From simple ear trumpets to today’s intelligent, nearly invisible devices, the history of hearing aids is really a story about our constant human need to connect, share a laugh, and enjoy conversations.
At Amplifon Australia, we believe hearing is essential for a full life. Looking back at the evolution of hearing aids shows us that every major step forward has been about helping you stay present and involved, whether you’re at a busy family gathering or catching up with friends.
We’re here to be your expert guide on this journey, combining our trusted expertise with the simple, easy-to-use technology of today.
That’s a great question, but the answer depends on what you consider a “hearing aid.” The story spans centuries, but the electric hearing aid as we know it emerged in the late 19th century.
The first device designed to actively amplify sound (the electric hearing aid) was invented around the 1890s. Before this, people used passive acoustic devices like ear trumpets. The invention was made possible by the telephone, which introduced the necessary carbon transmitter technology for true electronic amplification.
The modern electric hearing aid is often credited to Miller Reese Hutchison in 1898. He invented the Acousticon, which used a carbon transmitter to make sounds louder. This was a bulky device worn on the body, but it marked the true start of the electronic age.
Before this, the most common solution was the acoustic hearing aid—or ear trumpet. These devices, which became popular from the 17th to 19th centuries, were cones or funnels that passively collected sound waves and channelled them more effectively into the ear canal. They were simple, but they helped people hear vital parts of conversation.
The Amplifon mission is to transform the way hearing healthcare is perceived and experienced worldwide, changing the lives of millions of customers through the passion and expertise of our people.
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The journey from bulky desk units to today's comfortable, tiny technology is marked by incredible innovation. Understanding the hearing aid history timeline highlights how quickly solutions are improving.
1920s
1950s
1980s & 1990s
1920s
1950s
The invention of the transistor in 1948 changed everything. Transistors replaced bulky, power-hungry vacuum tubes, allowing hearing aids to shrink significantly. This is a critical point in the evolution of hearing aids, as devices could finally be worn discreetly behind the ear (BTE).
It's no coincidence that this era aligns with Amplifon’s own beginnings, starting in 1950. Our foundation is rooted in this history of finding elegant, discreet ways to bring sound back to life.
1980s & 1990s
The introduction of micro-processors and digital signal processing (DSP) in the 1980s and 90s was the single greatest leap in hearing aid technology history. Digital aids convert sound into code, allowing them to:
Today's Amplifon hearing aids are a world away from their predecessors. Our focus now is not just on making sound louder, but on making conversations clearer and social settings easier.
We know that for socialisers, the biggest challenge is not the hearing aid itself, but missing out on the joy of connection.
Rechargeable Power
Rechargeable Power
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity
AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
At Amplifon, you'll find hearing solutions that range from almost invisible styles that fit discreetly inside the ear, to those that sit snugly behind the ear. You can even select devices that connect wirelessly to your smartphone.
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When you look at the hearing aids history timeline, Amplifon’s own long professional heritage since 1950 shows our ongoing commitment to our customers.
We didn't just adopt new technology; we helped pioneer the approach of combining expert knowledge with truly ongoing care. Our commitment is the Amplifon Way: a lifetime service that includes regular check-ups, adjustments, and updates, ensuring your hearing aids always evolve as your life and needs do.
We ensure that when you come to an Amplifon clinic in Brisbane, Broken Hill, Sydney, Wagga Wagga or anywhere else in Australia, you're not just getting a device—you’re starting a lifelong relationship with an expert team who genuinely cares about your ability to stay connected.
The history of hearing aids has led to one simple truth: you no longer have to miss out. Today’s technology makes reconnecting with the sounds of your life and the voices of your loved ones simpler and more seamless than ever before.
The first step is always the most important. Discover how clear your world can be today with an expert assessment.
