Hearing Aids work by finding and intensifying sounds
. This intensification of sound makes it possible for the person to hear sounds that they would not normally be detectable to the wearer. This type of device would normally be fitted behind the person's ear or within their ear.
These aids are composed of one or more microphones that gather sound and converts it into electrical impulses. It contains an amplifier which increases the strength of these impulses. There is a receiver which transforms the impulses into sound waves and then redirects that into the ear of the person. For most models a battery is required as an energy source.
The choice of hearing device will depend on the nature as well as the extent of the hearing loss. It will also depend upon the shape and the size of the outer ear and ear canal. There are many different types of devices to choose from.
You can obtain behind the ear devices. These devices sit behind your ear and will be connected by tubing to the ear mold within your ear. These are said to be very durable. They produce quite a lot of power and they are suitable for all people with all levels of hearing loss. In the ear, aids or tubes connected to devices will be placed inside the wearer's ear. People who suffer only moderate loss of hearing will use these. This type may not be suitable for people who have very small ears.
In the canal (ITC) and completely in the canal (CIC) types are worn differently, but result in the same quality of sound amplification. The canal version is generally larger than the in the canal type. Completely in the canal aids are very small and are practically invisible.
One can also use body worn hearing aids which consist of a box that the wearer wears externally. An earpiece is then attached to the box via a wire. Some wearers prefer these as their ear canals are not blocked.