An antique photograph of an early hearing aid. This shows a woman in old dress holding conversation tube. These hearing devices were very effective for one to one communication.

It is of American origin and dates to the turn of the century. Because of the time required for exposure the picture would have been posed rather than spontaneous. It is unusual to find a picture of a someone sporting a hearing aid, which were usually devices which the users kept hidden or in low profile.

• From the Phisick collection