Hearing aids can help improve hearing and speech for people with hearing loss. Hearing aids are electronic, battery-operated devices that make sounds louder. A microphone receives the sound as sound waves. The sound waves are then changed into electrical signals.

Hearing aids are very helpful if you have hearing loss in the inner ear due to damaged hair cells or a damaged hearing nerve (called sensorineural hearing loss). This type of hearing loss can be caused by:

• A virus or bacteria
• Noise
• Injury
• Infection
• Aging
• Certain medicines
• Birth defects
• Tumors
• Problems with blood circulation or high blood pressure
• Stroke

The type of hearing aid recommended for you depends on your home and work activities, physical ability, health condition, and personal preference. There are 4 basic types of hearing aids. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information on each of these types:

Anyone who has hearing loss that may be improved with hearing aids can benefit from these devices. The type of hearing aid recommended may depend on several factors, including:

• The shape of the outer ear (abnormally formed ears may not accommodate behind-the-ear hearing aids)

• Depth or length of the ear canal (ears that are too shallow may not accommodate in-the-ear hearing aids)

• The type and severity of hearing loss

• Your ability to remove and insert hearing aids

• The amount of wax buildup in the ear (too much wax or moisture may prevent use of in-the-ear hearing aids)

• Ears that require drainage may not be able to use certain hearing aid models

Once the hearing aids have been fitted for your ears, start slowly wearing the hearing aid. Hearing aids don't restore normal hearing. So it may take time to get used to the different sounds transmitted by the device. Follow these tips when first wearing a hearing aid:

• Be patient. Give yourself time to get used to the hearing aid and the sound it makes.

• Start using it in quiet places. Slowly build up to noisier places.

• Experiment with where and when the hearing aid works best for you.

• Keep a list of any questions and concerns you have. Bring those to your follow-up exam.

Hearing aids need to be kept dry. Cleaning methods vary depending on the style and shape. Other tips for taking care of hearing aids include:

• Keep the hearing aids away from heat and moisture.

• Store batteries in a safe place. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

• Replace batteries on a regular basis.

• Don't use hairspray and other hair products when the hearing aid is in place.

• Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use. 

You will need a medical exam before you can buy a hearing aid. You can buy hearing aids from a specialist. This may be an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). Or it may be a specialist who can evaluate and manage hearing and balance problems (audiologist). You can also buy one from an independent company. Styles and prices vary. Ask these questions when buying hearing aids:

• Can my hearing loss be improved with medical or surgical interventions?

• Which design will work best for my type of hearing loss?

• May I test the hearing aids for a certain time?

• How much do hearing aids cost?

• Do the hearing aids have a warranty? Does it cover maintenance and repairs?

• Can my audiologist or otolaryngologist make adjustments and repairs?

• Can any other assistive technology devices be used with the hearing aids?