Hearing aids help people with hearing loss hear better. Placed in or behind the ear, hearing aids are a constantly evolving technology, and are nowadays in fact small, high-tech computers which are being refined to provide an ever better artificial reproduction of natural human hearing.
What can be done about hearing loss?
Hearing loss can affect communication and everyday life, but a growing range of advanced hearing technologies can help address different needs and lifestyles.
Hearing care professionals can identify hearing needs early and recommend the most appropriate solution, supported by personalised advice and ongoing care.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids help people hear and communicate more effectively. Worn in or behind the ear, today’s hearing aids are sophisticated digital technologies that process sound according to an individual’s hearing needs and can be personalised for different listening environments and lifestyles.
The adoption of hearing aids is increasing as more people take action to support their hearing health and access professional hearing care. However, access still varies considerably across Europe. Creating the right conditions for timely, person-centred care can help many more people benefit from hearing aids and the quality-of-life improvements they can provide.
Benefits of hearing aids
People using hearing aids report significant benefits in their everyday lives, including:
- Around 90% of hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life.
- Better communication and greater participation in conversations, family life and social activities.
- Greater confidence and independence when taking part in everyday activities and moving through public spaces.
- Benefits for wellbeing and working life, including reduced mental and physical exhaustion and greater ability to stay engaged and connected.
Types of hearing aids
Different types of hearing aids are available, and choosing the most suitable option depends on several factors: What type and degree of hearing loss do you have? What are your communication needs? And what does your everyday lifestyle look like? Following a hearing assessment, a hearing care professional can recommend the type of hearing aid and features best suited to your individual needs.
There are three common types of hearing aids: Behind-the-ear (BTE), Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and In-the-ear (ITE).
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
A BTE hearing aid can be suitable for a wide range of hearing needs. Its main components, including the microphone, controls and power source, are housed behind the ear and connected to an earmould or earpiece. Because the earmould can be replaced relatively easily, BTE hearing aids can also be a practical option for children as their ears grow.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
A RITE hearing aid works in a similar way to a BTE, but the receiver sits directly in the ear canal and is connected to the casing behind the ear by a thin wire. This can make RITE hearing aids smaller and more discreet. Different receiver power levels and fittings allow them to be adapted to a wide range of individual hearing needs.
In-the-ear (ITE)
An ITE hearing aid is designed to sit partly or completely within the ear rather than behind it, offering a discreet and compact option. Different styles are available, including completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices. Their suitability depends on factors including the type and degree of hearing loss, the shape of the ear, dexterity and the features a person needs.
Implants
Hearing implants may be considered when hearing aids are not suitable or do not provide sufficient benefit for a person’s particular hearing needs. Different types of implants are available, and the appropriate solution depends on the type and degree of hearing loss as well as an individual clinical assessment.
Hearing implants are advanced hearing solutions that typically involve a surgically implanted component and an externally worn sound or audio processor. Depending on the type of implant, they work by stimulating different parts of the hearing system to provide access to sound.
Implants can be considered for both children and adults when clinically appropriate. The type of implant, timing of treatment and individual suitability should always be assessed by specialist hearing and medical professionals.
Cochlear implants (CI)
A cochlear implant bypasses damaged structures in the inner ear and uses electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve, which carries sound information to the brain.
Cochlear implants can provide access to sound for people with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids. Suitability is determined through specialist clinical and audiological assessment.
Bone conduction devices
A bone conduction device converts sound into vibrations that travel through the bones of the skull to the inner ear, bypassing parts of the outer or middle ear.
Bone conduction solutions can be suitable for certain types of conductive or mixed hearing loss, particularly where the outer or middle ear cannot transmit sound effectively to the inner ear.
Middle ear implants (MEI)
A middle ear implant uses an externally worn sound or audio processor to pick up sound and an implanted component to create mechanical vibrations within the middle ear.
By directly stimulating structures within the middle ear, the system converts sound into vibrations that can then be transmitted through the hearing system.
Auditory brainstem implants (ABI)
An auditory brainstem implant, or ABI, is a surgically implanted electronic device designed for people who cannot benefit from a cochlear implant because the auditory nerve is absent or unable to function effectively. It works by stimulating the hearing pathways at the brainstem.
Treating hearing loss in children
Hearing loss can occur at any stage of childhood, including before birth, during infancy or later as a child grows. Causes can include genetic factors, prenatal or perinatal complications, ear conditions, exposure to excessive noise and unsafe listening habits.
Early hearing care supports childhood development
Children’s brains develop rapidly, and access to sound plays an important role in the development of hearing, speech, language and communication. Identifying hearing loss early and providing appropriate support can help children communicate, learn, socialise and participate fully at home and at school. Where hearing aids are recommended, early and consistent use can be particularly important.
Hearing technologies are available for children of different ages
Hearing technologies are available for babies, infants, school-age children and teenagers, with solutions designed around their changing needs.
Choosing the right hearing aid, including its type, size and features, depends on the type and degree of a child’s hearing loss as well as their individual needs. Decisions should be made together with hearing care professionals. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are commonly used for children because the earmould can be replaced as the child’s ear grows.
For younger children, hearing aids should be practical and easy to use
Hearing aids and earmoulds designed for children need to be robust enough for everyday activities and appropriately protected against factors such as dust and moisture.
Some children may also benefit from additional support from speech and language therapists or other healthcare professionals. The right combination of technology and professional support will depend on each child’s individual hearing and communication needs.
Connected and assistive listening
Today’s digital hearing aids can connect with a growing range of electronic devices and assistive listening technologies, making it easier to access sound in different situations at home, at work and in public spaces.
The connectivity options available depend on the hearing aid and manufacturer, but increasingly include direct wireless streaming and new forms of Bluetooth® audio.
Bluetooth® and Auracast™ broadcast audio
Many hearing aids can connect to smartphones and other devices using Bluetooth®, allowing audio such as phone calls, music and media to be streamed directly to the hearing aids. New Bluetooth® LE Audio technology also enables Auracast™ broadcast audio, which allows one audio source to transmit to multiple compatible hearing aids, earbuds or headphones at the same time.
Auracast™ broadcast audio has particular potential in public spaces. In locations such as airports, train stations, conference centres, cinemas and places of worship, compatible devices can receive audio or announcements directly, helping make listening environments more accessible and inclusive.
FM systems and other wireless solutions
FM and other wireless systems can transmit sound from a microphone or audio source directly to compatible hearing devices. They can be connected to televisions, computers or other media, or used in meetings, classrooms, conferences and lectures to help bring the speaker’s voice directly to the listener.
Smartphones
Many modern hearing aids can connect wirelessly to smartphones through Bluetooth®, allowing calls and other audio to be streamed directly to the hearing aids. Companion apps can also allow users to adjust settings, change programmes and manage other hearing aid functions from their phone.
T-coil and loop systems
Some hearing aids include telecoils, or T-coils, which allow them to connect to hearing loop systems. These systems transmit sound directly to compatible hearing aids and can be found in locations such as meeting rooms, auditoriums, theatres, cinemas, places of worship and other public spaces.
