Title: Ear horn

Identifier: Country Doctor Museum   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/14361)

Description: This ear horn was known as the “London Ear Horn” or the “London Dome” and was the most popular ear trumpet in London. The Ear Horn was useful to many people who were moderately deaf. It was easily carried in the pocket and concealed. With the small end of the metal tube inserted into the ear, the cupped shaped bowl captures sound waves. The waves travel through the curved tube and into the ear. In 1904, prices for the London Ear Horn ranged from one dollar to a $1.20 depending upon the size. Ear horns were used well into the 20th century even though, early electric hearing aids were available in America beginning in 1900. These sold for $60 and, although they offered the same amplification that the ear horns did, they allowed users to hear a wider range of sound frequencies.