Brass Trumpet Hearing Aid, England, c.1880
Object description
Hearing tube with a parabolic bell, brass, England, ca. 1880 The bell-shaped horn (of the “London Dome” type) features a curved earpiece that originates from the bottom of the bell and exits from the side, curving back upward in a U-shape (“swan-shaped”). This allowed the sound, focused by the parabolic bell, to be concentrated in a compact volume and transmitted to the ear. The earpiece is spherical, also made of brass. The total height of the earpiece is approximately 11 cm. The opening at the wide end of the earpiece is adorned with a decorative grille featuring a floral pattern. No manufacturer’s markings. Items of this design were produced by a number of English manufacturers, such as F. C. Rein & Son, Maw & Son, etc. Overall good condition. England, ca. 1880.
Provenance
Acquired in the English Salesroom in 2025. Offered at the auction under the description: "A brass 'London Dome' Parabolic Bell Ear Trumpet Hearing Aids, - English, c.1880, of circular form, with decorative pierced grille, 11 cm tall."
Reference objects
Collection of the 'London Dome' and other short hearing aids at The Hearing Aid Museum: hearingaidmuseum.com/gallery/Non-Electric/EarTrumpets/Short%20Trumpets
Five hearing aids type of 'London Dome' in different size from 4" to 2". Source: Neil Bauman, Ph.D., Curator, The Hearing Aid Museum, Lynden, WA, USA
Reference Literature
- Barr, Thomas. Manual of Diseases of the Ear: For the Use of Students and Practitioners of Medicine. 1st ed. Glasgow: James Maclehose, 1884.
- Bennion, Elisabeth. Antique Medical Instruments. 1st ed. London: Sotheby Parke Bernet; Berkeley: University of California Press, 1979.
- Berger, Kenneth W. The Hearing Aid: Its Operation and Development. 1st ed. Detroit: National Hearing Aid Society, 1970.
- Bauman, Neil. The Hearing Aids of Yesteryear. A brief history of hearing aids from then to now. Canadian Audiologist. Vol. 2 : Issue 2 : 2015. URL: canadianaudiologist.ca/the-hearing-aids-of-yesteryear
