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.