From Trumpets to Thrones
Thanks to modern technology, today’s hearing aids are small, discreet, practical and efficient. In the 17th century, the only option was a huge ear trumpet. But what happened in between? We look back at the quirkiest and most ingenious devices through the centuries.
The ear trumpet
The 17th century ear trumpet was modelled on a 16th-century device that was designed to capture noise through a cone-shaped trumpet, the other end of which was inserted into the ear.
The metal ear
Also commonly used in the 17th century, this device was rather like a pair of metal earmuffs, which sat over the ears.
Rein’s Receptor Vase
Designed by Frederick C Rein in about 1810, this was one of the earliest types of multiplesound receptors. Interestingly, the centre of the device was hollow, so the wearer could add an arrangement of flowers or fruit.
King Goa’s Chair
In 1826, King John VI of Portugal, also known as King Goa, asked Frederick C Rein to design an elaborate throne with a concealed hearing device underneath the seat. Gaping lion heads were intricately carved on to each arm, which would receive the words of visitors, who had to kneel and speak directly into them. The sound passed up the hollowed-out arms, through a single tube concealed behind the top of the chair.
Valery’s Ear Trumpet
Inventors such as Franck- Valery Freres designed hearing aids disguised as household items. In 1880, he modelled an ear trumpet into a hand-held fan, which created an elegant accessory for the fashionable lady.
Following the advances in telephone technology in the late 19th century, hearing aids became smaller and more affordable. As a result, the most inventive concealable hearing aids were designed in the 20th century.
The French Electric Camera
This was concealed in a compact camera-style case, and was produced in about 1930 by the French Electric Camera Company.
The Amplivox Purse
In 1935, British company Amplivox invented a battery-powered hearing aid that fitted inside a small handbag. Also hidden in the bag was a microphone and the user held the earpiece to her ear while the microphone faced the talker.
Eyeglasses hearing aids
After the invention of the transistor in 1948, hearing aids were revolutionised. Eyeglass hearing aids (built into the posts of glasses) were introduced to the public in 1954 by German company Akumed and American company Otarion. They soon caught on, because the aids were largely undetectable.
The Acousticon Wrist Ear
was created by the company in 1955 as a watch accessory to appeal to the well-dressed men and women of the period. The receiver cord could be fed up a sleeve, out of the collar and to the ear, while a wrist-watch-style device received sound through its face.
From the mid-1950s to the early 21st century, hearing aids became increasingly sophisticated. Behind-theear hearing aids were transformed into in-the-ear pieces with self-circuits.
Today the hearing aids available now are slimmer, lighter and smaller than ever before. There are even companies that make jewellery for hearing aids for those who want to make it a feature. Go to www.21stcenturyhearing.com/hear-ringshearrings-decoratedhearing-aids.shtml
Modern hearing aids also tend to be dustproof and waterproof, so activities like swimming or DIY are manageable. There are different types, but most tend to be digital as opposed to analogue and some are available free of charge on the NHS. There is a wider choice if you buy them privately, but the NHS does a wide range of models in different colours.
The ear trumpet
The 17th century ear trumpet was modelled on a 16th-century device that was designed to capture noise through a cone-shaped trumpet, the other end of which was inserted into the ear.
The metal ear
Also commonly used in the 17th century, this device was rather like a pair of metal earmuffs, which sat over the ears.
Rein’s Receptor Vase
Designed by Frederick C Rein in about 1810, this was one of the earliest types of multiplesound receptors. Interestingly, the centre of the device was hollow, so the wearer could add an arrangement of flowers or fruit.
King Goa’s Chair
In 1826, King John VI of Portugal, also known as King Goa, asked Frederick C Rein to design an elaborate throne with a concealed hearing device underneath the seat. Gaping lion heads were intricately carved on to each arm, which would receive the words of visitors, who had to kneel and speak directly into them. The sound passed up the hollowed-out arms, through a single tube concealed behind the top of the chair.
Valery’s Ear Trumpet
Inventors such as Franck- Valery Freres designed hearing aids disguised as household items. In 1880, he modelled an ear trumpet into a hand-held fan, which created an elegant accessory for the fashionable lady.
Following the advances in telephone technology in the late 19th century, hearing aids became smaller and more affordable. As a result, the most inventive concealable hearing aids were designed in the 20th century.
The French Electric Camera
This was concealed in a compact camera-style case, and was produced in about 1930 by the French Electric Camera Company.
The Amplivox Purse
In 1935, British company Amplivox invented a battery-powered hearing aid that fitted inside a small handbag. Also hidden in the bag was a microphone and the user held the earpiece to her ear while the microphone faced the talker.
Eyeglasses hearing aids
After the invention of the transistor in 1948, hearing aids were revolutionised. Eyeglass hearing aids (built into the posts of glasses) were introduced to the public in 1954 by German company Akumed and American company Otarion. They soon caught on, because the aids were largely undetectable.
The Acousticon Wrist Ear
was created by the company in 1955 as a watch accessory to appeal to the well-dressed men and women of the period. The receiver cord could be fed up a sleeve, out of the collar and to the ear, while a wrist-watch-style device received sound through its face.
From the mid-1950s to the early 21st century, hearing aids became increasingly sophisticated. Behind-theear hearing aids were transformed into in-the-ear pieces with self-circuits.
Today the hearing aids available now are slimmer, lighter and smaller than ever before. There are even companies that make jewellery for hearing aids for those who want to make it a feature. Go to www.21stcenturyhearing.com/hear-ringshearrings-decoratedhearing-aids.shtml
Modern hearing aids also tend to be dustproof and waterproof, so activities like swimming or DIY are manageable. There are different types, but most tend to be digital as opposed to analogue and some are available free of charge on the NHS. There is a wider choice if you buy them privately, but the NHS does a wide range of models in different colours.