Hearing aids are electronic devices that amplify sound. The amplification ensures that the signals going into the ear are strong and clear. The device consists of a microphone that picks up sound and sends it to an amplifier. The amplifier makes the sound louder and helps correct distortion. The device is powered by a small battery and may have a volume control.

A hearing aid used to be very large (the size of a deck of cards) that was kept in a shirt pocket, with wires leading to the ears. Technology has not only miniaturized these devices tremendously, but has dramatically improved the sound quality. There are several types of hearing aids on the market today. They vary based on size and level of technology. Sizes range from those that fit behind the ear to tiny hearing aids that fit completely in the ear canal and are nearly invisible to others. The technological options range from a basic amplifier to a digital circuit with sophisticated microphones and programming capabilities with settings for different hearing situations such as restaurants.

Several factors are involved in the decision making process. These include your expectations and needs, your ability to insert and adjust the hearing aid, financial considerations, and severity and type of the hearing loss. What might work for one person does not necessarily work for another. Hearing needs are as unique as the individuals that have them.

No matter what size or type of hearing aid you might need, a hearing aid will always be less noticeable than a hearing loss.