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Show IT mm THE DEAF HEAR 1 SUCCESS OF A NOVEL INSTRUMENT The Mysterior.s Restoration of Hearing by an Unseen Ussvice- Old Theories Successfully Applied, During the past few years there have been many rumors of the restoration, in some mysterious way, of the hearing of those who were known to have been deaf for many years. This lias led to an investigation by those interested, and it has heen found that this happy change has been made by the use of a most simple, yet ingenious device, which was invented by a gentleman in Bridgeport, Conn., uauieu N. A. Wales. This device is the same to the ears, as are glasses to the eves, and is simpiy a soft rubber disc, arranged ar-ranged ou a rubber spring, and so shaped that when inserted in the ear, it will focus the waves of sound on the natural drum, thus increasing the vibration of the latter. The possibilities of a device of this nature have long been known, but the many attempts at-tempts to use this knowledge have been such utter failures that it was considered beyond our present knowledge of the ear to make a practical instrument of the kind. Consequently Conse-quently when this device was tirst invented, not much attention was given the same, as it was thought to be merely an old enemy in a new dress ; but gradually this slight prejudice preju-dice was dispelled, until, at the present time, most physicians and aurists look kindly upon the instrument, and seejp pleased at the success suc-cess it is meeting. At a recent interview, Mr. Wales made the remarkable statement, that to his knowledge, knowl-edge, the device which he calls Sound Disc, had never failed where rciief was afterward obtained by any medical, surgical or mechanical me-chanical means, excepting a powerful ear trumpet, which he says is more powerful than his device. It would seem to be an ideal device for the deaf, as it is worn in the ear, out of sight, for months at a time, and as far as we can learn, is pronounced safe and comfortable for the patient. Many times it has proven itself to be an advancement advance-ment in the science of acoustics, by relieving reliev-ing the most obstinate cases which had defied de-fied medical treatment for years. What may be the ultimate result of the use of this device whether the results thus far obtained will warrant its use in such a variety of cases, that it will stop the progress pro-gress of desfuess in the future to such an extent that it will avoid the use of car trumpets, we caunot say; but the desirability desirabil-ity of a device of this nature as regards its safety, its benefit, and general comfort to the user, none will fail to admit. |