The first all transistor hearing aids appeared in 1953. They were created to replace vacuum tubes; they were small, required less battery power and had less distortion and heat than their predecessor. The vacuum tubes were typically hot and fragile, so the transistor was the ideal replacement. The size of these transistors led to developments in miniature, carbon microphones. These microphones could be mounted on various items. There were body hearing aids where the earpiece was connected to the hearing aid and battery pack worn on the body. Ear level hearing aids consisted of eyeglass, behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), and in the canal (ITC, CIC) hearing aids.Cream plastic hearing aid with metal back. Takes 3 batteries and there is a piece of paper in the battery case advising 'CAUTION'. Two round knobs on top, 'ON/OFF' and the other I assume is Volume. There is a plastic tag for attaching to a button (probably), headphone sockets. The front is metal lacework with a scrolled 'Z'"Z" on front. "ZEPHYR/HEARING AID/2546" on back. "U C"/"M"/"7777" on inside battery case.deaf children australia, hearing aid, zephyr hearing aid

Although Lee DeForest invented the triode vacuum  in 1906, it was not employed in hearing aids until 1921. The first hearing aid using a vacuum tube was purported to have been made by Earl C. Hanson. He called his hearing aid the Vactuphone. It used one small peanut tube (below right) to amplify the output of a carbon hearing aid. The Globe Hearing Aid Company and Western Electric collaborated to manufacture the Vactuphone. By the early 1940s, Raytheon had developed miniature vacuum tubes. It was these miniature vacuum tubes that made body-worn hearing aids a reality. Unfortunately, the power requirements of these aids made it necessary to use two relatively large batteries—an "A" battery to power the filaments of the vacuum tubes and a "B" battery to supply the high-voltage for the plate current. The batteries were worn external to the hearing aid itself and the name "Two-piece" hearing aid was used to describe them. Until about 1945 "Two-piece" hearing aids were the norm. However, improved vacuum tube design reduced current requirements. As a result, battery manufacturers were able to reduce the size of the batteries used in hearing aids. At the same time, electronic components were also being miniaturized. This allowed the hearing aid manufacturers to design hearing aids with internal batteries. After 1945, these "One-piece" hearing aids quickly replaced the more cumbersome "Two-piece" hearing aids. With continuing improvements in both batteries and components, hearing aids continued to reduce in size until 1953 when the vacuum tube was suddenly supplanted by the transistor.Fawn plastic hearing aid with metal clip on back and wires leading from the bottom. Made in the USA, sold by Angus & Coote as the Sole Australian Agents. The Model is the Sonotone 700. Two dials one on each of the top corners."ANGUS & COOTE/Sole Australian/Agents/C D C" Printed in black on the back, top left hand corner. "SONOTONE/700/SERIAL NO/843218/MAD IN U.S.A./SEE PATENT NOTICE/IN INSTRUCTION BOOK" imprinted on back, centre middle.deaf children australia, hearing aid, sonotone hearing aid, sonotone 700, angus & coote

"Potassium permanganate is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula KMnO4. It is a salt consisting of K+ and MnO−4 ions. Formerly known as permanganate of potash or Condy's crystals, it is a strong oxidizing agent. It dissolves in water to give intensely pink or purple solutions, the evaporation of which leaves prismatic purplish-black glistening crystals. (Which is what in contained in the bottle.) As an oxidant, potassium permanganate can act as an antiseptic. For example, dilute solutions are used to treat canker sores (ulcers), disinfectant for the hands and treatment for mild pompholyx, dermatitis, and fungal infections of the hands or feet. Potassium permanganate is used extensively in the water treatment industry. Historically it was used to disinfect drinking water. (From Wikipedia)" Eight sided, rectangular, clear glass bottle containing grey filings. It is closed with a cork, which is probably broken off. Label indicates Potassium Permanagate manufactured by Felton, Grimwade & Duerdins Ltd. "POTASSI PERMANGANATE."/"POISON"/"Felton Grimwade & Duerdins Ltd." on label on front. There are numbers in the glass on the bottom: "1608 M" and small difficult to read letters. deaf children australia,, chemical, antiseptic, potassium permanganate, water purifier, felton grimwade & duerdins ltd, bottle

