Hearing aids are small electronic devices that make sounds louder so people with hearing loss can hear and communicate more easily. They are worn in or behind the ear and are considered medical devices in most countries.
Basic definition
A hearing aid is designed to improve hearing by amplifying sound so it becomes audible for someone with hearing loss. While they do not restore normal hearing, they can significantly improve understanding of speech in both quiet and noisy places.
Main parts and how they work
Most hearing aids have three core parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker (also called a receiver). The microphone picks up sound, the amplifier boosts and processes it, and the speaker sends the louder sound into the ear canal.
Common styles
Common styles include behind‑the‑ear (BTE), in‑the‑ear (ITE), and in‑the‑canal (ITC) devices that differ mainly in size and how they fit on or in the ear. All styles work on the same basic principle of capturing, amplifying, and delivering sound, but they are chosen based on degree of hearing loss, ear shape, and personal preference.
