Western Electric Model 34A "Audiphone" Carbon Hearing Aid
The Western Electric 34A carbon hearing aid was
manufactured by the Western Electric Company in 1925. Western Electric marketed
these early hearing aids under the "Audiphone"
trade name.
It was one of the few 1-piece carbon hearing aids of the time. The
unit measured 7¾" by 4" by 1½" and weighed just under 2 lbs. when fitted
with batteries.
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The Audiphone consists of a carbon microphone (top left) inside
a metal case also holding three "D" size 1½ volt batteries (bottom half
of case).
The Audiphone used a Western Electric 390-A carbon microphone. This
microphone was different from other hearing aid microphones of the day
in that carbon granules were used rather than the carbon block and
carbon balls.
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The decal on the inside of the case. |
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The wire-wound resistor volume control (shown in the off
position) was located about half way along the cord going to the
receiver (ear piece). The off position was at the top (see right).
Sliding the knob down turned the hearing aid on, and then pushing it
further increased the volume. |
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The small receiver would have been equipped with a stock ear mold. It
is shown here with a more modern clear plastic ear mold.
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