A Brief History of Hearing Aids

Today, people with hearing loss have a wide array of assistive technologies from which to choose, from standard behind-the-ear models to nearly invisible in-the-canal or implantable models. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. Hearing impaired people have faced a long struggle to win public respect and gain access to affordable technology.

At HearingPlanet, our goal is to make finding the right hearing aid quick and simple. Our experienced hearing aid consultants can provide information, assistance, and support at every step of the process, from finding an audiologist to troubleshooting a new hearing aid. Contact us at 1-800-432-7669 to learn more about how we can help you.

A Hearing Aid Timeline

Hearing aids have gone through many different permutations over the years, as you can see:

• 17th century - 19th century: The earliest known hearing aid was an ear trumpet created in 1624. At this time commercially produced hearing aids were not available, and people who needed them had to design and build their own. These devices were widely used by people who were not hard of hearing, but needed to listen closely to subtle sounds for their jobs.
• 19th century: The first mass produced hearing trumpets were made. These were made from a variety of materials, from cheap tin to expensive and finely decorated metals. Unfortunately, they were not very effective in boosting sound as much as people needed.
• Early 20th century: The first electric hearing aids were introduced in the early 1900s. These were very inconvenient contraptions that required people to carry a large box - often the size of a suitcase - connected to a receiver they held to their ears.
• Mid-20th century: Smaller hearing aid models were finally developed in the 1950s. These involved small transistors, similar to radios, which users wore around their necks. These were connected to microphones similar to modern behind-the-ear models.

In recent decades, an astounding number of hearing aid variations have been developed. Depending on your medical and lifestyle needs, you can choose from surgical procedures, different hearing aid models, or even disposable hearing aids.

Contact a Hearing Aid Specialist

If you or someone you love has a hearing impairment, finding the right hearing aid can change your life. To learn more about your available options, contact HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.