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Deaf Acoustics: Listening Through Hearing Aids with Thomas Edison
1New York University, New York, USA. mmills@nyu.edu.
Summary
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have significantly contributed to acoustics and hearing aid innovation. Examining Thomas Edison
Area of Science:
- History of Science
- Acoustics
- Disability Studies
Background:
- The history of hearing aids is marked by innovations from deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
- These contributions range from celebrated figures to lay experts, highlighting diverse expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine correspondence in the Edison archives concerning hearing aids.
- To argue that Thomas Edison and his deaf interlocutors offer insights into 'deaf acoustics'.
- To demonstrate the contributions of deaf and hard-of-hearing people to scientific approaches to sound.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of archival correspondence.
- Examination of letters between Thomas Edison and deaf individuals regarding hearing aid technology.
Main Results:
- Edison's archives reveal significant dialogue about hearing aid development.
- Deaf individuals actively participated in and influenced the design and understanding of hearing devices.
- These interactions illuminate the concept of 'deaf acoustics'—unique insights from the deaf community.
Conclusions:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have historically contributed to acoustics and sound science.
- The study of their innovations, termed 'deaf acoustics,' enriches our understanding of sound.
- Archival research on figures like Edison provides crucial evidence of these contributions.
Keywords:
Deaf acousticsDisability studiesHistory of hearing aidsHistory of science and technologyThomas EdisonMore Related Videos
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