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Hearing aids are an excellent tool allowing those with decreased hearing to hear and understand speech better. Whether you were born with a loss or it developed over time due to noise exposure or just aging, the use of a proper hearing aid can bring back the clarity of music and conversation. Elite audiologists, such as the doctors at County Hearing and Balance, in Madison, Connecticut, can provide services for hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus, and can help you improve your hearing in a professional way.

Humankind has faced the struggle of hearing loss from the beginning and hearing aids have a fascinating past worth reading:

  • The First Hearing Aids: Hearing aids were first introduced in the 17th century as ear trumpets. These devices were conical in shape with a wide mouth on one end to collect sound waves, and a narrow mouth on the other to deliver them into the ear canal. These products were collapsible and thus quite portable. The most popular models included the Townsend Trumpet, the Reynolds Trumpet, and the Daubeney Trumpet. 

  • hearing aidElectronic Hearing Aids: The invention of the telephone and microphone in the 1870's and 1880's inspired the development of the first electronic hearing aids. Originally called the Akouphone, Miller Reese Hutchinson introduced the first aid in 1898. The device used a carbon transmitter to amplify sound and an electric current to produce a stronger signal. Although the original design was bulky, it was picked up by the Siemens company in 1913 and commercialized.

  • Digital Hearing Aids: A multitude of technological advancements assisted in the creation of digital hearing devices. With the microprocessor and the minicomputers in the 1970's, aids could now be shrunk to fit inside the ear comfortably. Audio signals were processed at a much quicker rate as well. The first real-time hearing aids were introduced in 1982 and were considered revolutionary. In 1987, the first commercial digital hearing aids were created by the Nicolet Corporation and acted as the foundation for the products we know today.

Today’s devices are small, sleek, and very comfortable and natural to wear.  They have sophisticated electronics that can automatically focus on the sounds you need to hear, as well as help separate speech from all the background noise when you are in noisy situations.  Dr. Jeffrey Worgul, audiologist at County Hearing and Balance, reported that their line of instruments have the ability to connect directly to most smart phones so the user can adjust their instruments using an Ap and can even be adjusted over the internet!  Loss of hearing is a common difficulty dating back centuries. With the introduction and advancements in advanced hearing instruments, mankind no longer has to struggle to hear better.. The staff of County Hearing and Balance are passionate about the workings of your hearing and ensure quality treatment for your needs. For more information, visit their website or call (203) 245-1950 today to schedule an appointment.

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