Portable Hearing Aids – the Acousticon

A portable version known as the “Acousticon”, was patented in 1902 by Hutchinson, found the greatest success and drew worldwide attention. This hearing aid consists of a round carbon microphone without volume control, and an earphone with a detachable metal headband as well as an on-off switch on the back. With the Acousticon, hearing aids became more accessible and practical for everyday use compared to its predecessor the Akouphone. Queen Alexandria, consort of Edward VII of England, asked Hutchison to personally fit a hearing aid to her, which was a huge success. For his service he received a royal medal and a generous stipend.