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Common questions about hearing aids
Common questions about hearing aids
Hearing aids can help people with hearing loss follow conversations and hear more of the sounds around them, but they do not restore normal hearing. These answers to common questions explain what hearing aids can do, how today’s features differ, and what to consider when exploring hearing care.1
No. Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss or restore normal hearing.
They amplify and process sound to help make speech and other sounds easier to hear. Benefits vary with the type and degree of hearing loss, the fitting, and the listening situation.1
No. Digital hearing aids can amplify some frequencies more than others and use sound processing to support listening in different environments.
Some models also use AI to separate speech from background noise. For example, Phonak Audéo EON Sphere uses Spheric Speech Clarity 3.0 to separate speech from background noise in real time. Capabilities vary by model, and hearing aids do not guarantee clear speech in every situation.1, 5
No. Hearing aids can support people of different ages, including children and younger adults.
Hearing loss can be associated with aging, noise exposure, illness, or other causes. The right hearing solution depends on a person’s hearing needs, not age alone. 1
Possibly. Being able to hear a voice does not always mean you can understand the words clearly.
Trouble following speech in groups or noisy places can be a sign of hearing loss. A hearing assessment can show whether hearing aids may help, even when some sounds are still easy to hear. 2
Not if you have hearing loss in both ears. In that case, two hearing aids are generally recommended.
Two hearing aids provide a more natural signal to the brain and can help you understand speech and tell where sounds are coming from. Your hearing care professional can recommend what suits your hearing. 1
Sometimes. Hearing aids are one of the main treatment options for people who have tinnitus along with hearing loss.6
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that has no external source, so other people cannot hear it. It is often described as ringing, and some people hear roaring or buzzing. Surveys estimate that 10 to 25% of adults have tinnitus, and most people who have it have some degree of hearing loss.6
There is no cure for tinnitus, so hearing aids manage the symptom rather than remove it. Ask a hearing care professional whether hearing aids suit your tinnitus, and use the Tinnitus filter on the hearing aids page to see compatible Phonak models.6
No. Hearing aids come in different sizes and types, including small devices worn behind the ear, in the ear, or in the ear canal.
A completely-in-canal hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal.1 Phonak Virto is custom-made to blend with the contours of your ears, and Phonak Lyric sits deep inside the ear canal, where it is invisible to others. Lyric is not suitable for everyone. Behind-the-ear types can be discreet too: Phonak Audéo EON Sphere, a receiver-in-canal hearing aid, has a small, discreet design made for all-day comfort. 3, 4, 5
The smallest option is not always the best fit: hearing needs, ease of handling, and available features also matter. Compare hearing aid types and what each is best for. 1
Many hearing aids support Bluetooth calls and audio streaming, but compatibility depends on the hearing aid and the phone. Phonak Audéo EON Sphere connects to virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device to stream calls, music, and TV audio. Check the requirements for your devices before choosing a model. 5
Not usually. Some hearing aids adjust automatically as your listening environment changes, and many are rechargeable. Phonak Audéo EON Sphere, for example, adapts to different listening situations on its own. 5
You will still need to learn how to insert, charge, and care for your devices, and getting used to hearing aids takes time and practice. The experience differs for each person. Wear them as advised and tell your hearing care professional if sounds or the fit feel uncomfortable, so they can adjust them. 1
No. Over-the-counter hearing aids are intended for adults aged 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC devices can be bought without a prescription, and some offer self-fitting tools. Prescription hearing aids are supplied through a licensed hearing care professional and can serve a wider range of ages and hearing needs, including severe hearing loss. 2
Start with the situations you want to improve, such as family meals or work meetings. Ask which features address them, what follow-up care is available, and whether there is a trial or return period. Results vary, so a trial helps you judge the benefit. Bring your phone if connectivity matters to you. 1
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Sources
1 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Hearing Aids
2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration: OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know
3 Phonak: Virto R Infinio Hearing Aids
4 Phonak: Lyric Hearing Aid
5 Phonak: Audéo EON Sphere Hearing Aids
6 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Tinnitus