Earplug with light element

Abstract

Described herein is an earplug having a lighting element. The earplug comprises a first end with a removable tip and a second end having a light source configured to illuminate the second end and at least the ear, wherein the light source illumination indicates the presence of the earplug being worn and placed properly. The light source is preferably a color changing light emitting diode (LED).

1 . A noise suppression earplug device, the earplug device comprising:
 a first end; the first end having a tip portion, the tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; and   a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a light element, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the noise suppression earplug.   
     
     
         2 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 1 , wherein the light element is a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         3 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 2 , wherein the light element is capable of changing color. 
     
     
         4 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 1 , wherein the tip portion is removable. 
     
     
         5 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 4 , wherein the tip portion is comprised of a resilient material. 
     
     
         6 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 1 , wherein the device includes a power source coupled to the light element. 
     
     
         7 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 6 , wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery. 
     
     
         8 . The noise suppression earplug of  claim 6 , wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery. 
     
     
         9 . An earplug device for noise suppression, the earplug device comprising:
 a housing, the housing generally being tubular in shape and comprising:
 a first end; the first end having a tip portion, the tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; 
 a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a light element, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the noise suppression earplug; and 
 a power source, the power source coupled to the light element and capable of illuminating the light source when directed. 
   
     
     
         10 . The earplug of  claim 9 , wherein the light element is a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         11 . The earplug of  claim 10 , wherein the light element is capable of changing color. 
     
     
         12 . The earplug of  claim 9 , wherein the tip portion is removable. 
     
     
         13 . The earplug of  claim 12 , wherein the tip portion is comprised of a resilient material. 
     
     
         14 . The earplug of  claim 9 , wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery. 
     
     
         15 . The earplug of  claim 9 , wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery. 
     
     
         16 . An earplug device for noise suppression, the earplug device comprising:
 a housing, the housing generally being tubular in shape and comprising:
 a first end; the first end having a removable tip portion, the removable tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; 
 a second end opposite the first end, the second end being translucent and having a light element visible from an exterior of the housing, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the earplug; and 
 a power source, the power source coupled to the light element and capable of illuminating the light source when directed. 
   
     
     
         17 . The earplug of  claim 16 , wherein the light element is a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         18 . The earplug of  claim 17 , wherein the light element is capable of changing color. 
     
     
         19 . The earplug of  claim 16 , wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery. 
     
     
         20 . The earplug of  claim 16 , wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.