Zenith Model 85-X Transistor (Body) Hearing Aid
The Zenith Model 85-X transistor tearing aid was manufactured by the
Hearing Aid Division of the Zenith Radio Corp. in 1955. It was an 8-transistor aid.
The Zenith Model 85-X measured 2 9/16" x 1¾" x
⅝" thick, and weighed 2 oz. with battery. The case was
anodized
gold-colored aluminum.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xM.jpg) |
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Front view of the Zenith Model 85-X showing the rectangular microphone grill
with the Zenith logo in its center (upper front center). Below that is
the t-coil logo showing the position of the internal t-coil. At this
time, Zenith referred to the t-coil as a "phone magnet". Note the wire
pocket clip the surrounds the microphone grill except on the top.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xfrontM.jpg) |
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Top view of the Zenith Model 85-X showing the 1 to 7 volume
control/on-off switch (top front right) and the 4-position "H" (high),
"M" (mid), "L" (low) and "F" (full) tone control
(top front left). Behind the tone control is the "M" (microphone) and
"T" (t-coil) switch (top rear left). In the center is the receiver cord
jack.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xtopM.jpg) |
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Rear view of the Zenith Model 85-X hearing aid. Engraved into the back
it reads "Zenith", "85-X" and "Royalty of Hearing". |
![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xbackM.jpg) |
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Rear view of the Zenith 85-X showing the
battery door which opened from the bottom of the case. |
![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xbattcompM.jpg) |
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Rear view of the Zenith 85-X showing a battery installed in the
battery compartment. The Zenith
Model 85-X took an "N" size 1.4 volt No.
401 mercury battery. |
![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xbatM.jpg) |
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Side view of the Zenith Model 85-X receiver showing the the two-pronged
plug on the receiver cord, and jack on the receiver.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xrcvrplugM.jpg) |
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Top view of the Zenith Model 85-X receiver showing the receiver cord
plugged into it. Note the distinctive design of Zenith receivers at this
time.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xrcvrbackM.jpg) |
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Front view of the Zenith Model 85-X receiver. Note the red plastic
washer around the nubbin. This washer made a tight fit so the sound
wouldn't leak out and cause feedback. Att he top is the model number
of this receiver—T-1.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xearfrontM.jpg) |
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Front view of the Zenith Model 85-X receiver and ear mold shown here
snapped apart. The ear mold snapped on to the nubbin in the center.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xearapartM.jpg) |
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Side view of the Zenith Model 85-X receiver and ear mold shown snapped
together.
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![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/body/zenith85xrcvrmoldM.jpg) |
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