Curious to know about, what is the history and evolution of hearing aids? The very first official name of the hearing aid came in the book, named “Natural magick”. In 1588 the author Givonni Battista mentioned about the hearing machine that was carved in to shape of an ear.
You can purchase the latest hearing aids at a fair price through HearingSol, If you need more information or you have a query about History oHearing Aid or Hearing Loss, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.
In the 17th century, the first hearing aids were invented. It looks like a telephone and the first electric hearing aid was created during the 19th century. Some of the first hearing machines were external hearing aids.
The hearing machine has come a long way from ear trumpets in the 13th century to Akouphone and then to Vactophone. From Vactophone to transistor hearing aids to Analog then to digital hearing machines.
Therefore, the discovery of electricity and telephone also helped in the production of modern hearing machines. There are a long history and evolution of the hearing aids.
History and evolution of the hearing aids
17-18 Century
Ear trumpets or funnel-shaped devices originated in 17 century. These ear trumpets became the sophisticated and popular treatment for the hearing loss in the 1700 century. They were wide open at one end to collect sound and narrower at the other end to transmit the amplified sound into the person’s ear. The first notable ear trumpet user was Ludwig Van Beethoven.
19-20 Century
The introduction of the telephone and the electricity build the foundation of the electronic ear machine. “Akouphone”, the first hearing machine developed in 1895. And electric current used to amplify the weak signals.
1920
Hearing machine uses vacuum technology and hearing aid batteries also came in to picture. Therefore, all this done to make the hearing machine more portable. In 1920, “Vacophone”, the first vacuum hearing aid was invented. Telephone transmitter converted speech into an electric signal. It was not portable and battery with less power but was also fragile and very expensive.
1940
Transistor hearing aids, developed in 1948 and hence took a big step forward in the history and evolutions of hearing aids. And they were very small and also requires very less battery power. Therefore, they replaced vacuum hearing aids.
Analog or Digital hearing aids
A microprocessor, developed in 1970 making smaller and powerful hearing machines. Furthermore, these hearing machines used a combination of analog and digital circuitry.
Analog hearing aids:- Analog hearing aids gather the sound from the surrounding and analyze it and as a result sound heard at a louder volume. Analog hearing cannot distinguish between multiple sounds.
Benefits of analog hearing aids
- They are cheaper than digital hearing aids.
- Huge battery life.
- They are easy to set up.
Digital hearing aids:- Digital hearing aids gathers the sounds from the surrounding and analyze via DSP(Digital Signal Processor). It is a tiny computer microprocessor chip which helps in processing and analyzing multiple sounds. Likewise, digital hearing aids are quite similar to computers.
Benefits of digital hearing aids:
- Multiple channels are available to distinguish between multiple sounds.
- Adjustable and reliable.
- Smaller and lightweight as compared to analog hearing aids.
- Detect automatically the best sound.
Invisible hearing aids
Lyric, the first hearing aid developed in 2008. It is fitted in the ear canal and worn for a continuous period of 3 months.
Future Hearing aid technology
The 21st Century hearing aids are smaller, light and more powerful than earlier during the preceding period.
Auditory equipment looks like something from the James Bond film, as compared to the size of medical devices worn by your grandparents.
They can be suitable at the tip of a finger and are almost invisible when worn well. They can be “quick” to suit the changing environment because people go through their day. With definitive accessories, the latest hearing aids can perceive sound from the telephone, television, stereo, and computer wirelessly. Modern hearing aids are cover with micro-covered shields which reduce maintenance and extend lifespan. Some have rechargeable batteries that make them even more convenient.
Features of modern hearing aid
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming.
- Smartphone connectivity.
- Smaller sleek design.
- Open-ear device.
- Reduction of wind noise.
- Directional microphone.
- Remote controlled.
You can purchase the latest hearing aids at a fair price through HearingSol, If you need more information or you have a query about History of Hearing Aid or Hearing Loss, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.