Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" Carbon Hearing Aid The Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid was manufactured by the Western Electric Company of Kearny, NJ in 1925. Western Electric marketed these early hearing aids under the "Audiphone" trade name. It consisted of a 388-W carbon microphone, a 550 BW miniature receiver, a 60 B rheostat and a battery case, all of which were contained in a velvet-lined box. All these parts (excluding batteries) weighed a hefty 12.8 oz. (364 g). |  | Click picture for larger view | | |  | | | |
| Front view of the carbon microphone (Model 388-W) showing the microphone grill comprised of 4 large curved slots around the periphery of the microphone. This large microphone measured 3 7/16” in diameter by 1⅛” thick (8.8 x 2.8 cm). It weighed 5.1 oz. (146 g).
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| Rear view of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" hearing aid carbon microphone (Model 388-W) showing the spring clip (top) for attaching it to a pocket or other clothing. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Close-up view of the back of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid microphone showing the words embossed there—"Trade Mark", "Western Electric", "Reg. in U.S. Pat. Off.", "Made in U.S.A.", "Pats. App'd for in U.S.A." and the microphone model number "388-W". |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Close-up of the bottom back of the carbon microphone (Model 388-W) showing how the wires were "tied" to the metal loop with a piece of cord so there'd never be a strain on the wires at their terminals. The ends of the wires were terminated with pins that were tightly held in place by the screws directly above each wire. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Front view of the Model 60 B rheostat volume control of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. With the volume full on (pushed all the way down as shown) the model number (60 B) was revealed on the shiny metal above the slider knob. With the slider all the way up (off) the shiny metal was stamped with "Pat Appd for in USA".
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| Side view of the receiver (bottom) and stock ear mold (top) that came with the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. Stamped into the side of the receiver are the words "Western Electric" and the model number "550 BW" and below that "Made in USA". |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Top view of the receiver/stock ear mold of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid showing the brass spring wire to hold the receiver in place. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Rear view of the receiver of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Outside view of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. The battery case measured 4 13/16" x 3⅛" x 1˝" (12.2 x 7.9 x 3.8 cm). It weighed 6.1 oz. (172 g). |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Close-up view of the end of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid showing the battery cable pins unplugged. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Close-up view of the end of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid showing the battery cable pins plugged into the battery case.
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| Inside view of the lid of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid showing the label in the center. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Close-up view of the label on the inside of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. It reads, "HA Battery Box", "Trade Mark", "Western Electric", Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.", "This unit forms part of the 6033 A Audiphone which is licensed for use only as a hearing adjunct for persons with abnormal hearing" and "Made in U.S.A.". |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Inside view of the battery case of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid. It held 3 "D" cells hooked in series to provide the 4˝ volt operating voltage. The batteries were all inserted with the negative end (bottom of the battery) to the left and the positive end to the right. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
The Western Electric Model 6033A carbon hearing aid in its original velvet-lined carrying case.
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| Outside view of the carrying case of the Western Electric Model 6033A carbon hearing aid. You pushed the two latches "out" to unlock the lid, and "in" to lock it. This case measured 10" x 5" x 2 5/16" (25.5 x 12.7 x 5.9 cm). |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| The Western Electric Model 6033A carbon hearing aid carry case came in a cardboard box. |  | Click picture for larger view | | | |
| Outside view of the end of the box of the Western Electric Model 6033-A "Audiphone" carbon hearing aid showing the words "One", "Western Electric", "Trade Mark Reg. in U.S. Pat. Off.", "Made in U.S.A.", "No. 6033-A" and "Audiphone.
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