Historical information

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.

Physical description

A Widex 25 hearing aid from the 1950's made in Denmark. Brown and gold metallic casing with a volume control dial and an on/off switch. The curly wire runs to a circular outer disc. Although not present the disc would normally connect to an ear mould which is individually fitted to the wearer. The item comes in a soft leather case.

Inscriptions & markings

"DENMARK" inscribed on gold front. "WIDEX 25" inscribed on back. "WIDEX" on inside cover of case. "W" on outside cover of case