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Zenith Royal Crusader Hearing Aid, circa 1965

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Artifact Overview

The invention of transistors went beyond miniaturization of radio technology. This small transistor-powered hearing aid gathered sound waves and transmitted the sound to the earpiece placed within the wearer's ear. The packaging is as interesting as the small hearing aid device; it was carefully designed by the donor, Mel Boldt, to appeal to the style-conscious consumers in the 1960s.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hearing aid

Date Made

circa 1965

Creator Notes

Designed by Mel Boldt and Associates and made by Zenith Radio Corporation.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.438.128

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mel Boldt and Associates.

Material

Metal
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Wire
Plastic

Color

Gold (Color)
White (Color)
Beige (Color)
Blue
Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 1.75 in
Width: 5 in
Length: 3.75 in

Inscriptions

front of hearing aid: ZENITH back of hearing aid: Zenith / Extended Range / the royalty of hearing top of box: Zenith front of box: Zenith / THE ROYALTY OF HEARING AIDS side of box: 7402652 / ROYAL CRUSADER side of box: Zenith / LIVING SOUND / HEARING AIDS
Zenith Royal Crusader Hearing Aid, circa 1965