Special exhibition ’De Auribus’ is dedicated to the ear

Bild: Josephinum/Bene Croy - A special exhibition to commemorate the founding of the Ear Clinic in Vienna in 1873 focuses on the human hearing organ. Using objects from the Josephinum's collections, it provides insights into the exciting history of otology. The Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in Vienna, founded by Emperor Joseph II in 1779 after his visit to Paris, can be traced back, like so much else, to Joseph's travels. It made it possible to provide regular instruction, particularly in sign language and spoken language. In 1873, the year of the Vienna World Exhibition, the world's first specialized university ear clinic opened in Vienna. New instruments, diagnostic procedures and treatments were developed that became world-famous and laid the foundations for modern otology. Almost 100 years later, the development of the cochlear implant in Austria opened up a new dimension in the treatment of severe hearing disorders.