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How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids amplify and process sounds

A hearing aid is a technological device that helps people live a higher quality life through better hearing and understanding.

Miracle-Ear hearing aids are specially created to amplify sounds selectively―helping to minimize background noise and improve the sounds and voices we most want to hear. The hearing aids are constantly processing all sound to minimize distractions and create clearer sounds that are easier to understand.

Dr. Jason Meyer

Dr. Jason Meyer, Au.D.

Audiologist, Regional Training Manager

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Key Takeaways

A hearing aid is a technological device that helps people live a higher quality life through better hearing and understanding.
Miracle-Ear hearing aids amplify sounds selectively and help minimize background noise.
The main components of hearing aids include the microphone, digital chip, amplifier, receiver, battery compartment and rocker switch.
Using this tech, hearing aids will conduct sound detection, amplification and delivery to the ear.
Through programming, every pair of hearing aids can be customized based on the user’s needs and level of hearing loss.
Each Miracle-Ear hearing device comes with software that a certified hearing care professional will use to customize the hearing aid to your specific lifestyle and listening needs.

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Hearing aid parts

To understand how hearing aids work, it is important to understand the different parts of hearing aids. Let’s take a look at the main components of a hearing aid.

Sound enters the hearing aid through an advanced microphone system. Most Miracle-Ear hearing solutions employ directional microphones, which focus on conversations and significantly improve speech understanding in the presence of noise.

The digital chip, also known as “the brain” of a hearing aid, analyzes and converts sound to deliver the optimal high definition digital sound quality. The digital chip utilizes various processes at the same time to create the best listening signal for each user. The goal is to create an audible and comfortable listening environment and minimize unwanted background noise.

The built-in amplifier analyzes and boosts the sound from the digital signal processor. This is where wanted sounds, such as music or a loved one’s voice, are enhanced to provide a more natural listening experience.

The receiver (or speaker) sends the processed and enhanced sound into the ear canal. The adjustable earpiece is fully customizable to fit in the ear canal with complete comfort. Our most popular Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) model is versatile, discreet and can be personalized for your specific needs.

Many hearing aid models are powered by a zinc-air battery or NiMH rechargeable batteries. The battery door acts as an on/off switch for the hearing aid when simply opened or closed.

A lot of today's hearing aids, however, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. This built-in power cell means you don't have to worry about changing batteries in your rechargeable hearing aids.

The rocker or program switch controls a hearing aid’s settings. It can be used in many ways such as adjusting volume, settings, or the focus of the directional microphones. The rocker switch provides control for the user who wants it but the hearing aid can be set up to function on its own with complete automation.

How does a hearing aid actually work?

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How exactly do hearing aids work? Step by step

All the technology inside a hearing aid works together to perform one intended function: to allow you to hear better. Sound detection, amplification and delivery paired with programming customization will ensure a seamless hearing experience. But how do hearing aids work, exactly? Let’s walk through it:

It all starts with sound detection. Say someone calls your name—your hearing aid microphone picks up their voice. If you’re using an analog hearing aid, it will convert the sound waves into electrical signals, while a digital one will convert them into numerical codes using its digital chip.

Signal amplification follows sound detection. After receiving and converting the sound, the hearing aid will adjust, modify and amplify the signal using the signal processor and amplifier. The level of signal amplification needed will depend on your hearing loss.

After going through the processor and amplifier, the sound is transferred to the receiver, which then delivers sound to the ear canal and hair cells in the inner ear. Those hair cells detect the now amplified sound and send the signals along to the brain.

Hearing aid programming helps streamline and improve the process. Every person requires some level of customization, as everyone’s hearing loss is different. For example, somebody with severe hearing loss will require more amplification than those with mild.

If you need help adapting your hearing aid programming to your needs, a hearing care professional can assist at your the nearest Miracle-Ear location.

It all starts with sound detection. Say someone calls your name—your hearing aid microphone picks up their voice. If you’re using an analog hearing aid, it will convert the sound waves into electrical signals, while a digital one will convert them into numerical codes using its digital chip.

Signal amplification follows sound detection. After receiving and converting the sound, the hearing aid will adjust, modify and amplify the signal using the signal processor and amplifier. The level of signal amplification needed will depend on your hearing loss.

After going through the processor and amplifier, the sound is transferred to the receiver, which then delivers sound to the ear canal and hair cells in the inner ear. Those hair cells detect the now amplified sound and send the signals along to the brain.

Hearing aid programming helps streamline and improve the process. Every person requires some level of customization, as everyone’s hearing loss is different. For example, somebody with severe hearing loss will require more amplification than those with mild.

If you need help adapting your hearing aid programming to your needs, a hearing care professional can assist at your the nearest Miracle-Ear location.

High quality hearing aids

At Miracle-Ear, we believe our hearing aids stand out in quality, reliability and warranty.* Each device comes with software that a certified hearing care professional will use to customize the hearing aid to your specific lifestyle and listening needs.

As you begin hearing new tones and sounds, your hearing care professional will pay close attention and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your hearing aids are working perfectly to allow for easier listening.

Understand Hearing Aids - Infographic

Get a better understanding of how your hearing aid works with this simple infographic.

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