The Evolution of Audiology
Photos by Gary Gantert.
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- 1
An older Zenith Royal series behind-the-ear model with clear plastic ear mold. Contrast the size of this hearing aid with the more modern ones shown in photos 9 and 10.
- 2
The Audiovox Super 67 hearing aid, circa 1950, by Western Electric encased the microphone and amplifier so it could be worn in a pocket. Wires went to an earpiece that conveyed amplified sound to the ear.
- 3
The London Dome, sometimes called the Grand Opera Dome, is an ear trumpet constructed with resonance (natural amplification) in the speech frequency range.
- 4
Acousticon A-120 Constellation, circa 1948, sold for $199.50 and could also be purchased with an optional radio tuning attachment.
- 5
The Zenith model 75 body worn aid, circa 1947, required two large batteries to drive its electronics.
- 6
Speaking tubes were used to pick up sound close to its source and direct it by a tube to the ear, much like a doctor’s stethoscope.
- 7
A Zenith bone conduction hearing aid with a headband and small vibrator that vibrated the skull bone to transmit amplified sound to the inner ear via bone conduction.
- 8
Modern behind-the-ear aids are small and less visible. The silver one conveys sound to the ear via a clear tube. The blue one uses a small speaker in the ear canal.
- 9
Modern behind-the-ear hearing aids come in various colors and designs to make a fashion statement.