Home > Technology > History   1800 •The earliest attempts to stimulate the auditory nerve system came in the middle of 1800’s by using 2 metal rods in the ears. The result was only a small popping sound. 1855 •In 1855, Duchenne of Boulogne produced alternating sounds by inserting a vibrator into the circuit. The result was much like a “fly beating its wings between glass and a curtain.” 1936 •In 1936, Russian doctors determined that after the surgical removal of key inner ear functions, the cochlea was the ideal area for stimulation, although they were unsure of the mechanics involved. •Stevens and Jones determined that the structure of the middle ear acts as a transducer to produce alternating sound vibrations to the cochlea in 1939. 1951 •Anderson and Munson, 1951, converted audio-frequencies to a range of electrical stimulation. For the first time, a pitch and a range of sound could be distinguished. 1964 •In 1964, Sommer and von Gierke produced electrophonic hearing (converting electricity into sound vibrations before reaching the inner ear) by air and bone conduction. Results, however, were much better with air conduction. •A deaf patient was able to repeat a phrase after Doyle implanted 6 electrodes (to achieve the range and tone) into the cochlea in 1964. •In 1966, distinguishable sounds were transmitted through the bones in the head directly to the cochlea. However, the quality was too poor to be completely understood. 1983 •In 1983, reports were made on a potentially wearable digital hearing instrument which has been developed. In the digital hearing aid, the instrument itself contains digital circuits similar to those in a computer, for processing sound. In 1985, Cochlea Implants are approved for testing. 1999 •Vonia Corporation was founded to produce the first ever bone conduction headphone available for personal applications in 1999. 2001 •In 2001, Vonia Corporation released 7 models of bone conduction headsets for multiple consumer and business applications.