Zenith "Crest" Transistor (Body) Hearing Aid
The Zenith "Crest" transistor hearing aid was manufactured by the
Hearing Aid Division of the Zenith Radio Corp. in 1956. It was a 4-transistor aid.
A little unconventional in its design, its metal case measured 2" x 1" x
˝" thick, and weighed a total of 1 oz. with battery.
The volume control was at the bottom left corner. Another unusual
feature was that there were two receiver cord jacks—one on each side.
Thus a person could wear receivers in both ears. It is shown here with
just one receiver/cord plugged into the left side.
|
 |
Click picture for larger view |
| |
 
|
| |
|
|
The Zenith "Crest" was also unusual in that the microphone plugged in to the
top of the hearing aid with two long, sharp prongs. It is shown here unplugged from the base.
The idea was that the microphone could be visible while the rest of the
hearing aid was hidden under your clothes or suit jacket.
|
 |
Click picture for larger view |
| |
|
|
The Zenith "Crest" showing the battery compartment. It used a
520 size
mercury hearing aid battery (bottom left). On the back, hidden by the
battery door being opened, are the words "Zenith" and "Crest". The
serial number is on the bottom of the battery door. |
 |
Click picture for larger view |
| |
|
|
The Zenith "Crest" in its original carrying case. |
 |
Click picture for larger view |
| |
|
|
Top view of the Zenith "Crest's" carrying case. Here is the
12-page
Zenith Crest manual.
|
 |
Click picture for larger view |
| |
|
(If a larger picture doesn't appear, you may have to
turn your pop-up blocker off)
|
|
|
