Hearing aids are incredible pieces of technology. This technology has revolutionized hearing for many individuals around the world. Like any piece of modern technology, there is a rich history behind their development; the ideas, the people, and creativity. For that reason, hearing aids are no exception when it comes to their past.   Believe it or not, the predecessors of hearing aids have been around for a very long time. Did you know the first ‘hearing aid’ goes back to the 1300s! Historically, hollow animal horns, like those from cows and rams, called ear trumpets were used as the original hearing device.   Ancient History: 1800s Traditional ear trumpets were ‘modernized’ in the 1800’s by Frederick C. Rein using different materials. They didn’t necessarily amplify the sound, but collected it and funneled it into the ear; for instance like when you cup your hand around your ear.   In 1870, Thomas Edison, who experienced hearing loss himself, added an adaptation to his telephone which increased the volume by 15dB! [That's the roughly the equivalent of turning your TV from 10 to 20]. It wasn’t a lot, but it began the journey of modern hearing technology.   Hearing aids history follows along with the development of technology, beginning with the discovery of electricity!     Early Hearing Aids: 1900-1920s With electricity came the first electronic hearing aids, known today as the Vacuum Tube hearing aids. Hearing aids became commercially available in 1913. These models were big, clunky, and in most cases not...