Ear tubes were intended to aid hearing when small or contracted from various causes. They were made from ivory, silver, gold or ebonite.

This example is unusual having an articulated ball and socket joint where the receiving section joins the ear canal tube. This allows the joint to be positioned so as to make easier fitting into the external ear. The hollow part of the receiving plate has a pink tinged residue which may well be the remains of flesh tinted colouring to reduce the visibility of the aid. The unsigned tubes are in excellent condition and come in their original black velvet lined leather case.

• From the Phisick collection