{"id":1273,"date":"2022-10-07T00:22:57","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T00:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prescottent.com\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2022-10-07T00:22:58","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T00:22:58","slug":"learn-about-the-history-of-the-hearing-aid-for-audiology-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prescottent.com\/learn-about-the-history-of-the-hearing-aid-for-audiology-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn About the History of the Hearing Aid for Audiology Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Millions of people in the United States use hearing aids.<\/a> Data from 2019 indicated that 7.1% of adults 45 and older used a hearing aid<\/a> to treat their hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you use a hearing aid, you probably appreciate the improved ability to listen and communicate with others, whether at work or when dining out with your partner at Bistro St. Michael<\/a>. However, you may not know much about the device that has made these experiences easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In honor of Audiology Awareness month, let\u2019s take a brief look at the history of the hearing aid throughout the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Earliest Hearing Aids <\/h2>\n\n\n
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The earliest hearing aids appeared as far back as the 17th<\/sup> century. You\u2019ve probably seen illustrations or references to these funnel-shaped devices, often referred to as ear trumpets. Though not particularly functional or easy to use, they were an attempt to improve hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first electric hearing aid was created in 1898 by a man named Miller Reese Hutchinson. Inspired by the invention of the telephone, he created what was known as the Akouphone, which was portable and used a carbon transmitter to amplify sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearable Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1938 the first wearable hearing aid was created by the Aurex Corp. It consisted of an amplifier-receiver clipped onto a person\u2019s clothes with a thin wire that connected to an earpiece. A battery pack used to power the device was also attached to the user\u2019s clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The invention of micro-processors was a huge step forward in the creation of what we know as modern hearing aids, and over the last few decades, hearing aid technology has grown by leaps and bounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern hearing aids work by having microphones pick up sounds that are adjusted by the computer processor, which has been programmed by your hearing aid specialist and customized for your type of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once these sounds are processed, they are sent to the amplifier and then to the speaker, which transmits sound to the inner ear, where they are transformed into electrical impulses and finally processed as sound in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quite the journey from ear trumpets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Hearing Help Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today, if you have hearing loss<\/a>, you can find a pair of hearing aids that are small, discrete, able to connect to the latest technology, and can help you hear in any environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most amazing part is that hearing aid technology continues to improve. So, whether you are a long-time user or thinking about getting your first pair, call the experts at Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy<\/span> today to schedule an appointment and find the best and most advanced hearing treatment for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n