What are hearing aids?

 

About 15% of American adults report at least some trouble hearing, according to survey data from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). For these millions of Americans living with hearing loss, hearing aids are they most commonly recommended treatment.

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic medical devices worn on or in the ears. They amplify sound in a person's environment to help them hear better. Hearing aids are typically programmed and monitored by a hearing care provider who has training and expertise in hearing loss and hearing aids. A hearing are provider can help you determine if hearing aids are a good fit for you.

Hearing aids are usually recommended for people who have a type of hearing loss known as "sensorineural," meaning that some of the tiny hair cells of the inner ear are damaged. The surviving healthy hair cells pick up the sound delivered by the hearing aid and send them as neural signals to the brain via the auditory nerve.

The parts of a hearing aid

All hearing aids contain microphones to detect sound in a person's environment. A tiny computer processor inside the device then analyzes the sounds and amplifies them according to a person's unique pattern of hearing loss. These sounds are delivered to the ear via a speaker that sits in the ear canal.

More: Understanding the parts of a hearing aid

What types of hearing aids are there? 

Hearing aids can be classified into two main groups: in-the-ear (ITE) styles and behind-the-ear (BTE) styles.

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and sizes, each designed to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Smaller styles, like completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices, offer subtlety, while larger models may provide more power and additional features.

Your hearing care professional will be a vital asset in helping you pick the best style for you. In the meantime, our comprehensive guide to hearing aid types and styles can give you a more detailed picture of what options might work best for you.

Standard hearing aids vs. power hearing aids

For people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, standard hearing aids work best.

"Power" models are often used for people who have severe-to-profound hearing loss as the technology can provide more power to treat a severe hearing loss.

Do I need hearing aids?

Hearing aids are typically recommended if your hearing test results show hearing loss on an audiogram. However, because signs of hearing loss can often be subtle it first, it can be hard to know when to get your hearing checked. Some early symptoms can include:

• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
• Constantly feeling like others are mumbling
• Trouble following phone conversations
• Regularly asking people to repeat themselves
• Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio higher than you used to
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds

Anyone who suspects they have hearing loss should find a local hearing provider and schedule a test to determine both the cause and severity of any hearing issues that might be present and find the right treatment options.

Where do I get hearing aids?

Prescription hearing aids are medical devices available at hearing and audiology clinics across the U.S., as well as online. Our extensive directory of consumer-reviewed hearing centers can help you find a local clinic.

What about over-the-counter hearing aids?

In 2022 the FDA approved OTC hearing aids for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. You can purchase them at big box stores, online retailers or buy them directly from consumers. However, it's important to be aware that OTC devices are not intended for children or people with more severe types of hearing loss. 

More: All about: Over-the-counter hearing aids

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing prices can vary depending largely on the sophistication of the technology. According to a reader survey done by Hearing Tracker, the average cost of hearing aids in 2025 is $4,672, however it can range from $1,000-$8,000. 

More: Hearing aid prices

Will insurance cover my hearing aids?

It depends. Most adults pay out-of-pocket for hearing aids, as they're usually not covered by insurance, though it's worth checking with your provider for possible discounts. For children, insurance is more likely to help—check with your provider for coverage options.

You may also consider financing through your hearing care professional, using CareCredit, or seeking assistance from charitable organizations or family. Programs like AARP's hearing care program and VA benefits may also help with costs.

Medicare typically doesn't cover hearing aids, but it may cover some hearing tests. Medicare Advantage plans might offer partial coverage or discounted rates through third parties.

More: Insurance and financial assistance for hearing aids

Hearing aid technology

Hearing aid technology has made leaps and bounds with modern devices being able to do so much more than their older counterparts. 

Popular hearing technology includes:

• Telecoil which improves hearing in public settings
• Wireless technology like Bluetooth that allows you to stream audio directly from various devices
• Noise reduction
• Rechargeable batteries 

More and more hearing aids are also using AI technology which have the ability to, among other things:

• Make adjustments automatically based on your environment and the amount of background noise
• Focus on speech while tuning out distracting sounds
• Learn your preferences over time to enhance your listening experience

Many manufacturers now also make accompanying hearing aid apps that give users added control over their devices. 

Hearing aid fitting

Once your hearing healthcare professional recommends hearing aids for you, a number of factors will be considered when selecting and fitting a device.

The best fit for you will depend not only on the severity and type of hearing loss you have but also your budget, cosmetic preferences, career demands and other concerns. 

Because hearing aids are personalized, not every brand, style or technology level of hearing aid is suited for everyone. Even two people with the same hearing loss may end up with different hearing aids based on other selection criteria. It’s best to talk to your hearing healthcare provider about what options and features are ideal for you.

Will I hear better right away?

Yes, but your new hearing aids may take some time to get used to. Hearing healthcare professionals will perform an initial fitting where they fine-tune features and adjust levels to ensure you are getting the most benefit from the devices.

It is important to note there is an adjustment period when wearing new devices, and it takes time to get used to new hearing aids, even if you’ve worn some type of hearing aid for many years. Be patient with yourself and communicate with your provider about any issues you are having.

Related: Why do my hearing aids sound tinny?

Additional FAQs

How long do hearing aids last?

The lifespan of hearing aids can vary, but averages anywhere between 3-7 years.

Do you have to clean hearing aids?

Yes, daily cleanings in addition to regular maintenance visits to your hearing professional will keep your hearing aids working their best for longer. You should be provided with care instructions during your fitting, but you can also check out our page dedicated to hearing aid cleaning for more tips.

Are hearing aids safe?

Yes. Your hearing healthcare professional will set your devices to a volume that is safe and appropriate for your hearing loss. Hearing aid manufacturers must seek FDA approval for their prescription products before they can sell them to users. This greatly reduces the risk of hearing aids carrying any safety risks, such as being too loud or emitting dangerous frequencies.

Why are my hearing aids whistling? 

Hearing aids can whistle, or cause feedback, when there is a poor seal between the ear and the device. This allows sound to escape and re-enter the microphone, causing the annoying noise. Feedback can happen if the hearing aid is positioned incorrectly, has earwax buildup, of it the volume settings are too high.

If your hearing aids are whistling, contact your provider or check out our article for some common feedback troubleshooting options.

Can I exercise with hearing aids?

Yes. You can (and should) exercise while wearing hearing aids. Just make sure to wipe them off afterwards to avoid sweat build up from causing problems with your device.

Do I sleep with hearing aids?

No. It's important to take your hearing aids out while you sleep and store them in a cool dry place.

Will I have to wear hearing aids forever?

Most hearing loss is permanent and progressive, which means that you will need to wear your hearing aids consistently for the best possible outcome. Your hearing needs can change over time, so it's important to have regular check-ups with your audiologist to make sure your hearing aids are providing the best care for you.

More: Frequently asked questions about new hearing aids

^{This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Sarow. She obtained her Doctor of Audiology degree at the University of Iowa. She spent her 4th year residency at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to her full time work as clinical audiologist, she enjoys writing on hearing health and wellness.}