Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a type of electronic hearing assistive technology (HAT) designed to improve hearing function and quality of life for individuals with impaired auditory abilities. Unless medical treatment is indicated, hearing aids typically are the first treatment of choice for hearing impairment. Hearing aids are designed to reduce problems associated with impaired hearing across the range of everyday listening environments. As such, these devices are intended to be worn on the head or body, coupled to one or both ears, and used for extended periods as users go about their daily activities. In this way, hearing aids are distinguishable from other HATs that are intended for use in only one or two specific situations. These specialized HATs, also referred to as assistive listening devices ...