On-line Hearing Aid Museum

Hearing Aids of all types—Ear Trumpets, Carbon Hearing Aids, Vacuum Tube Hearing Aids, Transistor Hearing Aids, Body Hearing Aids, Eyeglass Hearing Aids and much more!

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General Info

Non-Electric

Carbon

Vacuum Tube

Transistor (Body)

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Click on the "General Information" button (top button above) for an overview and general information on this category of hearing aid.

Carbon Hearing Aids: 1900-1939

Western Electric Model 38A (Audiphone) Carbon Hearing Aid

The Western Electric Model 38A carbon hearing aid was manufactured by the Western Electric Company in 1932.

The unit weighed 11 oz. without batteries and measured 5¾” by 3” by ¾”. There was a metal clip on the rear of the microphone/amplifier unit to attach it to the clothing.

Batteries were contained in a separate battery case (not shown). Operating voltage was typically 4½ volts.

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Internal view of the Model 38A. It consisted of the same parts as the Model 37A, but with the 616C carbon microphone (center) and 66B amplifier (right) housed in the same metal case. The combined on-off switch with rheostat volume control was at the top center (left).

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The Model 584A miniature receiver (left) and a custom ear mold (right).

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