Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are electronic devices worn in or behind the ears of hearing-impaired individuals to amplify sounds based on one’s specific hearing loss. They aid with understanding speech in face-to-face conversations, in restaurants, on the phone and while watching television; however, they will not fully restore hearing. Hearing aids are beneficial when hearing loss affects communication and quality of life. They are also versatile and able to be used in various listening environments. 

Hearing aids consist of three main parts that function together to make sound louder:

• A microphone picks up sound.
• An amplifier/processor amplifies and filters the sound.
• A receiver/speaker delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal.

Available Hearing Aid Styles

• Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
• In-The-Ear (ITE)
• In-The-Canal (ITC)
• Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
• Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

How to Obtain a Hearing Aid

To obtain a hearing aid, you will need:

• A comprehensive audiological evaluation within the last six months.
• Medical clearance from a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).
• A one-hour hearing aid evaluation to discuss:
  • Hearing loss, needs and lifestyle.
  • Hearing aid technology and styles.

After a hearing aid has been dispensed, follow-up visits may be needed to fine-tune the device. All Weill Cornell Medicine hearing aid patients work with an audiologist for best personal outcome and benefit.