Camphor oil has been used for centuries to treat a plethora of ailments. It can act as an antiseptic, pain reliever, antidepressant and even a stimulant. Camphor oil has been used as an ingredient in smelling salts for years, as well. Its most common use is for the relief of arthritic and rheumatic aches and pains, skin ailments, colds and back pain. Camphor absorbs easily into the skin and produces a cooling, soothing effect. There are also references to the treatment of ear infections. Six sided triangular brown bottle with screw cap, with oil. Label indicates Camphorated Oil bought from Frederick Lee & Sons. Handwritten on label "ear drops & rub on". "POISONOUS:-Not to be taken/CAMPHORATED OIL/Caution: To be used with care and strickly in accordance with the directions./FREDERICK LEE & SONS/(Horace L.Lee)/Resident Chemists & Foot Specialists./103 Greville Street, Prahran, S.1/PHONE LA 1038" on front label. "NOT TO BE TAKEN" imprinted on the glass deaf children australia, chemical, camphorated oil, frederick lee & sons, bottle

Black plastic rectangular case with attached microphone. TOA Logo, "TOA WIRELESS/MICROPHONE" on front of case. "FCC TX DATA WME/Battery 006P (9V)/TOA ELECTRIC CO.,LTD./KOBE, JAPAN)" in white on black label on back deaf children australia, hearing aid, auditory training device, wireless microphone, toa

Most conversation tubes were made in the late 19th and early 20th Century, but there are still some manufactured today. They were manufactured for a variety of reasons, not just for the hearing impaired. Metal bell for a conversation tube. Metal connection, black bell (possibly metal) deaf children australia, conversation tube, bell

Early 20th Century glass syringe Glass syringe, with open circular hand crip and string resistence wound around cork stopper, with bakelite (?) cap and handle repaired with metal welding. deaf children australia, syringe, ear syringe, glass syringe

The Phonic Ear hearing aids were actually auditory trainers for children in school. This is the teachers transmitter which they would wear. Beige FM Microphone Transmitter with plastic loop for over the head and a small black hearing device and a microphone in the top. Individually decorated with plastic girl sticker, upside down, (put there by the wearer?) "PHONIC EAR" "FM/MICROPHONE/TRANSMITTER" on front. "PHONIC EAR/MODEL HC4211/TYPE GODKENOT" on back. "3335 173" scratched on back. deaf children australia, hearing aid, auditory training device, phonic ear

The Phonic Ear hearing aids were actually auditory trainers for children in school. This aid was also an FM receiver so the child could clearly hear the teachers' voice. This was used by the student to receive the teachers' transmissions. For more information see: http://www.hearingaidmuseum.com/gallery/Miscellaneous/Assistive%20Devices/Phonic%20Ear/info/phonicearfmsystem.htm Beige FM Receiver with red plug-in crystal module (colour coded for frequency) and two leads on either side for hearing aids. This would have been used by the student to receive the teachers transmissions. Masking tape on front, obscuring name, writing on tape faded. "MODEL/HC 421 R/STEREO/AUDITORY TRAINER/FM/CERTIFICATION/THIS RECEIVER COMPLIES/ WITH FCC RULES PART 15/OPERATION IS SUBJECT/TO THE CONDITION THAT/ THE DEVICE WILL NOT/CAUSE HARMFUL INTER-/FERENCE AND THAT THE/DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY/INTERFERENCE THAT/MAY BE RECEIVED, INCL-UDING INTERFERENCE/THAT MAY CAUSE UN-/DESIFED OPERATION./PHONIC EAR/MODEL HC 421 R/TYPE GODKENOT/ deaf children australia, hearing aid, auditory training device, phonic ear

The first commercial digital hearing aid was created in 1987 by the Nicolet Corporation. The hearing aid contained a body-worn processor that had a hardwire connection with an ear mounted transducer. While the Nicolet Corporation’s hearing aid was not publicly successful and the company shortly folded, it was able to start a competition between companies to create more effective hearing aids. Two years later, in 1989, the behind-the-ear (BTE) digital hearing aid was launched. In addition to the Nicolet Corporation, Bell Laboratories expanded upon the hearing aid business by developing a hybrid digital-analog hearing aid. When the hearing aid was put on in the market, it was instantaneously successful. This development helped bring major changes to the world of the hearing aid. The next major milestone was creating an all-digital hearing aid. The Oticon Company developed the first digital hearing aid in 1995, but it was only distributed to audiological research centers for research on digital technology in the realm of acoustic amplification. The Senso was the first commercially successful, all-digital hearing aid, and was created by Widex in 1996. After the success of the Senso, Oticon began marketing their own hearing aid, the DigiFocus. Presently, the digital hearing aid is now become programmable. By making the hearing aid programmable, it has allowed hearing aids to be capable of regulating sound on their own, without using a separate control. The hearing aid can now adjust itself depending on what environment it is in and often does not even need a physical volume control button. Silver metal case with side clips and hearing aid attached. Has battery compartment for AA batteries. Volume control is the top left hand corner. "C OF A/CALAID/36778" on back of case deaf children australia, hearing aid, calaid

