What is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is an electronic device that amplifies sound, allowing individuals with hearing loss to hear more clearly. Hearing aids are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, but they all contain the same basic components: a microphone, amplifier and speaker, and a battery for power. The majority of today’s devices are digital.

While hearing aids do not restore your hearing, they do allow you to communicate more effectively. Sounds are picked up by the microphone and converted to digital signals that are adjusted to compensate for your specific hearing needs and the listening environment, before being amplified and converted back into sound that is transmitted to your ear through the speaker. The more severe your degree of hearing loss, the greater the amplification needed. It is best to wear your hearing aids on a daily basis so you can adjust to using them.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars apiece. Top-of-the-line models generally include advanced features such as Bluetooth® technology, automatic programming and directional microphones, but even the lower-end models will help improve your listening experience. After becoming accustomed to wearing hearing aids regularly, you might want to consider adding accessories to complement your hearing lifestyle.

To learn more about the different types of hearing aids available, visit our hearing aid styles section.