About
Uncover the fascinating evolution of hearing aid technology on History of Hearing Aids. The page presents a unique perspective on the evolution of hearing devices and well documented experiences of individuals living with hearing impairment.
On the page, you can delve into the different technological eras of hearing aids and read about selected instruments and first-hand user experiences.
Mission “save the data”
Many test subjects have passed through the doors of Eriksholm Research Centre since 1977 when it was first opened, and the records tell the tale. In our extensive archive, user feedback from the past 40 years of clinical rehabilitation is preserved. In compliance with the new EU personal data protection laws in 2018, a huge undertaking of reviewing and anonymizing 1600 records of test subject and rehabilitation data has been carried out. Anecdotes, age, gender, hearing aid model and time of record were carefully transcribed. Everything else was eliminated from the archives.
Real lives, real stories
Unknown or identified, the testimonials capture the real-life stories of individuals using hearing aids and has potential for future analysis. Several papers have been published on this unique material, revealing decade-spanning impressions and insights.
A selection of experienced test subjects was re-interviewed in 2019. As you browse through the History of Hearing Aids page, you will find a selection of quotes from these interviews. One example is 76 year old “Sven”:
“That cigar box effect, when you talk, has over time become more and more faint, and gradually this cigar box effect at least for me has almost vanished.”
The Eriksholm Collection
As one of the most complete in the world, the Eriksholm Collection hosts more than 800 historic hearing aids from year 1800 to 1950 and provides an impressive overview of technological advances in the industry. The collection is on display at Eriksholm Research Centre where it draws the curious eyes of visitors.
Interested in learning more about hearing aid history? Browse the new page or follow Eriksholm socials for the series “Gems in the Collection”. For inquiries about the physical collection contact mail@eriksholm.com
