If you read the history of hearing aid, it started hundreds of years ago. The first attempt to correct the sign of hearing impairment has been in existence since the very first person to cup their hand behind the ear. But since then, the technology has gone better at light speed.

In the early 13th to 19th century, people start using animal horns to the modern ear trumpets till the 18th century. The funnel shape cone worked by collecting sound energy and amplify them. These were the only way to improve the ability to hear until electricity and the telephone were invented.

Thanks to Thomas Alwa Edition who was also suffering from hearing loss, invented the first carbon transmitter for the telephone. This device was capable of amplifying the electrical signal and increase its decibel level to 15 dB.

Sound pressure is measured in dB & an average human needs 30 dB to hear properly. Hence carbon hearing amplifier was not as effective and used until the use of vacuum technology.

In early 1920, people start using vacuum technology to enhance the dB level to 70dB. It was effective, but the issue was size. The size of the vacuum tubes was so large that it was unportable.

People were still waiting for the small, compatible device which can fit discreetly in the ear. After the invention of the transistor (1942), it was Norman Krim who realize the opportunity to use this technology in hearing machines. By 1952, he was able to make such a ear apmlifier which was smaller and can be placed completely inside the ear.

It was a huge success and soon decreases the use of vacuum tube. By the time passes, companies start developing analog hearing machines in a more efficient way. Digital processing chips were introduced in the 1980s which control the amplification.

In 1996, the first modern digital hearing aid was introduced. Then after two decades have passed & technology has reached to a new horizon. Now everything can be programmed, customized as per hearer needs. As the mobile phone has become a smartphone, so is for smart hearing aids. They can adapt to the environment, connect with electronic devices. Multiple features have been added such as Bluetooth, FM etc.

Yes, we have come a long way from the days of ear trumpets, and ear aids continue to develop as technology advances. Most of the them are smart, adapting to different listening solutions without the interference of the user. Long-wearing ear devices, which can stay in the wearer’s ear canal for many weeks, has been available for several years.

Surely in future, hearing machines will continue to increase in perfromance and ease while decreasing in size.