Maico Model Y Transistor (Barrette) Hearing Aid
The Maico Model Y was a 4-transistor barrette-style hearing aid
manufactured by Maico Electronics, Inc. of Minneapolis, MN in 1956.
The name "Maico" was derived from the initials of the Medical Acoustic
Instrument Company.
It weighed just 1 oz. The
case measured 1⅝” by 1⅛” by ⅜”.
The microphone was located behind the two small slots on the front of
the aid. The volume control/on-off switch is in the top left corner.
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Rear view of the Maico Model Y barrette-style hearing aid showing the
clip to hold this hearing aid in a lady's hair. The
receiver (ear piece) is on the right and is attached to the hearing aid
by a short cord. A hard plastic earmold snapped to the receiver (not
shown).
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Front view of the Model Y showing the battery door (top right) swung
open. The Model Y used a size 400 mercury battery. The Model Y was later
modified as the Model Y-1 which used the more common 675 sized mercury
battery (shown here).
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This hearing aid was also available as an eyeglass aid, although
in this case the hearing aid was split between both sides of the
eyeglass temples. With the microphone on one side and the hearing aid
and receiver on the other it functioned as a CROS hearing aid. The
eyeglass model shown in the picture uses a 675 battery so presumably is
a Model Y-1 although it is not so marked. |
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The outside of the Maico Model Y barrette-style hearing aid carrying
case.
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The Maico Model Y barrette-style hearing aid in its carrying case.
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