The present invention teaches a retainer in the form of a removable compliant
polymer sheath. The present invention further teaches a wireless headset reduced
in size to an earpiece, in which the comfort and sanitation of the user and the
life span of the device may in increased by providing a replaceable compliant polymer
sheath for the sound tube which is inserted into the ear canal: friction between
the ear canal and the sheath retains the wireless headset in the ear canal. In
alternative embodiments, the sheath and ear canal may mechanically cooperate to
retain the wireless headset in the ear canal. The sheath may be easily removed
and replaced so as to adapt the length and diameter of the device for the needs
and comfort of different users. In addition, the replaceable polymer sheath allows
safe and sanitary use of one wireless device by more than one user. In addition,
polymers are notorious for becoming oxidized and then hard and brittle, however
the device of the invention need not be refurbished for this reason since the compliant
polymer sheath may be easily removed and replaced whenever required.
