Radioear Model 82 (Zephyr) Vacuum Tube Hearing Aid The Radioear Model 82 (Zephyr) Vacuum Tube Hearing Aid was manufactured by E. A. Myers & Sons of Pittsburg, PA in 1952. An interesting feature of this hearing aid was the optional plug-in extension microphone (top right). The earpiece is to the left. It measured 2¾" x 2" x ¾". | ![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/vacuumtube/radioear82M.jpg) | Click picture for larger view | | | | |
The top of the Model 82 showing the controls. The volume control knob/on-off switch is on the right. The 3-position lever switch for "M" (microphone), "T" (t-coil) and "X" (external microphone) is in the center. It is shown in the microphone position. The two sets of plugs are for the receiver or earpiece (closest to the volume control) and the external microphone (left).
| ![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/vacuumtube/radioear82topM.jpg) | Click picture for larger view | | |
The back of the Model 82 hinges up to access the battery compartment revealing the 1.4 volt RM-1 mercury "A" battery (center) and the 22½ volt 505E "B" battery (right). | ![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/vacuumtube/radioear82battM.jpg) | Click picture for larger view | | |
An unusual feature of the Radioear Model 82 was it had an optional external microphone that you could plug in (shown here). The external microphone had a short 9" cord so you could put the hearing aid in an inside pocket and pin the external microphone to your coat for example. (The back of the mic has a broach-like pin for fastening it to your clothes.)
| ![](../../../../images/photos/275x206/vacuumtube/radioear82extmicM.jpg) | Click picture for larger view | |
(If a larger picture doesn't appear, you may have to
turn your pop-up blocker off)
|
| |