A 1929 ear trumpet made by the American Earphone Company in its original box with instructions and a receipt.

The ear trumpet section is made from celluloid with a tiger skin pattern and the base is made from bakelite and tin. The earpiece is made from an ivorine type of early plastic. The hearing aid is secured over the ear by means of attached brass wire clips. Printed on the underside is “Pat US 3.3.25 Canada 22.2.25. Apply to better ear. Trade mark Earphone Co New York.”

• From the Phisick collection