Efficient Parallel I/O on SCI Connected Clusters

An ear cushioning device is disclosed for use with plug type earphones mounted on a springable carrier, as are commonly dispensed on commercial airplanes. The cushioning device is of a soft, resilient foam material which provides comfort through a spreading of the pressure from the earphones over the entire ear of the user. A preferred embodiment of the device is formed integrally from a single foam pad, with the ear cushions at the ends and a stretchable band between the cushions, for extension over the top of the user's head. The stretchable band is preferably a convoluted formation which acts as a light spring, tending to pull the ear cushions toward one another. Openings through the ear cushions receive the plug type earphones, so that the latter do not extend into the user's ears. In another embodiment, a semi-rigid head band fits over the head with a pair of soft foam ear cushions slidably mounted on the ends of the head band. An elongated opening at each end of the head band receives an earphone plug for transmission of sound to the ear, and the head band and cushions accept and spread the pressure of the earphones. In either embodiment, soft pliable inserts may be positioned in the ear cushion openings to receive the earphone plugs and carry the sound into the ears.