Hearing Aid Basics
It’s important for anyone with hearing loss to get treated as soon as possible, and hearing aids are the most common assistive technology people use.
What are hearing aids?
Hearing aids are electronic devices designed to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. While they can’t restore natural hearing to its previous level, hearing aids help many people hear better in different environments and communicate more effectively.
How do hearing aids work?
How does a hearing aid work? (Source: Cleveland Clinic)
Hearing aids capture sound waves through a microphone, which converts the sound into electrical signals that are processed and amplified before being sent to the ear through a speaker. Many modern hearing aids are digital, programmable and include technology such as Bluetooth and/or telecoils for enhanced functionality.
Who should wear hearing aids and why?
Hearing aids are recommended for people with mild-to-severe hearing loss to improve their ability to connect and engage with the world around them. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression and cognitive decline. Still, only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing aids, actually use them.
Types of hearing aids
Prescription hearing aids, recommended for individuals with mild-to-severe hearing loss, require a hearing exam and fitting by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.
Over-the-counter hearing aids, intended only for adults 18 and above with mild-to-moderate perceived hearing loss, can be purchased without a prescription.
What do hearing aids look like?
There are a range of different hearing aid styles available to meet individual needs, hearing loss levels and preferences.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with a custom in-the-ear mold can provide the most power when needed. Smaller “mini” BTEs have an open fit with the receiver in the ear canal. Both are commonly used by people of all ages for mild-to-profound hearing loss.
- In-the-ear hearing (ITE) aids fit inside the outer ear and are generally used to treat mild-to-severe hearing loss.
- In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids—the smallest and least visible—can be worn for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
