The Evolution of Hearing Aids: From Ear Trumpets to Digital Devices

The earliest recording of hearing loss was first noted in 3100 B.C. in the time of Alexander the Great, and the use of cupping an ear to hear better no doubt existed for millennia before that. From using the hand to the innovative digital devices there is for hearing aids today, they have been adapting technology for hearing loss for centuries. This article will examine the evolution of the hearing aid, from the ear trumpet to the digital hearing aids we enjoy today.

The Ear Trumpet

Originating in the 17th century, ear trumpets underwent various designs and improvements over the years. It consists of a narrow, flared tube leading to a funnel-shaped receiver that captures and channels sound into the ear. In the 18th century, ear trumpets were used more widely but were still cumbersome, instrument-sized items that the wearer would need to hold.

Portable Ear Trumpets

In the 18th century, the ear trumpet underwent a radical transformation with the development of the portable ear trumpet. An early specialist invented an ear bugle, which sat in the ear and could be discreetly worn under the hair. The appearance of the ear trumpet was that of a miniature bugle, where the ‘mouthpiece’ sat in the ear, and the instrument sat above the wearer’s ear. These were manufactured by Frederick C. Rein & Son in various forms until 1963, and the family formed the first business known to produce hearing aids commercially.

The Telephone Changes It All

The telephone had a tremendous impact on hearing aids. After their creation in the 19th century, Miller Reese Hutchison created the first electronic hearing aid. The Akouphone, as it was called, used a transmitter so that the hearing aid could be portable. He was driven to create the Akouphone to help a childhood friend who experienced severe hearing loss after having scarlet fever. The Akouphone became more widely known as a carbon hearing aid, as a carbon transmitter was used to amplify the sound through an electric current. The carbon transmitter increased the decibels of the sound to make it louder to the listener.

The Vacuum Tube Hearing Aid

Vacuum tube hearing aids were created and perfected between the 1920s and 1950s. They helped control the flow of electricity to reach the listener’s ear. Although they allowed the listener to hear better, the devices were much more prominent, meaning they weren’t always portable. The vacuum tubes were crucial components that allowed for controlled amplification of audio signals, enhancing the clarity of sounds for individuals with hearing loss. These hearing aids were often worn as wearable devices, evolving from the early body-worn models to more compact and portable versions over time. While vacuum tube hearing aids played a role in improving audibility, they eventually became obsolete with the advent of smaller, more efficient transistor-based hearing aids in the later 20th century.

Transistor Hearing Aids

Transistor hearing aids were first created in 1948 and were the first time a hearing aid could accommodate multiple features. Transistor hearing aids could control the flow of a current and the volume. The transistor hearing aid was the first device to be worn entirely in the ear in the 1950s and had accompanying technology that could be worn in specialist glasses. Invented to replace vacuum tube-based models, transistors provided a more compact and energy-efficient solution for amplifying sound signals. These devices enabled the miniaturization of hearing aids, making them more discreet and comfortable for wearers. The introduction of transistors revolutionized the field of audiology, setting the stage for further advancements in hearing aid design and portability.

Digital Hearing Aids

The transition to digital devices first happened in the 1960s, with the creation of microphones connected to an amplifier and battery unit that sits in the ear. Now, digital hearing aids comprise the same technology as smartphones and devices and can be customized to an individual’s requirements with the support of an audiologist. There are several types of digital hearing aids, that your audiologist can recommend, like in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC).

Hearing aids have come a long way since they used to cup our ears to hear better. Since the 18th century, technology has evolved to create ever more portable and flexible devices. Technology has constantly evolved from the initial ear trumpet to the digital device’s individuals enjoy today.

Do you want to find out what digital devices you could enjoy with the support of The Audiology Offices? Call us at (804) 567-7005 to see how we can help.