Patent ID: 7236605

Claim:
A user disposable sleeve adapted for use with an elongate sound controlling structure, the sound controlling structure having an outer surface with a non-constant radial profile over at least a portion of its length, the sleeve comprising: an inner tubular member having means to allow radial expansion of a portion of the length thereof in response to contact with the non-constant radial profile of the sound controlling structure to releasably secure the sleeve to the elongate sound controlling structure; and fitment means to conform to an inner surface of an ear, where the fitment means is fixedly disposed over the inner tubular member; wherein the inner tubular member comprises a tube having a distal end and a proximal region having a proximal end, the tube having an inner surface and an outer surface; wherein the means to allow radial expansion comprises a plurality of slits cut into the tube, the slits extending from the distal region to the proximal end of the tube.