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Simple Ear Trumpet
This model was probably used in the 1700s. Versions of the ear trumpet ranging from bull's horns to seashells have most likely been used by humans for thousands of years. -
London Dome
A bit spiffier than the simple ear trumpet, this device was made of thin metal, and could be acquired in a variety of sizes, depending on hearing loss. The often elaborately decorated dome was also known as an opera dome since it could be used by hearing fans of the opera to improve the sound quality of a performance -
Ear Tube
This ear tube allowed the user to get sound straight from the source: the speaker held one end, while the user placed the other over the ear. -
Carbon Microphone AIds
Wearable multi-part hearing aids were developed and used in the 1930's and 1940's. Many varied in size according to the needs of the user, since greater amplification required larger microphones. Over the next decade, advances in microphone and battery technology gradually made these styles smaller. Most of the earlier large-size batteries did not last more than a day and had to be carried in special cases. The microphone would be worn around the neck, and was connected to the earpiece by wires. -
Digital Processing Hearing Aids
While these units might be a bit larger than some analog models, hearing aids with digital processing allow even greater clarity. Users can program their hearing aids to access the most useful range of tonality.
