Technology Last update on Mar 01nd, 2026

How do hearing aids work?

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices designed to improve hearing by making sounds louder and clearer. They help people with hearing loss to communicate more effectively and enjoy everyday sounds.

How does a hearing aid work?

A hearing aid consists of a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. The microphone picks up sounds, the amplifier increases their volume, and the speaker delivers them into the ear. Modern hearing aids are digital, meaning they can process sounds differently depending on the environment.

Ready to get the best from your hearing aids?

Book your personalised hearing aid adjustment or fitting appointment with one of our expert audiologists today and experience clearer, more comfortable hearing all day long.

Book now and enjoy expert support every step of the way!

Book an appointment

What do hearing aids do?

Explain benefits:

Hearing aids do more than just make sounds louder. They can:

Improve speech clarity
Reduce background noise
Help maintain balance and spatial awareness
Connect to smartphones or other devices via Bluetooth

What does a hearing aid look like?

Hearing aids are made up of several components that can help improve a person's hearing. What do hearing aids look like in detail? Each device consists of microphones, a computer chip, an amplifier, a receiver and a battery. The microphone detects sound and turns it into a signal, the amplifier increases the volume and the receiver reproduces the sound by sending it to the ear.

Microphone

The hearing aid microphone is the component that receives sound. Hearing devices with a wireless microphone are therefore able to convert the detected sound into a digital signal.

Amplifier

Hearing aid amplifiers are the essential component that amplifies the vibrations of sound by increasing its volume, thus sending it to the receiver.

Speaker

The speaker in hearing aids is the element that receives amplified sounds and transmits them to the ear.

Audiologist in blue shirt talking with an elderly couple in an Amplifon store.

Discover Our Range of Hearing Aids

Explore the latest technology and find the perfect hearing solution for you.

Explore now

Different types of hearing aids

How Does a BTE Hearing Aid Work?

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind the ear and are connected to an earpiece. They are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss and offer powerful amplification.

How Does a BAHA Hearing Aid Work?

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) bypass the outer and middle ear and transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the skull bone.

How Does a CROS Hearing Aid Work?

CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aids are used when hearing is poor in one ear. Sounds from the weaker ear are transmitted to the better ear.

How Does a Bluetooth Hearing Aid Work?

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect wirelessly to phones, TVs, or computers, allowing you to stream calls and media directly to your ears.

How Does a Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Work?

Bone conduction hearing aids transmit sound through the skull bones, bypassing the eardrum. Ideal for people with outer or middle ear problems.

How Does AI Work in Hearing Aids?

Artificial intelligence (AI) in hearing aids adapts sound processing in real-time. It can reduce background noise, enhance speech, and personalise sound settings automatically.

Hearing aid or cochlear implant?

Compared to a hearing aid, which is removable at any time, a cochlear implant is an electronic device that can only be fitted through surgery, inside the cochlea. Its purpose is to directly stimulate the auditory nerve so that sounds can be perceived. It is recommended when hearing aids are no longer sufficient.

How different types of hearing aids work?

Hearing aids vary in price, size, technology, placement, and visibility, making it important to choose the right type for your hearing needs. The three most common types of hearing aids include:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids – These sit comfortably behind the ear and use a clear tube to connect the device to an earpiece that sits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are ideal for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss, offering powerful amplification and durability.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids – Custom-made to fit the exact shape and size of the ear canal, ITE hearing aids are discreet and virtually invisible. They are best suited for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a natural listening experience.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids – A modern option where the receiver sits inside the ear canal while the main body rests behind the ear, combining discretion with high-quality sound performance.

Choosing the right hearing aid type ensures optimal comfort, sound clarity, and effective management of hearing loss.

Customised hearing aids

Hearing aids are customized to each person's specific hearing impairment and fits seamlessly with any lifestyle, amplifying only what the person needs to hear best. Therefore, a hearing care professional should always be consulted to agree on the correct type and custom fit hearing aids.

Fitting and adjustment of hearing aids

Wearing hearing aids for the first time can be quite tedious for some people. The fitting and adjustment of hearing aids require the intervention of a professional: the audiologist, an expert whom the proper functioning of the devices depends on. When the question of how to adjust hearing aids arises, the hearing care professional is the correct person to turn to.

Conclusion on "How Hearing Aids Work"

Hearing aids are advanced devices that do much more than amplify sound—they improve communication, connect to modern technology, and adapt to different listening environments. Choosing the right type depends on your hearing needs and lifestyle.