Hearing aids makes sounds louder. There are many different styles of hearing aids. And you can add special features to your hearing aids. But almost all hearing aids have these parts:

• A microphone, to pick up sound.
• An amplifier, to make the sound louder.
• A speaker, to deliver the sound into the ear.

You can wear hearing aids behind your ear, in your outer ear, in your ear canal, or completely implanted in the ear. The kind of hearing aid you choose depends on many things, including your degree of hearing loss, your doctor or audiologist's advice, and what kind of hearing aid you want.

Most prescription hearing aids are digital and are adjusted by an audiologist using a computer. OTC hearing aids will need to be adjusted by you.

Hearing aids come in different styles. Some are very small and can fit completely in your ear canal. Some may be hidden in a small case behind your ear with a thin, see-through tube running into your ear canal. Larger styles fit in the outer ear. Each style of hearing aid has pros and cons. Work with your hearing aid provider to find the best kind of hearing aid for you.

If your doctor or audiologist suspects or diagnoses hearing loss, they may have you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (an otolaryngologist or otologist). The specialist can check for other problems and help find out the cause of your hearing loss. They can also recommend possible treatments.

If the specialist finds that hearing aids will help, the audiologist can help you decide what type of hearing aid will work best for you. An audiologist can help you learn how to get the most out of your hearing aids.

An over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid may be an option if you're age 18 or older and have mild to moderate hearing loss. Ask your doctor or audiologist about buying from a trusted source.

OTC hearing aids should not be used if you:

• Are under age 18.
• Notice pain or discharge coming out of your ear.
• Feel like you or your surroundings are spinning (vertigo).
• Have ringing or roaring in your ear (tinnitus).
• Have hearing loss that's worse on one side or is only on one side.
• Have sudden hearing loss.
• Have severe hearing loss. You might have this type of hearing loss if you:
  • Can only hear loud speech—even when the area is quiet or when someone is close to you.
  • Have a hard time hearing others when it's noisy.

Hearing aids can help you hear better and feel connected to others. They can also make you safer when you drive or when you work around your home. Hearing aids may help with your job, hobbies, and daily activities such as talking on the phone. Hearing aids often can be programmed to mask tinnitus (a ringing or roaring in the ear).

Wearing hearing aids also means that you don't have to keep asking others to repeat what they just said. You can again enjoy talking with others without extra effort.

Hearing loss may put you at risk for dementia. Some studies show that using hearing aids may help slow cognitive problems.

It takes time for your brain to adjust to the new sounds it's hearing. It may take several weeks to months for you to get used to your hearing aids. You may find that:

• Sounds seem strange. Hearing aids will not make you hear like you used to. If noises are so strange that they are distracting you and keeping your from wearing your hearing aids, tell your hearing aid provider.
• You hear things you haven't heard in a long time. For example, you may hear background noises (rustling papers, clinking silverware) much more clearly.
• You are more aware of sounds close to you. Your footsteps, heartbeat, or car motor may be much more noticeable. With time, your brain will get better at ignoring these sounds.
• Your hearing aids can be uncomfortable. But they should not hurt your ear or feel loose. Make sure your hearing aids fit before you leave the hearing aid provider's office.
• Sometimes your hearing aids will make a buzzing noise when you use a cell phone. This noise can make it hard to hear the person you're talking to. Your hearing aid provider can suggest hearing aids that work better with cell phones. And if you buy a new cell phone, find one that is compatible with hearing aids.

Here are some general tips to help you adjust to your new hearing aids.

• Start by wearing your hearing aids when you're talking to only one person. These are the easiest conversations to hear clearly. Slowly work up to conversations with more than one person.
• Continue to pay attention to people's gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. Your hearing aids won't help you catch every word that is said, especially in a loud place.
• Wear your hearing aids. Start with a few hours a day, and work up to wearing them longer. The more you wear them, especially at the beginning, the faster you'll get used to them.

Your doctor or audiologist may suggest hearing aids if:

• You have a type of hearing loss that can't be helped by other treatment.
• Using hearing aids will improve your quality of life.

If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids might be an option. You can get them without a hearing test or visiting your doctor.