For centuries, people with hearing impairments have relied on different devices to help them connect with the world around them. While technology has advanced dramatically, the purpose has always remained the same: to amplify sound and make communication easier, more natural, and more accessible.
The Early Days: Ear Trumpets
Before electronic hearing aids existed, one of the most common tools was the ear trumpet. This simple device was tubular or funnel-shaped, designed to collect sound waves and channel them into the ear. The concentrated sound created a stronger impact on the eardrum, allowing those who were deaf or hard of hearing to experience improved hearing.
Ear trumpets were crafted from a variety of materials: sheet metal, silver, wood, snail shells, and even animal horns. While they were revolutionary in their time, ear trumpets were often large, awkward, and not always discreet. Still, they marked an important step toward the assistive hearing technologies we know today.
According to the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), about 3.6% of the U.S. population, or about 11 million individuals, consider themselves deaf or have serious difficulty hearing. (National Deaf Center)
Being Hard-of-Hearing Aware
Communication Skills Matter, No Matter Your Age!
Join Us for a Valuable Communication Training—Open to All!
Monday, Sept. 29 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Hybrid Event: In-person at 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT, or via Zoom
This is the first in a series of monthly meetings focused on supporting the Hard-of-Hearing community. Whether you’re a student, professional, or community member, this training will help you strengthen your communication skills across generations.
Call or text 860-430-4557
Email info@urcommunitycares.org for the Zoom link.
Learn how to:
- Communicate effectively across all age groups
- Strengthen your verbal skills for business success
- Avoid losing clients or sales due to miscommunication
Whether you’re 18 or 80, this training will help you thrive in today’s diverse work environment. UConn, Goodwin University, and CT State Community College Manchester students, this is especially valuable as you prepare for your careers!
All are welcome, come learn, connect, and grow!
Outside-the-Ear Devices
For those who may not be good candidates for in-ear aids, there are external options that sit behind or outside the ear:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE): A versatile style that hooks over the ear and connects to a custom earpiece inside the ear canal.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): Sleeker and smaller than traditional BTE, with the speaker sitting directly in the ear canal.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems: For people with certain types of hearing loss, these devices transmit sound through bone conduction rather than air.
Inside-the-Ear Solutions: Modern Hearing Aids
Today’s hearing aids are far smaller, smarter, and more comfortable than their historic counterparts. Many fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible to others. These digital devices don’t just amplify sound; they can filter background noise, connect to smartphones, and adjust automatically in different environments.
There are several types of in-ear hearing aids:
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC): The smallest option, hidden deep inside the ear canal.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC): Discreet, but slightly easier to handle than IIC.
In-the-Canal (ITC): Partially visible, but with more features and longer battery life.
In-the-Ear (ITE): Larger and easier to handle, often chosen by those who prefer simple adjustments.
A Bridge Between Past and Future
From the handcrafted ear trumpets of the past to today’s nearly invisible digital hearing aids, hearing devices continue to evolve with one goal in mind: improving connection, communication, and quality of life for people with hearing impairments.
While modern devices are far more advanced, the story of the ear trumpet reminds us of the long history of human ingenuity in making sure that everyone has the chance to be part of the conversation.
My heart overflows when someone thanks me for creating ways to help them feel seen and included. Too often, I’ve watched people struggle; not because they lacked strength, but because they lacked access to the right information. They didn’t know what was out there to support them. Knowledge is power, and when we share it freely, we give people the tools to live with greater confidence, dignity, and hope.
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
860-430-4557
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