An earpiece was a wireless receiver device used by communications officers, science officers and navigators during the 22nd and 23rd centuries.

In the 22nd century, an earpiece was usually a white, round module with a blue center, adjacent to six oblong holes. The earpiece's user would press it against their right or left ear, enabling them to hear the device.

By 2265, a black ear device had been invented. This could be used in conjunction with a ship's library computer, accessed through the vessel's science station. Like the earpieces of the previous century, a person would use this device by holding it against their ear.

By the mid-2260s, earpieces were more commonly used aboard Starfleet vessels. They consisted of several metallic rungs, attached to a virtually transparent lead that was inserted into the user's ear, negating the need for tactile support. The signals they received could be amplified throughout the user's ship, although the devices had no automatic protection that might mute or lower loud transmissions.

Earpieces were phased out of service by the 24th century.