The History of Hearing Aids
A hearing aid timeline begins in the 17th century when ear trumpets — those big, funnel-like devices hard-of-hearing folks had to hold up to their ear — represented the first real hearing aid. By capturing and minimally amplifying sound waves that were then directed into the user's ear canal, ear trumpets were useful — but only for those experiencing mild hearing loss. It wasn't until the invention of electricity in the 19th century that the first modern hearing aid extended better amplification of sounds for people with severe hearing loss.
Who Invented the Hearing Aid?
You’re likely to see many names when it comes to who invented the hearing aid since they have such a long history — and there have been many variations throughout the years. However, the rise of what we consider to be the modern hearing aid progressed rapidly with the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.
While Bell himself didn’t invent the hearing aid, the telephone helped develop the idea and technology for it. The telephone was the first device that could transmit voices — it just couldn’t necessarily amplify them. Just a couple years later, though, David Edward Hughes and Francis Blake developed a transmitter, or a microphone, that could actually amplify sound.
The transmitter was constructed from carbon and was able to utilize electricity to boost sound volume. Hearing aid devices were based around this carbon microphone idea, and they did help some. However, they were still bulky, unattractive and only amplified sound by a meager amount — a person raising their voice still produced a louder decibel volume than these carbon devices.
Vacuum Tube Hearing Aids
Between 1925 and 1950, vacuum tube hearing aids improved the control of electricity currents and replaced carbon hearing aids. Unfortunately, vacuum tube hearing aids involved a table-top box that users had to carry with them so they could plug in their hearing aid wherever they went. Also, this hearing aid amplified all sounds in a room — not just conversation!
Transistor Hearing Aids
Transistor hearing aids are considered the first modern hearing aids enabling a sound amplifier to fit in a smaller ear shell. This allowed the hearing aids to be worn directly in the ear canal. Although a tremendous improvement, the lack of control over noise and loud sounds proved to be a problem. Wearers found them to bothersome to wear all day. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that hearing aid technology made considerable advancements.
Today's Digital Hearing Aids
Now small enough to fit comfortably and discreetly in your ear, modern hearing aids are wireless, digitalized and offer superior binaural performance to enhance spatial orientation and sound detection. Hearing aids from Pure Sound Hearing Aids include the latest, cutting-edge technology, such as precise management of acoustic feedback and noise-specific reduction — making wearing hearing aids a pleasure. You can also find hearing aids that have been computer-programmed to match particular nuances of your hearing loss.
Digital signal processing chips in 21st century hearing aids contain micro-circuitry similar to your computer's central processing unit. In addition, software algorithms may also be implemented in these chips to further promote your ability to hear sounds as naturally and crisply as possible.
Contact Pure Sound Hearing Aids today to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members about choosing your next, high-quality hearing aid and significantly improve your quality of life.
Digital signal processing chips in 21st century hearing aids contain micro-circuitry similar to your computer's central processing unit. In addition, software algorithms may also be implemented in these chips to further promote your ability to hear sounds as naturally and crisply as possible.
Contact Pure Sound Hearing Aids today to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members about choosing your next, high-quality hearing aid and significantly improve your quality of life.