Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

How do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids come in different styles and sizes. Some hearing aids are available in a variety of colors and patterns to reflect personal preference. Depending on your hearing loss, you may wear a hearing aid in one or both ears. Some hearing aids fit in your ear canal, some sit in the outer portion of your ear canal, and others rest behind the ear with a tube or wire that connects to a piece that sits in your ear. They also have different features that can improve how well you hear in different situations.

Some features that are useful include:

• a directional microphone to pick up sounds from a specific direction
• a telecoil or acoustic telephone program to help with telephone use
• audio streaming that connects hearing aids wirelessly to your phone, tablet, smart TV, or other devices

What About Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids?

You can buy OTC hearing aids online, at pharmacies, or in stores. OTC hearing aids are not right for everyone.

• OTC options may work for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss—but not with a more severe hearing loss. An audiologist can test your hearing and help you understand your hearing loss.
• OTC hearing aids are NOT designed for children.
• You may need help fitting and adjusting the settings on an OTC device. An audiologist can support you through this process.

See ASHA’s resource on Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids Frequently Asked Questions.

Getting Used to Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids may be a new experience for you. It takes time and patience to adjust. Hearing aids won’t “fix” your hearing, but with regular use, they can help you hear better and improve your communication in different situations.

Your audiologist will:

• help you get used to wearing hearing aids
• explain what to expect
• make any needed changes to improve comfort or sound
• answer your questions
• review aural rehabilitation strategies to help improve your communication and get the most from your hearing aids

You may also benefit from other hearing assistive devices, which your audiologist can show you how to use.

Taking Care of Your Hearing Aids

Keeping your hearing aids in good shape helps them work better and last longer. Your audiologist will teach you how to care for them and check that they’re working as they should.

To keep your hearing aids working properly:

● Change the batteries regularly or charge them if they’re rechargeable.

● Clean your hearing aids gently.

● Keep your hearing aids dry and stored in a safe place (away from children and pets).

● Do regular listening checks as instructed by your audiologist to make sure the hearing aids are working.

You may also get tools to help with cleaning and maintenance, like brushes, drying kits, or wax guards.

Paying for Hearing Aids

Wondering how to cover the cost? There are several funding options that may help.

To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.

Resources

Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement.

• American Academy of Audiology: Children and Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
• Hearing Loss Association of America: Hearing Aids
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): Hearing Aids
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Hearing Aids