"The Bison" Ear Horn (Ear Trumpet)
For hundreds, and perhaps even for thousands, of years people have
used animal horns. There were three common kinds of horns
produced—hunting horns, powder horns and hearing (ear) horns.
Most of these horns were made from cow horns, but other animal horns
worked just as well.
Here is an example of a hearing horn. Hearing horns had a rounded tip
that fit snuggly into the entrance of the ear canal. The other end was
open to pick up sounds.
This example of "The Bison" measures 11¾" long and 3¼" in diameter.
It is 100% genuine bison (buffalo) horn.
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In contrast, here is an example of a hunting horn. Notice the metal
mouthpiece that looks somewhat like a bugle mouthpiece. They often also
had a metal flange at the large end.
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This is an example of a powder horn. Powder horns always had the bell
end sealed so the powder couldn't fall out. The tip end had a stopper
that pulled out as needed.
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The vast herds of bison on the North American prairies in bygone years
provided almost unlimited bison horns that could have been made into ear
horns by hard of hearing people in bygone years. "The Bison" lets you
feel and experience what these primitive ear horns sounded like.
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"The Bison" ear horn seen from the rear.
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Close-up view of the bell of "The Bison" hearing horn. The larger the
bell, the better it captured sounds.
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Close-up view of the ear tip of "The Bison" hearing horn. Basically, the
only modification to the horn needed was to drill a hole in the tip to
let the sound through.
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Note: if you are interested in purchasing a genuine "Bison" hearing
horn, go to Old
Hearing Aids for Sale, then click on "Ear
Trumpets/Non-Electric, and see whether we have any available for purchase
there. If none are listed, then email
Neil@hearingaidmuseum.com and we'll put you on the waiting list.
You'll be notified when the next "Bison" hearing horn becomes available.
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