A hearing aid or deaf aid is a device designed to improve hearing.

Hearing aids are classified as medical devices in most countries, and

regulated by the respective regulations. Small audio amplifiers such
as PSAPs or other plain sound reinforcing systems cannot be sold as
"hearing aids".
Earlier devices, such as ear trumpets or ear horns,[1][2] were passive
amplification cones designed to gather sound energy and direct it into
the ear canal. Modern devices are computerised electroacoustic
systems that transform environmental sound to make it more
intelligible or comfortable, according to audiometrical and cognitive
rules. Such sound processing can be considerable, such as
highlighting a spatial region, shifting frequencies, cancelling noise
and wind, or highlighting voice.
Modern hearing aids require configuration to match the hearing loss,
physical features, and lifestyle of the wearer. This process is called
"fitting" and is performed by audiologists. The amount of benefit a
hearing aid delivers depends in large part on the quality of its fitting.
Devices similar to hearing aids include the bone anchored hearing
aid, and cochlear implant.

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Uses[edit]
Hearing aids are incapable of truly correcting a hearing loss; they are
an aid to make sounds more accessible. Two primary issues
minimize the effectiveness of hearing aids:
When the primary auditory cortex does not receive regular
 stimulation, this part of the brain loses cells which process
sound.[citation needed] Cell loss increases as the degree of hearing
loss increases.[citation needed]
Damage to the hair cells of the inner ear results in sensorineural
hearing loss, which affects the ability to discriminate between
sounds. This often manifests as a decreased ability to
understand speech, and simply amplifying speech (as a hearing
aid does) is often insufficient to improve speech
perception.[why?][citation needed]
Adjustment[edit]
Hearing aids are incapable of truly correcting a hearing loss; they are
an aid to make sounds more accessible. Three primary issues
minimize the effectiveness of hearing aids:
The occlusion effect is a common complaint, especially for new
users. Though if the aids are worn regularly, most people will
become acclimated after a few weeks. If the effect persists, an
audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist can sometimes
further tune the hearing aid(s).
The compression effect: The amplification needed to make quiet
sounds audible, if applied to loud sounds would damage the
inner ear (cochlea). Louder sounds are therefore reduced
giving a smaller audible volume range and hence inherent
distortion. Hearing protection is also provided by an overall cap
to the sound pressure. Also of protective value is impulse noise
suppression, available in some high-end aids.[citation needed]
The initial fitting appointment is rarely sufficient, and multiple follow-
up visits are often necessary. Most audiologists or Hearing
Instrument Specialists will recommend an up-to-date audiogram
at the time of purchase and at subsequent fittings.[citation needed]
Evaluation[edit]
There are several ways of evaluating how well a hearing aid
compensates for hearing loss. One approach is audiometry which
measures a subject's hearing levels in laboratory conditions. The
threshold of audibility for various sounds and intensities is measured
in a variety of conditions. Although audiometric tests may attempt to
mimic real-world conditions, the patient's own every day experiences
may differ. An alternative approach is self-report assessment, where
the patient reports their experience with the hearing aid.[3][4]
Hearing aid outcome can be represented by three dimensions:[5]
1 hearing aid usage
2 aided speech recognition
3 benefit/satisfaction
The most reliable method for assessing the correct adjustment of a
hearing aid is through real ear measurement.[6] Real ear
measurements (or probe microphone measurements) are an
assessment of the characteristics of hearing aid amplification near
the ear drum using a silicone probe tube microphone.[7]
Types[edit]
There are many types of hearing aids (also known as hearing
instruments), which vary in size, power and circuitry. Among the
different sizes and models are:

Vacuum tube hearing aid, circa 1944
Transistor body-worn hearing aid.
Pair of BTE hearing aids with earmolds.
Receiver-in-the-Canal hearing aids
In-the-Ear Hearing Aid
In-the-canal hearing aid
Completely in the canal hearing aids
Woman wearing a bone anchored hearing aid
Body worn aids[edit]
This was the first type of hearing aid invented by Harvey Fletcher
while working at Bell Laboratories.[8] Body aids consist of a case and
an earmold, attached by a wire. The case contains the electronic
amplifier components, controls and battery while the earmold typically
contains a miniature loudspeaker. The case is typically about the size
of a pack of playing cards and is carried in a pocket or on a belt.[9]
Without the size constraints of smaller hearing devices, body worn
aid designs can provide large amplification and long battery life at a
lower cost. Body aids are still marketed in emerging markets because
of their lower cost.[9]