Acousticon Model 56 (Silver Anniversary) Carbon Hearing Aid
The Acousticon model 56 was the dual microphone version of the
Acousticon model 28 carbon hearing
aid. It was manufactured by the General Acoustic Company,
which later became Dictograph Products, Inc. of New York, NY.
Since the model 56 came out on Acousticon's 25th anniversary in 1928,
it was also called the "Silver Anniversary". In honor of this, the
microphone and volume control were inlaid with a fancy pattern.
The model 56 was manufactured between 1928 and 1932. It replaced the
Acousticon model SRD. |
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Front view of the Acousticon Model 56 showing the intricate pattern
on the double carbon microphone.
Note that the microphone grill consists of 5 slots for each microphone.
This carbon microphone measured 5 3/16" by 3⅛" by 15/16" thick.
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The back of the Acousticon Model 56 carbon microphone. The pocket
clip is at the right. |
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Close-up of the middle of the right side of the Acousticon Model 56 carbon microphone showing the
model number (56) (upper center) and the serial number (58900) below it.
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Bottom view of the Acousticon Model 56 microphone showing the battery plugs (left) and the
battery jacks on the bottom of the carbon microphone. The microphone
plugs and jacks are all the same size so can be plugged in either way.
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The Acousticon Model 56 used a special "double-duty" 3 volt carbon-zinc battery. The battery
cable plugged into the jacks on the top of the battery. Note the two
sizes of the plugs and jacks so you couldn't plug them in the wrong way.
The battery shown here is the
Acousticon No.
57 Hearing Aid battery. |
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Close-up of the front of the Model 56 volume control. It has the
same intricate pattern on it as is on the microphone.
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The back of the Acousticon Model 56 volume control showing the on-off
switch in the off position.
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Left side view of the Acousticon Model 56 volume control showing the "L"
(loud), "M" (medium) and "S" (soft) positions. The slider (right) in the
"S" (soft) position.
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View of the right side of the Acousticon Model 56 volume control showing
the model number (56). |
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The earphone for the Acousticon Model 56. It measured 2⅛" in diameter x
¾" thick. |
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Back view of the Acousticon Model 56 earphone. |
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Bottom side view of the Acousticon Model 56 earphone showing the earphone plugs (left) and the
earphone jacks on the bottom of the earphone. The two plugs are slightly
different in size as are the two jacks so you have to plug them in the
right way. The model number (56) is visible between the two jacks.
Note the groove round the periphery of the earphone. The headband
clip slid into this groove . |
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The Acousticon Model 56 came with a headband. The earphone clip slid into the
groove around the periphery of the earphone. This made for hands-free
listening. |
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The front of the Acousticon Model 56 resonant case folds down so you
can mount/release the microphone from the case. To remove the microphone
you simply press the spring clip (bottom center) and the microphone
slides out. |
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The Acousticon Model 56 in its resonant carrying case. The
inscription on the lid reads, "Acousticon, Dictograph Products Company
Inc., New York". |
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The resonant carrying case for the Acousticon Model 56 carbon hearing aid.
It could be used this way as a table top model, or taken out of the case
and worn on the person as a body aid.
The case measured 7" wide x 5¾" high by 3⅛" thick.
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