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 hearing aids use digital technology. They are programmed for your needs using a computer. Very few hearing aids use analog technology.

Also, external hearing aids come in different styles. Some are very small. The smallest ones can fit completely in your ear canal or 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 your needs.

If you think you have a hearing problem and are thinking about getting hearing aids, look for an ear, nose, and throat doctor (an otolaryngologist or otologist). He or she can check for other problems and find out the cause of your hearing loss. The doctor can also recommend possible treatments.

If the doctor finds that hearing aids would help, ask him or her to refer you to an audiologist. This specialist can help you choose the type of hearing aid that will work best for you. He or she can help you learn how to get the most benefit from your hearing aids.

Permanent hearing loss can make you feel lonely or depressed or like you have lost your independence. Hearing aids can often help with these issues.

Hearing aids can help you hear better and feel connected to family, friends, and 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 in the ear).

Wearing hearing aids also shows courtesy to others, because you don't have to keep asking them to repeat what they just said. You can again enjoy talking with your family without extra effort.

It may take from several weeks to months for you to get used to your hearing aids. You may find that:

• Sounds seem strange. It's good to remember that hearing aids will not make you hear like you used to. And nothing will ever sound completely normal. If noises are so strange or shrill that they are distracting you, tell your hearing aid provider before you leave his or her office.
• 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 it should not be painful. Before you leave the hearing aid provider's office with your new hearing aids, make sure they fit. Your hearing aids should not hurt your ear or be loose in your ear.
• Sometimes your hearing aids will make a buzzing noise when you use a cell phone. This noise can be annoying, and it can make it hard to hear the person on the phone. If you use a cell phone, make sure your hearing aid provider knows. He or she can suggest hearing aids that work better with cell phones. And when you buy a new cell phone, buy 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 are 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. The more you wear it, especially at the beginning, the faster you will get used to it.

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.