Hearing aids are unique electronic devices that amplify sound, so that the wearer can hear sound at an increased volume.  The goal of the hearing aid is to increase the volume of sound that the wearer would not normally hear.  Because there are a variety of degrees of hearing loss, there are also a large range of hearing aids.

Hearing aids contain several components including one or many microphones.  These microphones gather sounds from different areas of the hearing aid and convert them into electrical pulses.  The amplifier increases the strength of the electrical impulses.  The receiver than transforms the impulses back into sound waves and directs them into the ear.  The battery supplies the energy source need to operate each component.

In addition to these standard components, many hearing aids also include a computer chip that can be programmed.  There are also switches on the hearing aid that allow you to turn it on and off or control the volume.  This allows the wearer to adjust the hearing aid for phone usage, for example.

In addition, some hearing aids include various hearing programs.  The programs allow the wearer to adjust the hearing aid for the listening environment they are in.  For instance, there's a program for personal conversations and another program for telephone usage.  There are also programs for noisy environments, such as concerts or crowded buildings.  These allow the wearer to manually change the program for the environment they are in.  Others may switch automatically.

When purchasing a hearing aid, you have two styles to choose from.  One is the digital hearing aid and the other is the analogue hearing aid.  The digital hearing aid is the latest in innovation and provide more accuracy and a higher quality sound for the wearer.  Analogue hearing aids, provide an accurate sound reading, but do not produce an exact duplication of the sound as the digital hearing aid does.

Many people select their hearing aid based on price alone and often for good reason.  A digital hearing aid can cost between $800 to $2000 dollars, while the analogue hearing aid runs $200 to $1000.  The level of hearing loss that you have is best in determining the type of hearing aid that you require.  There are also a variety of hearing aid types that can dictate the price of the hearing aid.

Overall, the digital hearing aid is going to provide the best sound quality and conditions for a person suffering from hearing loss.  The digital hearing aid duplicates sound exactly as they are heard to a person with normal hearing.  They are also more convenient and can be programmed to a person's needs and hearing loss requirements. Appearance is another advantage to the digital hearing aid, as they can be so small, that they are less noticeable to other people.