The first commercial digital hearing aid was created in 1987 by the Nicolet Corporation. The hearing aid contained a body-worn processor that had a hardwire connection with an ear mounted transducer. While the Nicolet Corporation’s hearing aid was not publicly successful and the company shortly folded, it was able to start a competition between companies to create more effective hearing aids. Two years later, in 1989, the behind-the-ear (BTE) digital hearing aid was launched. In addition to the Nicolet Corporation, Bell Laboratories expanded upon the hearing aid business by developing a hybrid digital-analog hearing aid. When the hearing aid was put on in the market, it was instantaneously successful. This development helped bring major changes to the world of the hearing aid. The next major milestone was creating an all-digital hearing aid. The Oticon Company developed the first digital hearing aid in 1995, but it was only distributed to audiological research centers for research on digital technology in the realm of acoustic amplification. The Senso was the first commercially successful, all-digital hearing aid, and was created by Widex in 1996. After the success of the Senso, Oticon began marketing their own hearing aid, the DigiFocus. Presently, the digital hearing aid is now become programmable. By making the hearing aid programmable, it has allowed hearing aids to be capable of regulating sound on their own, without using a separate control. The hearing aid can now adjust itself depending on what environment it is in and often does not even need a physical volume control button. Square, silver metal hearing aid with electronics and AA battery compartments. Has an ear piece and ear mould attached by wire, with a volume adjustment. A body level type, probably a CALAID T manufacture from 1955 to the 70's. On front "C OF A/CALAID/108499" deaf children australia, hearing aid, calaid, commonwealth of australia

These are exercise books belong to the first pupil of the then Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution. A slim soft covered exercise book with red marbelling on cover, red binding over spine. Contains, handwritten in ink, by Lucy Lewis, the first pupil of the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution, a series of questions and answers relating to the gospel, created as part of her education. On inside cover in handwriting "S. Lucy A. Lewis / Jan 23 1865". Little tag in corner "RAL/No 17" deaf children australia, lucy lewis, deaf education, exercise book

These are exercise books belong to the first pupil of the then Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution. A slim soft covered exercise book with brown and blue marbelling on cover, blue binding over spine. Contains, handwritten in ink, by Lucy Lewis, the first pupil of the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution, exercises in arithmetic using £sd. Addition, subtraction, etc. Copied, probably from a board as there are no mistakes! On inside cover in handwriting "S. Lucy A. Lewis / Feb 27 1865 / To June 1866". deaf children australia, lucy lewis, deaf education, victorian deaf and dumb institution

The gold diggings at Bendigo where F.J. Rose tried his luck between 1853 and 1858. B&W photograph on cardboard of the diggings, probably Bendigo On back of photo: written in pencil: 'Diggings/Bingo/1868/Mr Rose was there before ventured out to school' f. j. rose, diggings, deaf children australia

B&W photograph on a postcard showing a schoolroom at the VDDI with children seated at desks "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE./Schoolroom [one of three] N.J.Caire, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." On back, written in pencil "1909" victorian deaf and dumb institution, deaf children australia, postcard, classroom, school

B&W photograph by N.J.Caire, on a postcard showing a schoolroom at the VDDI with children seated at desks "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE./Schoolroom [one of three] N.J.Caire, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." deaf children australia, dca, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution, postcard, schoolroom, n. j. caire

B&W negative of the pupils in front of the VDDI building on St. Kilda Rd., in 1914 On label on packet "Pupils 1914, Black & White/Copied by Beverley Crosby & Peter King/1989" deaf children australia, the bluestone building, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution, st. kilda road, pupils

B&W negative of the Bluestone school building on St. Kilda rd. with the school grounds in front deaf children australia, the bluestone building, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution

B&W slide negative portrait of Henry Brougham Loch, Governor of Victoria and on the Board of VDDI deaf children australia, portrait, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution, henry brougham loch, governor of victoria

B&W negative of the Boys Physical Drill Classes On label on packet "Boys' and Girls' Physical Drill Classes/1893/Photorestorations & copies, Beverley/ Crosby and Peter King, 1989" deaf children australia, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution, pupils, education, physical drill classes

B&W negative of a Past pupils picnic. (?) Rose is present as are some other pupils. On label on packet "Past pupils picnic ?/Circa 1910/Rose is present as other some other pupils./Copy by Bev. Crosby & Peter King. 1989" deaf children australia, vddi, victorian deaf and dumb institution, picnic, past pupils, f. j. rose

The Board of the VDDI thought it was important to equip the pupils with skills that would make them useful members of society. Shows the students at their day to day studies. B&W photograph by N.J.Caire, on a postcard of a girls' sewing class at the VDDI (Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution) On Front of postcard: "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA RD., MELBOURNE./Sewing Class/N.J.CAIRE, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." deaf children australia, victorian deaf and dumb institution, education, sewing, girls

