Early diagnosis of a hearing loss was attempted by use of tuning forks, the Struycken Monochord, and other more subjective methods.

Tuning Forks

Struycken Monochord

As the technology in electronics and a greater knowledge of electroacoustics was accumulated, attempts were made by A.G. Bell in the late 1800’s utilizing a variation on his electromagnetic induction balance device. Finally, Western Electric manufactured the first well-designed electric audiometer in 1923. The primary concern of physicians was whether a hearing loss existed and if they could medically correct it. In the late 1940’s following WWII, a great many hearing impaired veterans were beyond medical help for their hearing losses which were due to noise exposure. Veterans required rehabilitation with hearing aids for their permanent hearing losses. Consequently, audiometers assumed a prominent role in the fitting of hearing aids as well as diagnostics.

With the exception of the Western Electric Model 1A, the following examples are from the Gordon Stowe collection which was donated to the museum before his death. Models are from each decade, 1920’s through 1970’s, each with a brief synopsis.

Western Electric 1-A	Western Electric 2-A	Audio Development Company 51	Maico E-2
Beltone 15A	Maico MA-22