Concealed Hearing Devices of the 20th Century

DEAFNESS IN DISGUISE

Part 7

Concealed Hearing Devices of the 20th Century

By 1996, hearing devices housing all hearing aid components completely within a custom-made earmold represented about 80% of all United States hearing aid sales. New features such as directional microphones, flexible digital programming and adaptive filtering provide users with the best of both worlds-an effective hearing aid that is also virtually unnoticeable. Towards the latter end of the 20th century, a new trend in maketing of hearing aids was evident. The emphasis began to shift from concealment to performance.

The Evolution of Hearing Aids and Batteries

Increasing miniaturization of hearing aids and batteries can
be seen in this photograph.

Phonak Watch Pilot and Claro, 2000

Along with enhanced, customized performance, digital technology has introduced an additional hearing aid component: a remote-control unit used to select from among pre-programmed sound processing options. These units, usually designed to be tucked into a pocket, are also available in a working wristwatch model. In contrast to similar devices of the 1950s, the emphasis is on convenience and performance, rather than concealment.

Songbird Disposable Hearing Aid, 2000

Tiny disposable CIC models are another recent attempt to bring convenience and affordability to a hearing aid market that is expected to grow as the population ages. It is yet to be seen whether this trend will reach sales comparable to those of disposable contact lenses.

The Good Life

While hearing aid advertisements during the later part of the 20th century emphasized the many technological options for hearing aid users, concealment is still a very familiar theme.

One recent trend may signify an abatement of the social stigma attached to hearing loss. In the 1990s, manufacturers began to design hearing aids to be noticed as jeweled adornments and works of art. Hearing aids are made with stainless steel, brightly colored casings, and even encrusted with semi-precious stones.