Vacolite Model D Vacuum Tube Hearing Aid
The Vacolite Model D vacuum tube hearing aid was manufactured by the
Vacolite Company of Dallas, TX in 1941. The Model D measured 4¾” by 2⅜” by
1” thick and weighed 7¾ oz. without the batteries. |
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The Vacolite Model D was a 2-piece, 2 vacuum-tube model. It required two
batteries, a 1½ volt "A" battery such as this
Zenith A battery and a 33 volt "B" battery (that would have looked
similar and had the same plug configuration as this
Zenith Z-30 "B" battery, although this was a 45 volt battery).
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Front view of the Vacolite Model D showing the microphone grill. It
was arranged in two concentric circles of 10 and 4 holes. This
hearing aid used a crystal microphone. |
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Rear view of the Vacolite Model D hearing aid showing the pocket clip
(upper center). In the center of the back is inscribed:
Made by
Vacolite Company
Dallas, Texas
Model D |
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Top view of the Vacolite Model D showing the volume control. This was
the only control on this hearing aid. There doesn't appear to have been
an on-off switch (at least, you can't feel the volume control snap to
the off position). |
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Bottom view of the Vacolite Model D showing how the battery cord
plug fits into the bottom of the hearing aid. |
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Bottom view of the Vacolite Model D showing how the battery cord plug
and the jack in the bottom of the hearing aid. |
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Close-up of the 3-pronged "B" battery plug (left) and the 2-pronged
"A" battery plug (right). |
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Back view of the crystal receiver of the Vacolite Model D showing how
the receiver cord plug fits together. Crystal receivers were thinner,
but bigger in diameter than the more common dynamic receivers. This one
measured 1" in diameter.
This receiver was made by Brush.
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Back view of the crystal receiver of the Vacolite Model D showing how
the receiver cord plug slid from the right into grooves on the receiver,
rather than plugging in as was more common.
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The receiver (left) and the ear mold (right) of the Vacolite Model D
snapped apart.
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