Photographs were often taken of the whole school and show the numbers of students at any one time.B&W photograph by N.J.Caire, on a postcard, of the pupils of the VDDI in 1909 On Front of postcard: "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA RD., MELBOURNE./Pupils, 1909/N.J.CAIRE, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." deaf children australia, victorian deaf and dumb institution, education, pupils

The Board of the VDDI wanted to provide for the spiritual, moral and physical well-being of the pupils. Gymnastic classes were run separately for girls and boys.B&W photograph by N.J.Caire, on a postcard, of the Girls' Gymnastic Class at the VDDI (Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution) On Front of postcard: "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA RD., MELBOURNE./Girls' Gymnastic Class/N.J.CAIRE, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." deaf children australia

B&W photograph by N.J.Caire, on a postcard, of the girls' Indian Club exercises, at the VDDI On Front of postcard: "VICTORIAN DEAF & DUMB INSTITUTION, ST. KILDA RD., MELBOURNE./Indian Club Exercises/N.J.CAIRE, Photo, 4 Darling Street, South Yarra, Victoria." deaf children australia, victorian school for deaf children, educaion, pupils, gymnastic class, indian club exercises

There has been a long association between the two bodies, and, questions of co-operation have been ongoing. Record of the meetings between the two bodies, post the Second World War. The A4 binder with fake green marbled cover records the meetings in 1944 till 1948 of the Co-ordination Committee of the Adult Deaf & Dumb Society and the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institution. Handwritten in ink the meetings from the 4th May 1944 to 24th June 1948. The purpose seemed to be to explore how the two organisations might co-operate, there is no indication of the meetings that might have preceded or followed these. adult deaf and dumb society, victorian deaf & dumb institution, deaf children australia, minutes of meeting, co-ordination committee

The Annual General Meetings are the official report of the VSDC to the public. These are the supporting documents that go with the Annual General Meeting report and provide further information on the Administration of the VSDC The brown foolscap size book is made with cardboard covers and masking tape spine and contains the documents tabled at the Annual General Meetings from 1955-1963. Includes the Minutes of the 100th AGM. Documents include: nomination letters, speakers notes, agendas, etc. Corrections are handwritten. Front Cover: "ANNUAL MEETING/from/1955 to 1963" in handwriting, in biro deaf children australia, victorian deaf and dumb institution, annual general meeting, minutes of meeting

The Annual General Meetings are the official report of the VSDC to the public. These are the supporting documents that go with the Annual General Meeting report and provide further information on the Administration of the VSDC The brown foolscap size book is made with cardboard covers and masking tape spine and contains the documents tabled at the Annual General Meetings from 1964-1970. Documents include: nomination letters, speakers notes, agendas, etc. Corrections are handwritten. Front Cover: "ANNUAL MEETING/from/1964 to 1970" in handwriting, in biro deaf children australia, victorian deaf and dumb institution, annual general meeting, minutes of meeting

Access to a pre-school education is an important to childhood development and Princess Elizabeth Kindergarten provided this to children who were hard of hearing. These documents form an insight into the development of the Princess Elizabeth Kindergarten. Plain A4 cardboard with tape spine encloses documents up to foolscap in size relating to the Princess Elizabeth Kindergarten for the Deaf (PEKD). Includes general correspondence from the Education Department from 1957 to 1971, the Education Department taking over responsibility for teaching staff at PEKD in 1957, having assumed reponsibility for the education of students at the VDDI. There are documents relating to the meetings of the PEKD sub-committee from 1969-1972, documents relating to the building extensions 1972-1973. On spine, typed: "1957 / 1971/EDUCATION DEPARTMENT/1969 / 1972 P.E.K.D. Sub-Committee/1972 / 1973 P.E.K.D. BUILDING EXTENSIONS/1972 P.E.K.D. EXTENSIONS deaf children australia, dca, princess elizabeth kindergarten, pekd

Profess Lowe was Professor of Paedeoaudiology and in Education of Deaf Children at Teachers College, Special Education Department, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, West Germany The Victorian School for Deaf Children continued an interest in the latest research and information on the education of deaf children. This represents the most up to date information on the education of deaf children in the 1970s, as presented by Professor Armin Lowe. Black (fake skin pattern) foolscap folder with red spine containing reports and information regarding the visits of Dr Armin Lowe in September 1974 and March 1978. They include reports to VSDC with recommendations for improvements, record of interview, travel reports and itinerary and a report on religious education for deaf children and adolescents. On Spine: "Prof./Armin LOWE/Visits:/Sept, 1974/March, 1978" deaf children australia, dca, victorian school for deaf children, vsdc, deaf education, professor armin lowe, heidelberg university