What Are the Parts of a Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids are miniature electronic devices that run up to 16 hours a day in hot, humid, oily, waxy ears, constantly processing sounds to make speech clearer.
Different parts of the hearing aid combine forces to help people hear well.

Microphone

• The microphone converts acoustic sound energy into electrical energy. Some hearing aids use two microphones to help separate background noise.

Processor

• The processor digitizes the acoustic sound, then separates background noise from speech. Both are processed to make speech clearer and to reduce the interference of background noise.

Amplifier

• The amplifier boosts the processed signal according to the pattern and severity of your hearing loss, as well as the amount of background noise.

Speaker

• The speaker converts the electrical signal back into acoustic sound and directs the sound into your ear canal. Some models have the speaker placed in your ear canal. Some use a tube that connects the speaker to plug or custom ear mold. Others have the components housed in a custom-fitting shell.

Battery compartment

• The battery powers the electronic components. The battery compartment is used to turn the hearing aid on and off.

Optional controls

• Some models have a volume control to regulate the volume. Others have a program control, enabling you to change the processing for different listening situations, such as high background noise or music. These controls are available on the hearing aids or on a remote control.