Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound for a person with hearing loss. It is a medical device designed to improve hearing by making sounds louder and clearer.

Usage

• The primary function of a hearing aid is to assist individuals with hearing impairment. It is a personal medical device.
• It is typically worn in one or both ears.
• The term refers specifically to the electronic amplification device, not to other assistive listening devices.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My grandfather's new hearing aid is so small and discreet.
  • After getting a hearing aid, she could participate in conversations much more easily.
  • The audiologist adjusted the settings on the digital hearing aid.

Advanced Usage

• "to be fitted for a hearing aid": to undergo a process with a specialist to get a properly customized hearing aid.
  • He went to the clinic to be fitted for a new hearing aid.
• "behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid": a common style where the main device sits behind the ear.
• "in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid": a style where the device fits completely within the outer ear bowl.

Variants and Related Words

• Hearing aids (plural noun): the standard plural form.
• Hearing instrument (noun): a more formal or technical synonym used by audiologists.
• Assistive listening device (ALD) (noun): a broader category of equipment that includes hearing aids but also other devices like amplified telephones.

Synonyms

• Hearing instrument: A formal synonym.
• Deaf-aid (noun, chiefly British): A dated term, less common today.

Related Phrases

• To wear a hearing aid: The standard phrase for using one.
  • She has worn a hearing aid since she was a child.
• Hearing aid battery: The small battery that powers the device.
• Hearing aid compatibility: A feature of telephones or other audio devices that allows them to work effectively with a hearing aid.

Noun

1. a conical acoustic device formerly used to direct sound to the ear of a hearing-impaired person
2. an electronic device that amplifies sound and is worn to compensate for poor hearing