Experiencing ear trumpets in the Enlightenment

In the Exploring Research series of the Wellcome Collection, HHH member Ruben Verwaal discusses the oldest acoustic hearing aids in the collection: ear trumpets. He will explain how ear trumpets were developed at the turn of the 18th century and why this large acoustic device became increasingly commonplace among the hard of hearing.  The presentation will investigate the experiences of the hard of hearing as well as the perceptions of their interlocutors at art academies, science societies and church congregations, and show how these social contexts accepted the new technology as a means of increased participation.

Registration is necessary but free and can be done here.