All hearing aids have the same main components. A behind-the-ear hearing aid is made up of the following parts:
- A microphone picks up sounds and converts them into electrical signals
- An amplifier increases the volume of the microphone signals
- A loudspeaker converts electrical signals into acoustic signals
- A speech processor adjusts the signals to your individual hearing needs and filters out irrelevant sounds
- A volume control with buttons on the hearing aid
- An ear hook connects the hearing aid and the sound tube
- The audio input picks up signals from other external devices (audio shoe required)
- A disposable or rechargeable battery: disposable batteries need to be changed regularly; rechargeable batteries mean you need to charge your hearing aids regularly. They’ll last for up to 24 hours with one charge.