The History Of Hearing Aids And How They Have Evolved Over Time

Have you recently noticed a change to your hearing? If so, then it’s important to make sure that you do explore the right support option. Often, this will mean speaking to a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) to get hearing aids. There are various styles of hearing aids that could be suitable for you. The right option will depend on your level of hearing loss as well as your lifestyle requirements. Let’s explore some of the changes to hearing aids that you should be aware of as well as the origins of this technology.

Beginnings of Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is not a new condition. People have been experiencing changes to their hearing for as long as history has been recorded. The ear trumpet was created in the 17th century. This is considered to be the first device that was invented to help those with changes to their hearing. Trumpets were available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They were also made from an electric range of materials including everything from animal horns to sheet iron.

The next evolution in these devices did not arrive until the 18th century. Frederick C. Rein launched the invention of the collapsible ear trumpet. These did not provide any further benefits in terms of improved hearing. However, it did ensure that the devices were less noticeable which made them more popular. Acoustic headbands could also be hidden beneath the wearer’s hair.

The First Hearing Aids

The first hearing aid was invented by Miller Reese Hutchison. It followed on from the same technology that was used to create the telephone in 1876. The telephone utilized technology which altered the volume, frequency and distortion levels of different sounds. As such, it paved the way for the devices that we still used to this day.

Commercially manufactured hearing aids were developed in 1913. These devices were not designed with high levels of portability in mind. However, another leap forward arrived in the 1920s with the development of vacuum-tube hearing aids. Using these devices, it was possible to transform speech into an electric signal. The signal could then be amplified to provide the right practical benefits for those experiencing hearing loss.

Miniature Hearing Aids

Small hearing aids were developed after technological advances that occurred during the second world war. The transistor was developed in 1948. These required less battery and resulted in a lower level of distortion overall. As such, it was possible to provide users with a more positive experience through these devices.

Modern Hearing Aids

From the 1970s onwards hearing aids began to evolve rapidly. The microprocessor was created in the 1970s followed by high-speed processors as well as microcomputers that are the foundations for the devices that are available to purchase on the market today. By the 90s people were able to purchase all-digital hearing aids. These hearing aids provided better levels of sound quality as well as overall amplification.

Modern hearing aids are available in a range of styles and sizes

• In the ear (ITE)
• Behind the ear (BTE)
• In the ear canal (ITC)

Some hearing aids are only suitable for minimal levels of hearing loss. A hearing instrument specialist will recommend which option is right for you once they have the results of your hearing test. Choices can also be determined by your lifestyle. If you are quite active, then you may benefit from ITE hearing aids compared with BTE hearing aids. These hearing aids are more likely to fall out when you are running or moving around a lot. Modern hearing aids also provide a wide range of technical features and benefits for wearers.

For instance, some provide noise canceling technology. This is useful if you are struggling to hear individuals in a busy environment. Modern hearing aids may also provide wireless connections through Bluetooth. This means that you can connect your hearing aids directly to a wide range of tech devices that you might use in everyday life including options such as your phone, tablet or even your TV.

We hope this helps you understand the history of hearing aids and how this technology has evolved overtime. It’s interesting to ponder how much further this technology will have developed in years to come. If you need assistance choosing hearing aids from a professional hearing instrument specialist, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. You can learn more about Affordable Hearing by contacting us at Irmo: 803-749-6017 and Orangeburg + Santee: 803-531-6403.