Hearing Aids: How They Work & How to Choose

Hearing aids can't restore normal hearing. They can improve your hearing by amplifying soft sounds, helping you hear sounds that you've had trouble hearing. Small microphones collect sounds from the environment. A computer chip with an amplifier converts the incoming sound into digital code. It analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss, listening needs and the level of the sounds around you.

How Hearing Aids Work

All hearing aids use the same basic parts to carry sounds from outside your ear into your ear to make sounds louder. Most hearing aids are digital, and all run on batteries.

• Microphone: Collects sounds from the environment.
• Amplifier: Converts sound/code into electrical signals and makes them stronger.
• Speaker (Receiver): Sends the amplified sound into the ear.

Choosing the Right Style

There are many styles of hearing aids. Which one is best for you depends on your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your manual dexterity.

Completely in the Canal (CIC)

Molded to fit inside your ear canal. It improves mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. It is the smallest and least visible type, but is susceptible to earwax clogging and uses very small batteries.

In the Canal (ITC)

Custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal. This style can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. It is less visible than larger styles but includes features that won't fit on CIC aids.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earpiece called an ear mold that fits in your ear canal. This type is appropriate for people of all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.

Open Fit

A variation of the behind-the-ear hearing aid with a thin tube. This style keeps the ear canal very open, allowing low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and amplifying high-frequency sounds. This choice is excellent for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss.

"Success with hearing aids depends on the severity of your hearing loss, the accuracy of the fitting, and your willingness to layout and adapt."

Before You Buy

When looking for a hearing aid, explore your options to understand what type of hearing aid will work best for you. Also, understand that:

• Get a checkup: See your doctor to rule out correctable causes of hearing loss, such as earwax or infection.
• Ask about a trial period: You often get a trial period when you buy a hearing aid. It may take you a while to get used to the device and know whether it's right for you.
• Check for a warranty: Make sure the warranty covers parts and labor for a specified period.
• Beware of misleading claims: Hearing aids cannot restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise.

Getting Used to Your Hearing Aid

Getting used to a hearing aid takes time. You'll likely notice your listening skills improve gradually as you become accustomed to amplification. Even your own voice sounds different when you wear a hearing aid.

Key tips for success include wearing them regularly, practicing in different environments, and attending follow-up appointments for adjustments.