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

Hearing aids serve as a widely adopted technological solution for managing hearing loss, worn by many individuals in their day-to-day routines. Whether someone is beginning to wear them or has been utilizing hearing aids for some time, it’s clear that these devices have undergone substantial advancements. Modern hearing aids available today showcase a significantly refined and more sophisticated version compared to their original prototypes.

Here, this is going to take a look into the basic evolution of the hearing aid and discuss what some of the major changes have been. How exactly did hearing aids evolve over the years?

The Ear Trumpet

One of the earliest known forms of a hearing aid was the ear trumpet, derived from a design dating back to the 13th century, rooted in the use of animal horns. These horns were hollowed out and positioned near the ear to enhance sound amplification. The subsequent advancement led to the development of the improved ear trumpet by the 18th century.

This device functioned as a funnel-shaped object and represented an initial significant effort to address hearing loss. Rather than directly amplifying sound, it collected sounds and directed them through a narrow tube into the ear canal. Although significantly different from modern devices, this innovation marked a crucial step forward at the time, enabling many individuals to experience improved hearing.

Around the same time as the ear trumpet came the invention of the stethoscope. This was invented in France in 1816 and consisted of a wooden tube. The stethoscope, of course, was meant to be used to listen to a patient’s heart – but it also happened to be useful for improving hearing in general and was soon given that very application. Over time, and into the 19th century, the ear trumpet became smaller, with the aim of trying to make it easier to hold and to wear in any situation.

Early Electronic Hearing Aids

Miller Reese Hutchison invented the Akouphone in 1898, recognized as the first-ever electric hearing aid. This pioneering device used a carbon transmitter, similar to those in early telephones, to amplify sounds for better hearing. The Akouphone was a significant leap in auditory technology, utilizing electricity to improve hearing abilities. Despite its bulky size resembling a small box, this innovative aid marked the beginning of advancements in hearing aid technology.

Because people noticed that they could hear sounds often very well through the receiver of a phone, there was clearly room for improvement in the world of hearing aids using this new electronic technology. In fact, Edison invented a carbon transmitter that increased decibel levels considerably on the telephone. Shortly after in the early 20th century, carbon hearing aids were starting to be worn.

Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tube hearing aids were prominent during the mid-20th century. These devices employed vacuum tubes, bulky components crucial for amplifying sound signals, making the aids relatively large in size. Due to their considerable dimensions, vacuum tube hearing aids were typically worn as body-worn devices, carried in pockets or attached to clothing, utilizing wires and earpieces for transmission. Despite their effectiveness in improving hearing, the cumbersome nature of these aids made them less convenient for everyday use, often hindering mobility and restricting comfort for wearers.

The Transistor

The invention of the transistor in 1948 indicated a significant breakthrough in hearing aid technology. Transistors replaced the bulky vacuum tubes in earlier models of hearing aids. Notably smaller in size, requiring less battery power and delivering reduced distortion. These transistors revolutionized the functionality and portability of hearing devices.

Modern Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have evolved into highly sophisticated devices, offered in diverse styles like in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). Their availability has significantly expanded compared to earlier times. Modern hearing aids help with digital signal processing to offer wearers an optimized listening experience, allowing customization by amplifying certain frequencies while diminishing background noise. Moreover, some models can be seamlessly controlled through smartphone apps, offering unprecedented accessibility and convenience in hearing aid technology.

New Features

Hearing aids can have a wide range of features, like Bluetooth connectivity, digital noise reduction, direction microphones and feedback reduction. Talk with an audiologist about the different features that are offered, they will be able to recommend a feature that will suit your lifestyle and hearing preferences.

If you think you might need a hearing aid or want to learn more about how an audiologist can help, call the Hearing Wellness Centre at (844) 663-9433.