressed. Therefore, the left earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that it is not inserted into a user's ear. Because the processor is following an AND D condition to turn on the device <NUM>, and the condition is not met, the device <NUM> may remain off. This scenario may occur when a user is in the process of inserting the earmuffs before use, or when the user is removing the earmuffs after use.

In <FIG>, the left earmuff <NUM> has been inserted into a user's ear, and the push button <NUM> of the left earmuff <NUM> is compressed. Therefore the left earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that is it inserted into a user's ear. However, the right earmuff <NUM> is not inserted into a user's ear, and the push button <NUM> of the right earmuff <NUM> is not compressed. Therefore, the right earmuff <NUM> is indicating to the processor <NUM> that it is not inserted into a user's ear. Because the processor is following an AND condition to turn on the device <NUM>, and the condition is not met, the device <NUM> may remain off. This scenario may occur when a user is in the process of inserting the earmuffs before use, or when the user is removing the earmuffs after use.

In <FIG>, the right earmuff <NUM> and the left earmuff <NUM> have been inserted into a user's ear. Both of the push buttons <NUM> on the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> have been compressed and are therefore indicating to the processor <NUM> that the earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the user's ears. Because the process is following an AND condition and the condition has been met, the processor <NUM> may indicate instructions to turn on the device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may also indicated instructions for the device <NUM> to automatically complete a fit test once both earmuffs <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the user's ears.

Some embodiments of the disclosure comprise additional methods for automatically powering on or off an active hearing protection device. One method may comprises receiving, by a processor in the active hearing protection device, information from two earmuffs, wherein the earmuffs are connected to the active hearing protection device; receiving indication from a first indicator mechanism that a first earmuff has been inserted into a user's ear; receiving indication from a second indicator mechanism that a second earmuff has been inserted into a user's ear; powering on the active hearing protection device, after receiving indication from both the first indicator and the second indicator that both the first earmuff and the second earmuff have been inserted into a user's ear; performing a fit test on the first earmuff and the second earmuff after a delay; and receiving noise exposure data from the earmuffs while the active hearing protection device is turned on.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the first indicator mechanism that the first earmuff has been removed from a user's ear; and powering off the active hearing protection device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the first indicator mechanism that the first earmuff has been reinserted into a user's ear; powering on the active hearing protection device; performing a fit test on the first earmuff and the second earmuff after a delay; and receiving noise exposure data from the earmuffs while the active hearing protection device is turned on. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the second indicator mechanism that the second earmuff has been removed from a user's ear; and powering off the active hearing protection device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving indication from the second indicator mechanism that the second earmuff has been reinserted into a user's ear; powering on the active hearing protection device; performing a fit test on the first earmuff and the second earmuff after a delay; and receiving noise exposure data from the earmuffs while the active hearing protection device is turned on.

In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a pressure sensor located within an internal portion of the earmuff, and wherein the pressure sensor is compressed when the internal portion of the earmuff is inserted into a wearer's ear canal. In some embodiments, the indication mechanism comprises a push button operable to interact with the surface of a wearer's ear canal.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a "Field," the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the "Background" is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the "Summary" to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. The invention is set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the the invention, that is protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term "optionally," "may," "might," "possibly," and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Claim 1:
An active hearing protection device (<NUM>) comprising:
a communication device (<NUM>) configured to provide active hearing protection to a user;
a set of earmuffs (<NUM>) connected to the communication device (<NUM>), wherein each earmuff (<NUM>) comprises an indicator mechanism (<NUM>) configured to indicate to the communication device (<NUM>) when the earmuff (<NUM>) is inserted into the user's ear;
a processor (<NUM>) configured to receive information from the set of earmuffs (<NUM>) and the indicator mechanisms (<NUM>) of the earmuffs (<NUM>), and configured to automatically power the active hearing protection device (<NUM>) on or off based on the information received from the indicator mechanisms (<NUM>);
wherein the active hearing protection device (<NUM>) is configured to power on when each indicator mechanism (<NUM>) indicates that the earmuffs (<NUM>) are inserted into the user's ears;
wherein the indicator mechanisms (<NUM>) comprise one or more of the following: a pressure sensor, a push button, a thermal sensor, and an accelerometer.