Miniature ear trumpet
Right miniature ear trumpet, brass (gilt) with ivory earpiece by F. C. Rein and Son, London, designed to be worn around the ears and hidden under the wearer's hair, 1805-1900.
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A ‘bugle’ ear trumpet is named because of its similarity to the musical instrument. This hearing aid is probably a variation of one. ‘Bugle’ ear trumpets were invented by ear, nose and throat specialist Jean Pierre Bonnafont (1805–1891). Bonnafont thought ear trumpets available at the time were cumbersome and inconvenient. This pair of miniature ear trumpets was worn hidden under the hair. They were made by F. C. Rein and Son in London. The company was founded in 1800. It was the first firm known to manufacture hearing aids commercially.
- Materials:
- brass (copper, zinc alloy) and ivory
- Object Number:
- A139040/1
- type:
- ear trumpet
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum