Hearing aids are complex devices made up of multiple parts, which can differ depending on the style of hearing aid. While most devices feature similar components, each part plays a crucial role in helping you hear the world around you more clearly, crisply, and effectively.

At some point, you may have wondered what the various hearing aid parts are and what purposes they serve. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of hearing aid parts and their functions across the most popular hearing aid styles.

Hearing aid parts

All hearing aids have three main components that serve as the foundation of the device: the microphone, the amplifier, and the power source. It’s important to note that when we talk about “amplifiers” here, we are referring to the part of the hearing aid that is responsible for enhancing the audio signals the microphone receives. The “amplifier” is where the external sound is processed.

Depending on the style of the hearing aid—behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE)—the components will differ slightly. The main difference between these two styles is that BTE devices use a wire or tube to transmit the processed audio signal into your ear canal, while the main body of the BTE device sits behind the ear. In contrast, the body of the ITE device is housed directly within the ear canal.

Internal hearing aid parts

The hearing aid parts we will look at below are housed within the body of the hearing aid, whether it's a BTE or ITE device.

• Microphone
  The microphone is a critical part of the hearing aid. It picks up the sounds around you and sends them to the amplifier for processing. Thanks to advancements in hearing aid technology, some microphones—like those in Go Hearing’s devices—are able to distinguish between background noise and speech, which provides a superior hearing experience. This enhanced microphone allows wearers to follow conversations more easily, especially in noisy environments, particularly when paired with noise suppression features.

• Amplifier
  The amplifier is responsible for processing the audio sent by the microphone, converting it into electrical signals that are sent to the receiver (also known as the speaker) of the hearing aid. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, the power of the amplifier will vary, with more severe hearing loss requiring more amplification.
  If you’re unsure whether you have hearing loss or want to determine its severity, you can take this free online hearing screener.

• Power source
  Since hearing aids are electronic devices, they require a power source to operate. Most hearing aids are powered by batteries, which vary in size depending on the hearing aid model, its power requirements, and whether it is rechargeable.
  The most common batteries for hearing aids that use replaceable batteries are 312 zinc-air batteries. Replaceable batteries are convenient because when they die, you simply replace them and continue using the device. Rechargeable hearing aids typically use built-in lithium-ion batteries that require a compatible charging system. The main benefit of rechargeable batteries is that you never have to worry about carrying or replacing batteries. As long as you have the charging case with you, you’re good to go!

External hearing aid parts

These are the parts you’ll find on the outside of the hearing aid, and some are only applicable to either BTE or ITE devices.

• Button/switch
  Most hearing aids, especially BTE devices, will have a button or switch on the body. These buttons can be programmed to serve various functions, including volume control or program settings. They may even serve dual purposes, depending on whether you single press or hold the button for a set amount of time.

• Receiver/speaker
  Once the amplifier processes the sound, it is sent to the receiver (or speaker), which transmits the sound into your ear. This part usually sits within the dome or earmold that fits inside your ear canal, though it may sometimes be placed just outside the body of the hearing aid.

• Domes
  For hearing aids designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss (like Go Hearing devices), the end of the hearing aid that’s inserted into the ear will be fitted with a dome. There are two main types of domes: open and closed. Open domes allow more airflow through the ear, providing a more natural hearing experience. Closed domes typically seal the ear canal, which can be helpful for those who struggle to hear in noisy environments. Domes are typically made from silicone for comfort, and their primary purpose is to ensure the hearing aid stays firmly and comfortably in your ear to deliver the processed sounds. Domes come in various sizes to accommodate different ear canals.

In summary

The parts of a hearing aid can vary depending on the type of device and your individual lifestyle and hearing needs. However, the essential components necessary for any hearing aid—whether large or small—remain the same. Understanding these parts and how they work together can help you appreciate the role they play in improving your hearing experience.