A hearing aid is a small, sound amplifying device that you wear inside or behind your ear. It helps to make sounds clearer for people who have hearing loss. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 20% of the world’s population deals with a form of hearing loss. And it is estimated that only a fifth of these people act on their hearing loss and use hearing aids.

How does a hearing aid work?

A hearing aid works by increasing the level of sound that is delivered to the ear and sent to the brain for processing. A hearing aid consists of five core components, these are:

• one or two microphones that pick up/sense sounds.
• a sound processor that makes speech clearer by reducing disturbing noise.
• an amplifier that makes soft sound audible.
• a small loudspeaker to present the processed sound to the ear.
• a rechargeable or disposable battery.

A hearing aid works through a straightforward process. The microphones pick up the sound, which is converted into electrical signals and sent to the sound processor. Sound is adjusted to increase the signal, i.e. speech, while reducing noise. The level of this signal is then increased by the amplifier and delivered to the ear via the loudspeaker.

Modern hearing aids make use of digital processing, and the most advanced ones make use of the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, which is easy and convenient since there is no need to change or dispose of any batteries. More and more hearing aids can also be connected wirelessly to smart devices such as cell phones, music players, computers, and TVs.

Here you can learn more about the science behind hearing and hearing loss.

Benefits of hearing aids

A hearing aid helps you hear soft sounds as well as speech in conversations, which will most likely help you feel more confident and comfortable. A hearing aid can help you:

• Connect with people:
  A hearing aid can improve your ability to hear and understand speech. It adapts seamlessly to the environment you are in, making speech clearer in loud environments and reducing noises. It lets you engage with people and the world around you so that you and your loved ones can stay connected. 

• Connect to the world:
  A hearing aid helps you listen to the sounds of the world, even soft ones, and life around you. It also helps to take advantage of the technology around you. It allows you to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices helping you listen to your favorite piece of music or a television program.

• Connect with yourself:
  Better hearing can give you an opportunity to maintain and enjoy better mental and emotional health. Hearing aids can help you feel more confident and enjoy life with increased hearing capabilities.