Hearing Aids Functions

Hearing aids are fundamental in helping those with mild to profound hearing loss to hear the sound coming from their surroundings. Without these hearing appliances, the person is unable to interact with others, which can have a powerful impact on their personal and working relationships.

How do hearing aids function?

Hearing aids function by gathering sound from the environment, sending the sound waves into the ear canal and through the auditory system. The sound waves are converted into electrical impulses to the brain where the impulses are interpreted into sound. Hearing aids function in the following manner:

The Microphone: All hearing aids possess a microphone that picks up the sound from the environment and delivers it to the ear canal.

The Amplifier: The amplifier receives the sound from the microphone and makes the sound louder.

The Speaker (receiver): The speaker takes the sound then delivers it to the ear canal to vibrate on the eardrum, which vibrates the tiny bones in the middle ear. The sound is then sent to the auditory nerve where the tiny hairs in the cochlea send electrical impulses to the brain for interpretation into sound.

The hearing aid batteries are what powers the hearing aid that makes everything work. The batteries must be changed to keep the hearing aid working properly.

Hearing aids come in different styles and sizes, and are chosen in accordance to the type of hearing loss, location and degree of hearing loss, as well as whether the aid is for an adult or a child. Children require several fittings during the growth cycle, as the size will be changing. Adults may need several visits for hearing adjustments to the aid for optimal hearing ability.

Hearing Aid Batteries: Zinc-air and Mercury

The most commonly used battery type is the zinc-air type. It is longer lasting and is activated by removing the tape that covers the two holes, allowing the air to mix with the zinc inside of the battery. Replacing the tape that covers the holes will not deactivate the battery, however.

How to know the right kind of hearing aid for you:

The correct hearing aid is determined by the audiologist, who after performing a thorough hearing test will know the type of hearing loss you have, the location and degree of hearing loss. In addition to this, other reasons for hearing loss must be ruled out, such as a brain tumor or malformed ear canal.

When your audiologist has diagnosed your hearing deficit, ear molds are made that are then made into hearing aids. You will be properly fitted and adjustments to your hearing aid are made specific to your needs. One or more visits may be required to give you the best hearing possible.

After all the dust has settled, you will then embark on the path to getting used to wearing your hearing aid. Some initial discomfort may be present while getting accustomed to them, but this generally will go away. So, you must have patience in finding your comfort zone.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT