How hearing aids have improved
Hearing loss is not a modern condition, it’s a natural part of ageing, so it’s no surprise that our ancestors had to find ways to keep up with conversations over the candlelit dinner table.
‘Ear trumpets’
The first known ‘ear trumpets’ were created in the 17th century, becoming commonplace by the late 18th century. These bulky items would collect sound waves and transmit them into the ear down a funnel.
Electric hearing aids
The first electric hearing aid, the ‘Akouphone’, was developed in 1898. It used the same carbon transmitter technology found in early telephones and microphones, the downside was it was too bulky to be carried around, so users had to sit at a table if they wanted the benefits.
As time went on hearing aids became smaller, smarter and more convenient – here we take a closer look at some specific developments.
