3. Artifacts, 1910s-1990s

Series 3. contains examples of hearing technology, such as hearing aids, hearing horns, and speaking tubes, and other memorabilia.

BGHH promoted and collected several different types of hearing aids during its history. The earliest technologies promoted were horns and conversation tubes. These instruments were used by individuals who were hard of hearing prior to the improvements made in electric hearing aids and devices. The person would hold the horn up to their ear, which allowed them to hear with more clarity. The horns in this collection are of various styles, materials, and shapes. Conversation tubes were used in a similar manner with the main difference being a mouthpiece at the end of the tube. This enabled a hard of hearing person to have a conversation with someone and hear what the other person was saying.

Some of the original battery powered electric hearing aids, while considered small when first introduced, are significantly larger than more recent electric hearing aids. Most of the hearing aids in this collection are small enough to fit into a pocket. Also included are devices designed to disguise hearing aids, such as eye glasses and necklaces.

Memorabilia includes two trophy cups, a bowl and an elaborate gavel given to Guild co-founder Mildred Kennedy, a paperweight, and a banner.