When listening to sound with ears in their normal position, midrange and higher frequencies suffer from the fact that not all the available dynamic range is received and directed into the ears, therefore not giving a true and accurate listening experience.

In order to enhance hearing there are a wide range of electronic amplifying systems available which operate by turning the sound received into an electronic signal and amplifying the electronic signal and reproducing an amplified signal. Also headphones and earphones are widely used for receiving and amplifying sound. These devices fit in the ear, on the ear and around the ear.

The effectiveness, compactness etc. of such devices has meant that there has been little attempt to seek alternatives. Such devices use electronic circuitry and need an electrical power source which will require replacing or recharging, they also incorporate wires and other connections.

These devices are for amplifying sound rather than for enhancing the listening experience and some of these devices amplify different frequencies to a different degree so that the sound received differs in balance from the originating signal so the sound received differs from that of the originating sound.

In listening to surround sound or multi-channel sound the sound signal can be received from a range of directions but none of the existing listening devices are adapted to enhance the quality of such sound.

We have now devised a non-electronic listening device i. e. a passive device, which avoids these problems and also enables the user to receive greater sonic detail at any volume level when listening to live or recorded sound media thus eliminating the need to increase the volume and therefore lowering problematic noise pollution. The device is particularly useful for listening to surround sound or multi channel sound.

According to the invention there is provided a bi-aural listening device which comprises two earpieces, each one able to be located behind an ear, each ear piece comprising a sound reflector surface, pivotally attached to an arm, which arm is pivotally attached to the rear of the ear piece so that, when the device is worn with the ear pieces behind the ears, the orientation of the sound reflector surfaces can be adjusted in relation to the ears of a wearer.

The sound reflector surface is preferably curved so as to form a concave reflector surface and, in use, the concave reflector surface faces forward.

By facing forward is meant that the concave surface faces forwards in relation to the wearer.

Preferably each reflector surface has a secondary reflector surface attached to the side of the reflector surface which is nearer the head of a user in use, and which is mounted at an angle, so that in use, the secondary reflector surface faces partly towards the head of the wearer and partly backwards. The angle between the reflector surface and the secondary reflector surface is preferably from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty degrees. This secondary reflector surface can enhance the sound coming from the rear of the listener.

Preferably each ear piece is a former and is located on one end of an adjustable head band so the device can be easily worn by different people. The head band will also help locate the device in a fixed position on the head.

Preferably the ear piece is cushioned so it fits comfortably behind the ear and can conform to the wearer. In use the ear piece can push the ear flap forward and so enhance the acoustic effect.

Preferably the curved reflector surface is longer than it is wide and is mounted so that its longer dimension is substantially aligned with the ear, i. e. it is substantially vertical when it is worn by an upright wearer.

The arm is preferably attached stiffly to the rear of the ear piece so that, when it is in position, it will not easily move.

In use the device is worn with each ear piece behind the ears and the curved reflector surface faces forward, slightly forward of the ear and directed towards the ear so that sound received by the reflector is directed towards the ear or ear canal. Preferably the orientation of the curved reflector surface can be adjusted so that the maximum sound enhancement can be achieved. The secondary reflector surface will also direct sound from the rear of the listener to the ear or ear canal of the user.

The surfaces of the reflectors are preferably made of a rigid material with good sound reflection properties.

Preferably the acoustic device is lightweight, comfortable and portable in design, and the device can be made in a variety of possible materials, e. g. plastics, foam, metals and wood or a combination of these materials.

It is a feature of the device that it is a bi-aural listening device which can be used for enhancing any natural listening experience. By amplifying or enhancing the wearer's hearing the wearer then receives the fullest available dynamic range. This is achieved by the forward facing position of both earflaps and redirected sound from the angled

sound wave reflectors towards the ear canals.

The device gives the wearer a much improved sonic experience when listening to recorded and live sound such as dialogue, special audio effects, music and all other sounds.

The device can be used indoors or outdoors when listening to recorded or live sound or music and can be used in a wide range of situations and venues; for example with home theatres, with games consoles, PC gaming, hi-fidelity systems, television, multiplex cinemas, recording studios, musicians, in car audio, musical concerts such as rock, classical, pop, opera etc. , live performances such as theatres, seminars, lecturers, sporting events etc.

When listening to sound from loudspeakers, they box in the sonics, especially at midrange and high frequencies. It is a feature of the present invention that, when using the bi-aural acoustic or listening device of the invention, the sounds can become unboxed making them smoother, they have energy, the fullest available dynamic range plus there is improvement to impact, total character, timbre and also to reverberation and decay.

By unboxing the sound it also gives the wearer a more solid image, introducing improved three-dimensionality, sound staging and sonic width. High frequency sounds lose their harshness and edginess giving a more natural and pure listening experience. Vocal phrases and spoken dialogue are given added passion and emotion, giving an overall more relaxed audio and audio-visual experience when used with multi channel/surround sound situations and two channel stereo/mono listening.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 Shows a rear view of the bi-aural acoustic device

Figure 2 Shows an overhead view of the bi-aural acoustic device and Figures 3 and 4 show a right hand side and left hand side view of the bi-aural acoustic device.

Referring to figs. 1 and 2 the bi-aural acoustic device comprises an adjustable headband (1) which can be of known design. The headband (1) is connected to the cushioned formers (2) by means of pivot points (3a). There are pivot points (3b) at the rear of each cushioned former (2) which are connected by horizontally curved arms (4) to pivot points (3c) which are attached to the rear face of the vertically positioned angled sound wave reflectors (5). There is also a secondary sound reflector surface (6) which is at an angle of about 75 to 120 degrees to surface (5). The reflector surfaces (5) and 96) are shown flat for clarity but preferably they are curved with the concave surface facing forward towards the ear canal of a wearer.

In fig. 2 the orientation of the reflector surfaces (5) and (6) in relation to the former (2) is shown.

Referring to figures 3 and 4 details of the pivot point location and orientation are shown.

In use, when the bi-aural acoustic device is worn on the head with the headband (1) located over the head, the formers (2) are located behind the ear of the wearer. The adjustable headband (1) allows for the correct positioning of the cushioned formers (2) to each side of the head and to the rear of each earflap where the cushioned formers (2) hold each earflap in a forward position.

This then positions the angled sound wave reflectors (5) which are attached to the horizontally curved arms (4) in front of the forward position of the earflaps, next to

and parallel to both ear canals. The angled sound wave reflectors (5) direct sonic waves at the ear canals. The secondary sound wave reflectors (6) will direct sonic waves from the rear of the wearer at the ear canals so enhancing the surround sound received.