Pre-Electric
The earliest appearance of these instruments is unknown, but they became very popular in the 1800's and a few were made in Europe as late as the 1960's. These hearing aids have a unique appearance and were often cumbersome to use. They also provided limited benefit, particularly for those with more than a mild to moderate hearing loss.
London Dome
Hand engraved sterling silver. Made by F.C. Rein in London, England about 1850. This is the oldest item in the museum. The dome measures 7.1 cm high by 6.8 cm in diameter.