If you don't hear as well as you once did, hearing aids may help. They make sounds louder so you hear more clearly. They can't completely fix your hearing. But they can make your hearing much better.
How do hearing aids work? Well, they have microphones that take in the sounds around you. The sounds are turned into electronic signals. They're made louder. They may also be altered to make speech clearer, or to reduce background noise. Then, these sounds are sent to your eardrums.
Choosing hearing aids can be difficult, because there are so many styles. Some wrap around the outside of your ears. Others are smaller and worn at the opening of your ear canal. Some are very small, and fit partly or fully inside your ear canal. The smallest hearing aids are so tiny others won't know you're wearing them.
Different hearing aids also have different features. Some have rechargeable batteries. Some can be controlled with a wireless remote. Some can connect wirelessly to your phone. And they can have things like advanced microphones and noise reduction settings. You pick the style and features that are right for your needs.
Your doctor can help you find out if hearing aids are right for you. Most likely, you'll have your ears tested by a hearing specialist called an "audiologist." They help you decide what type of hearing aid is best for you.