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Vacuum Tubes made hearing aids a practical device for everyday use. The transistor made it into a practical and cosmetic device. Because most people did not want others to see the hearing aid miniaturization was a key factor to design and marketing. Assembly of hearing aids required excellent hand coordination as space was tight and parts were small. The Sonotone Corporation made the first transistor hearing aid (actually a hybrid) in 1952. This was a year ahead of the first transistor radio by Regency. On the right is the 1952-53 Sonotone 1010, World's First Transistor Consumer Product and Hearing Aid. Has one transistor made by Texas Instruments and two Sonotone designed subminiature tubes, as shown.
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ZENITH HEARING AIDS
SONOTONE AND ACOUSTICON
HEARING AIDS
Acousticon A300 (1953) Hybrid with Raytheon Tubes and CK718 Transistor. This was their first model with a transistor.
BELTONE HEARING AIDS AND OTHERS
Beltone E (1954-55) All Transistor (only 1" X 2.5")
Beltone Melody Monopac M (1950 Vacuum Tubes)
Zenith Radionic 75 (1946). 1st Zenith to use Raytheon subminiature tubes. Notice the clear case. $75 (1946). BELOW side view of case.
Sonotone 1111 (1954) Their 2nd Transistor Model
Otarion S-50 (Sonora Radio and Television)1956 3 Transistors
Uses 3 Raytheon Blue CK789 Transistors(1956 date code)
Zenith Royal (1952-3) One of Zenith's last tube hearing aids. Only model that has dual filament battery back for extra life.
Zenith All Transistor VersionsZenith Royal T (1953) (Zenith's 1st All Transistor)
Inside the Royal T with Raytheon CK718 Transistors
Left: 50X (1954-55) Right Crusader (1955-56)NOTE THE SIZE DIFFERENCES in one year. PLUS needs only ONE battery.
Sonotone 200 (1956)
Gem 80 (1954) Used 3 Raytheon CK785 transistors (BLUE)
Hearing Aid Tubes versus Transistors
All made by Raytheon
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