Multi-source audio amplification and ear protection devices

A method of amplification in an audio amplification device, the method comprising:

• generating an ambient sound signal using at least one microphone;
• generating a first user-controlled volume signal based on a first input from a user to control the ambient sound signal;
• generating a second user-controlled volume signal based on a second input from the user to control a secondary sound source signal from a secondary sound source;
• controlling an output of sound from at least one speaker to the user using an electrical system, including processing the ambient sound signal such that a volume of ambient sound provided to an ear of the user by the at least one speaker corresponds to a volume set by the first user-controlled volume signal, and processing the secondary sound signal such that a volume of sound from the secondary sound source provided to the ear of the user by the at least one speaker corresponds to a volume set by the second user-controlled volume signal;
• changing a mode of the electrical system from a first user-selectable operating mode to a second user-selectable operating mode based on a third input from the user;
• and
• providing different amounts of gain to the ambient sound signal in different frequency ranges in the first user-selectable operating mode of the electrical system relative to the second user-selectable operating mode of the electrical system, wherein the volume of ambient sound provided to an ear of the user is configured to be greater than a volume of ambient sound detected by the at least one microphone in at least one of the first user-selectable operating mode and the second user-selectable operating mode.

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one microphone configured to generate an ambient sound signal;
• an ambient sound control interface configured to generate a first user-controlled volume signal based on a first input from a user to control the ambient sound signal;
• a secondary sound source control interface configured to generate a second user-controlled volume signal based on a second input from the user to control a secondary sound source signal;
• at least one speaker;
• and
• an electrical system comprising means for controlling sound outputted from the at least one speaker such that a volume of ambient sound provided to an ear of the user by the at least one speaker corresponds to a volume set by the first user-controlled volume signal and a volume of sound from the secondary sound source provided to the ear of the user by the at least one speaker corresponds to a volume set by the second user-controlled volume signal, wherein the electrical system is operable in a plurality of user-selectable operating modes including a first user-selectable operating mode and a second user-selectable operating mode, wherein the electrical system provides different amounts of gain to the ambient sound signal in different frequency ranges when operating in the first user-selectable operating mode relative to the second user-selectable operating mode wherein the volume of ambient sound provided to an ear of the user is configured to be greater than a volume of ambient sound detected by the at least one microphone in at least one of the first user-selectable operating mode and the second user-selectable operating mode.