Audiological Services

Hearing Aids and How They Work
  - What is a hearing aid

A hearing aid makes sounds louder so that you are able to hear them. It is battery-operated and you usually put it in or around your ear. Hearing aids are available in different shapes, sizes and types. Not all hearing aids work in the same way although the principles are the same.

They all have a built-in microphone that picks up sound which is then processed electronically, either by analogue circuits, or digitally. The resulting 'signals' are then passed to a receiver, or earphone, in the hearing aid where they are converted back into sounds for you to hear.

The type of hearing aid you get will depend on your hearing loss and what you find comfortable.

A hearing aid won't give you perfect hearing. It will make sounds louder and clearer and may help you to hear on the telephone, make conversations easier and, as a result, increase your confidence when talking to other people.

A hearing aid will not make your hearing worse. If you have tinnitus ? hissing, buzzing or other noises in your ears or head ? you may hear it less when you use a hearing aid.

How to get a hearing aid?

The first thing you need to do is get your ears and hearing checked to confirm you have a hearing loss and to see if a hearing aid will help. Your hearing difficulty may need medical investigation and treatment so it is a good idea to see your GP (family doctor) first, even if you are thinking of buying a hearing aid privately.

How much do aids cost?

Hearing aids cost between £700 and 3,000 each. You should insure your hearing aid against loss, theft or damage.

continue to 'Different types of hearing aids'