Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic" Carbon Hearing Aid
The Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic" carbon hearing aid was manufactured by the
Western Electric Company of Kearny, NJ in 1938.
The microphone measured 3" in diameter x ⅞" thick. The total weight
of this hearing aid (excluding batteries) was a modest 5½ oz.
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Front view of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic" carbon
microphone showing the microphone grill (4 vertical slots) and in the
center, the four-pointed volume control. This volume control was
unique in that it was dead center in the front of the mic. (Most carbon
hearing aids had the volume control on the back or side of the
microphone or as a separate unit.)
This microphone contained carbon dust rather than the more common
carbon shot used at this time. |
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Rear view of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic" carbon
microphone showing the pocket clip (top center) and the model number
(bottom center). |
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Top view of the plug assembly of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. This plug assembly measured 1¾" x 1⅛" x ½" thick
(excluding prongs). |
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Bottom view of the plug assembly of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. |
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The optional carbon amplifier of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. The carbon amplifier measured 1¾" x 1 1/16" x
1 3/16" thick
(excluding prongs). |
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Top view of the optional carbon amplifier of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. The on-off switch is at the right. The 4 plug holes
are one in each corner. |
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Bottom view of the optional carbon amplifier of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid showing the model number "1A". |
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Rear view of the receiver of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. Note the two unusual "heavy" screws holding the
receiver together (bottom).
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Side view of the receiver and ear mold of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. The ear mold just snapped on and of the receiver
nubbin. |
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View of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic" carbon
hearing aid in its original case. |
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Outside view of the case of the Western Electric Model 1-A "Ortho-Technic"
carbon hearing aid. The case measured 9" x 4⅝" x 3" high.
To open the catch, you press the "knobs" on each side of the clasp
together.
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On the top left corner of the outside of the case are the words, "New
Western Electric Hearing Aid" and "Ortho Technic Model".
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