Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. These devices help people with hearing loss improve hearing and speech comprehension so they can participate more fully in daily life.
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you place in or behind your ear. Hearing aids amplify sounds so that people with hearing loss can improve their hearing and speech comprehension.
There are many different types of hearing aids available today, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Your healthcare provider can help you find a solution that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Hearing aids contain different components that work together to amplify sound.
The three basic hearing aid parts include:
Sounds goes in through the microphone. Then, the microphone converts the sound waves to electrical signals before sending them to the amplifier. Finally, the amplifier sends the sounds to your ear through a tiny speaker.
Hearing aids are battery-powered. Some run on traditional (disposable) hearing aid batteries. But most of today’s hearing aids have a built-in rechargeable battery. In other words, you can charge your hearing aids just like you charge a smartphone.
Hearing aids work best for people with sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is a result of damage to your inner ear or auditory nerve (the nerve that connects your ear to your brain). Causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
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Generally, audiologists perform hearing aid exams. Your primary care physician (PCP) or otolaryngologist (ENT) can refer you, but some audiologists will see you without a referral.
First, a hearing care specialist will need to perform a hearing test. This test helps determine if you have hearing loss and whether you could benefit from hearing aids.
If you’re a candidate for hearing aids, a hearing care specialist will perform a custom hearing aid fitting. They’ll help you find the right hearing aid for your needs and ensure a comfortable fit.
You can purchase prescription hearing aids at any hearing or audiology clinic. In the United States, you can buy over-the-counter hearing aids without an exam, prescription or professional fitting, thanks to an FDA ruling in August 2022.
People with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss may benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids. These hearing aid devices amplify sound — but they’re not customizable. (Think about the difference between prescription eyeglasses and “readers” you can buy at the pharmacy. Prescription devices are more customizable, and therefore typically more effective.) Over-the-counter hearing aids are more affordable than prescription hearing aids, but they’re not right for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more.
Prescription hearing aid devices are fully customizable based on your unique hearing needs. Many people with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss can benefit from prescription hearing aids. To get a custom hearing aid, you’ll need an exam, prescription and professional hearing aid fitting. Since prescription hearing aids are fully customizable, you’ll need to see your audiologist at least once a year for adjustments and recalibration. This ensures that your hearing aid works as effectively as possible.
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Wearing hearing aids offers many advantages for people with hearing loss.
Hearing aids can:
Hearing aids can improve your hearing, but they’re not a cure for hearing loss. In other words, wearing a hearing aid won’t restore your hearing back to normal. But it can amplify sounds in your environment and maximize your hearing potential.
Here are some drawbacks to using hearing aids:
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Taking care of your hearing aids helps keep them in good condition. Your healthcare provider can give you specific recommendations. Here are some general guidelines:
An additional benefit of modern hearing aids is that your audiologist can adjust your device settings if your hearing changes. (In other words, you probably won’t have to buy a new device. You can just update your existing one.) Most people can use the same hearing aid device for six to seven years.
Ask your healthcare provider about hearing aids if you:
Hearing aids, cochlear implants and bone-anchored auditory implants all help people with hearing loss. But these devices all work in different ways:
A hearing care specialist can advise you on which device is best for you.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hearing loss can have a significant negative impact on your personal relationships and quality of life. A hearing aid amplifies sound so you can hear things in your environment more clearly. There are many different styles and types of hearing aids available today. You can purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid or an audiologist can fit you with the prescription device that’s best for your needs and preferences.
Last reviewed on 02/21/2023.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy