How Hearing Aids Work

A hearing aid is a battery-powered, electronic device that amplifies sounds so they can be heard comfortably by someone with a hearing loss. All hearing aids work in a similar way, and consist of a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver (or miniature loudspeaker). Sound (also known as an acoustic signal) enters through the microphone. It is then processed, amplified and delivered to the receiver. The sound is then sent into the ear canal, either directly or via tubing to an earmold, depending on the style of hearing aid.

Digital sound processing is leading to major advances in the clarity and quality of sound available to hearing aid users. Despite these advances, it's important to keep in mind that, unlike eyeglasses, which can restore normal sight, hearing aids will not restore what we perceive to be normal hearing. As children become accustomed to hearing aids and take part in communication therapy, they will make sense of the signals and will come to recognize them as their “normal” sound.