Thomas Thirsk "Miteacon" Model C Carbon Hearing Aid
The "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid was made by Thomas Thirsk of
Croydon, Surrey, England about 1939.
Thirsk hearing aids were sold by General Acoustics Ltd. of England
under the "Miteacon" trade name. Thirsk also produced hearing aids under
the "Emitome" trade name.
The complete unit without the battery weighed only 4.9 oz. (140 g) and stood 6½"
(16.7 cm)
tall.
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Close-up of the front of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid microphone showing
the pattern of 6 large slots around the periphery of the microphone
comprising the microphone grill. Note the indent in the center of the
microphone. Later models did not have this indent. The microphone measured 2
5/16" in diameter by 11/16" thick (5.9 x 1.8 cm).
Note that this microphone used carbon dust rather than carbon
shot.
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The back of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid microphone. Engraved on the lower back is
the word "Miteacon" and below it "Reg No 776701" and
below that "Made in England". This same registration number is
engraved on both sides of the microphone. The pocket clip, or more likely a button
hole "hook" is at the top. You could just push the "hook" through a button
hole and hang the hearing aid from your clothes that way.
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Bottom view of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid battery case
showing the battery door in its closed position. The microphone of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid mounted
directly onto the metal battery case.
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Bottom view of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid battery case
showing the battery door in its opened position.
The battery terminals were springy and pushed against the springy
terminals in the top of the battery case.
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The "Miteacon" Model C used a 3 volt battery such as the Ardente No.
77. You can read more about the
Ardente 77 hearing aid battery here. |
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Top view of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid on-off/volume control.
The volume control was located on the cord about half way between the
microphone and the earphone. |
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Side view of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid volume control.
This volume control was unusually thick when seen from the side.
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Front view of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid
earphone (earbud). It was held to the ear by an ear hook. The wire ear
hook swiveled so it would fit either the left or right ear as desired. |
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View of the back of the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid
earphone.
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A person in the previous owner's family likely made up this
instruction sheet of how to use the "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid.
You can read the full-size version of this
instruction sheet here.
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The "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid in its original box.
The inscription on the lid reads, "MITEACON" "REG. NO. 776701".
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The "Miteacon" Model C carbon hearing aid box. It measured
7¼" x 5" x 1 5/16" (18.3 x 12.6 x 3.3 cm).
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