What are hearing aids?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that makes sounds easier to hear. It can help people who have hearing loss. It usually includes:

• microphone
• amplifier
• speaker
• battery

How do hearing aids work?

The microphone receives sounds from around you. The amplifier makes the sound signals stronger and sends them to your ear through the speaker.

Your hearing aids will be programmed by an audiologist to match your hearing loss. They will help you hear the sounds you struggle to hear, without making them too loud.

It can take time for your brain to get used to how things sound when using hearing aids. You might need the audiologist to adjust your hearing aids while you are getting used to them.

How do I know if I need hearing aids?

If you think you have hearing loss, ask your doctor to refer you to an audiologist or visit a hearing clinic for a hearing test.

An audiologist will do a full check of your hearing. Based on this, they can tell you if you have hearing loss, and if hearing aids are likely to help you.

It can be hard for you to know if you have hearing loss, because it often starts slowly. You may need a hearing aid if:

• you have trouble hearing clearly, especially in noisy places or group conversations
• you avoid certain situations because of problems with your hearing
• you often need to ask people to repeat what they've said
• you hear ringing in your ears
• hearing loss affects your daily life

What types of hearing aids are there?

There are many types of hearing aids. They are worn in or behind your ear and can vary in:

• size
• appearance
• sound quality
• price
• special features
• how they are placed in your ear

Behind-the-ear hearing aids

These hearing aids sit behind your ear. Some have 2 parts — a sound processor that sits behind your ear and a receiver that goes into your ear canal. Others have only one part that connects to an ear mould or ear tip through a thin tube. Some are bigger, more powerful and can be used by people with severe hearing loss.

In-the-ear hearing aids

These hearing aids sit completely in your ear. They are made to fit the shape of your ear. There are different types, depending on if they sit:

• completely inside your ear canal — these are the smallest
• in your ear canal with a small part in your outer ear
• in your outer ear — these are the biggest and easiest to handle

In-the-ear hearing aids are smaller than behind-the-ear hearing aids. They are more easily damaged by ear wax and regular daily use. The smallest ones may be less powerful and have fewer features than bigger hearing aids.

Implantable devices

There are two main types of implantable hearing devices:

• Cochlear implants help people who have severe hearing loss by sending sound signals directly to the hearing nerve.
• Bone conduction implants send sound through the bones of the skull (head) to the inner ear.

Special features

Hearing aids may also have special features, such as:

• different settings for different environments
• automatic volume settings
• remote and wireless control to adjust settings
• background noise reduction
• rechargeable batteries
• smartphone streaming directly into your hearing aids

How do I choose the type of hearing aid I need?

Your choice may depend on many factors, including:

• your type of hearing loss
• your lifestyle
• the price range you can afford
• the style you like best

Speak to your audiologist to find the right type of hearing aids for you.

Can my baby use hearing aids?

If your baby has hearing loss, hearing aids are important for their hearing and speech development.

You might need to get new ear moulds often as your baby grows. If your baby tries to pull their hearing aids off, try using hats and headbands to keep them in place.

Make sure that your baby can't put the battery or the ear mould into their mouth.

How can I get hearing aids?

Hearing aids may be funded through the Hearing Services Program or the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This depends on your age and eligibility.

If you have private health insurance, check if you are covered for hearing aids. Hearing aids are not funded by Medicare.

Ask your doctor or audiologist for advice on how to get hearing aids.

Tips for using hearing aids

Wear your hearing aid as your audiologist recommends.

It may be helpful to ask your audiologist:

• how to clean your hearing aid
• if your hearing aid can get wet
• how to use the special features on your hearing aid
• when to come back for a new hearing test

Keep batteries away from children as they are dangerous if swallowed.

Resources and support

• Hearing Australia offers resources and support for people living with hearing loss. They also offer an online hearing check.
• Department of Health and Aged Care offers information about hearing devices available under the Hearing Services Program.
• The National Disability Insurance Agency offers information about accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

The Multicultural Health Communication Service offers translated information about hearing loss and your baby in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Hearing Australia offers information about funding options for hearing support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.