The first types of electric hearing aids were invented in the early 1950s and were based on transistor technology made available by Bell Telephone Laboratories. They were exceedingly large in size, yet simplistic in function. Since that time, hearing aids have become increasingly smaller and much more sophisticated in design.

Today's hearing aids can typically be divided into two groups - digital and analog. However, the majority of hearing aid manufacturing at this time is directed toward the development of digital hearing aid technology. Digital hearing aids consist of the following components: shell/housing, microphone(s), central processing unit (CPU) or digital signal processing chip (DSP), amplifier, and receiver/speaker. In a nutshell, hearing aids are designed to receive sound energy from the environment through the microphone(s), process the input using the central processing unit, and then amplify the sound utilizing the receiver. Hearing aids are typically powered by a battery of varying sizes that last between 5-20 days, but recent developments have incorporated rechargeable battery systems as well.

Hearing aids are designed to assimilate a hearing loss by introducing sound where it is missing. The area of hearing loss is commonly referred to as a Sound Void or a gap in hearing caused by the absence of sound clarity. Once the Sound Void is determined, the hearing aid can then be programmed to the wearer's needs, thus improving their ability to hear. Digital hearing aids typically focus on amplifying soft sounds such as speech. This provides the wearer with improved hearing, but also comfortable hearing by controlling the loudness of the hearing aids. Other recent advances, such as automatic directional adaptive microphones and noise reduction, have dramatically improved speech recognition in congested or noisy listening environments. No matter what the need, there is typically a technology that can improve any patient's hearing deficit.

Most hearing aids are programmable, which means that they can be both initially fit and adjusted via a computer. First, a hearing care professional must establish the type of instrument needed by performing a comprehensive audiometric evaluation (hearing test). Since there are literally thousands of styles and levels of technology, it is best to have the hearing healthcare professional help select the most suitable instruments based on audiometric results and lifestyle. Once this is established, the data from the audiometric evaluation is used during the fitting process. Purchasing hearing aids that are programmable will assist with the fitting process and acclimating to the presence of the new sound. It also gives the hearing care professional the ability to re-fit hearing aids if the patient demonstrates a significant change in hearing.

Of course, the level of success a patient achieves with their hearing aids is heavily dependent upon the professional who performs the fitting. In other words, the experience and knowledge of the audiologist or hearing specialist that helps each patient select and use their hearing aids will be directly related to the amount of hearing improvement each patient receives. It is also helpful if a defined follow-up plan is adhered to. This involves both adjustments to the hearing aids and deep/comprehensive cleaning on regular intervals. Regular adjustments and cleanings insure that each patient will receive the maximum benefit from their hearing devices. If yourself or a loved suspects they have a hearing loss, don't wait, contact your local hearing care provider immediately!