A hearing aid is a small electronic device placed in the ear that helps amplify your hearing when you have hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), only one out of five people in the United States who benefit from a hearing aid uses one.
Components
The NIDCD states that a hearing aid is composed of a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. Sounds from the microphone are converted to electrical wave signals and sent to the amplifier. The amplifier then magnifies the sound and sends it to the speaker.
Styles
The Mayo Clinic states that many styles of hearing aids exist. They can be placed in the ear canal, behind the ear or directly in the ear. You can choose the style based on its visibility.
Types of Electronics
According to NIDCD, hearing aids can be analog or digital. Analog hearing aids convert sound waves to electrical signals and these signals are then sent to the amplifier. Digital hearing aids convert sound waves into numbers before it is amplified.
Considerations
Hearing aids will not return your hearing to normal, according to the Mayo Clinic. It will just improve and amplify your hearing. Also, it may take weeks or months to become accustomed to the hearing aid.
Storage
Store hearing aids in a safe place far from moisture and heat, according to NIDCD. Turn off your hearing aids and replace your batteries when necessary.
