Hearing Aids

What is a hearing aid?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that your child wears behind her ear(s). It makes some sounds louder.
A hearing aid has three basic parts:
- Microphone
- Amplifier
- Speaker
The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
Hearing aids are secured to your child’s ears with earmolds.

An earmold is a small piece of soft plastic that is custom made for your child’s ear.
Earmolds fit inside your child’s ear canal.
The earmold helps hold the hearing aid in place.
Because young children grow very fast, earmolds will need to be replaced as your child grows. Replacement will occur more often during early infancy.
Earmolds will last longer for older children.

Source: EHDI

Georgia Charitable Care Network: Georgia Hearing Aid Dispatch

The Hearing Aid Distribution Program, funded by the Public Service Commission, provides hearings aids to low-income Georgia residents. GCCN will coordinate the care referrals between the patients, audiologists and hearing aid manufacturers, providing great service to all.
Georgia Hearing Aid Loaner Bank (PDF, 1.85 MB)

The Georgia Department of Public Health's Georgia Hearing Aid Loaner Bank provides temporary hearing aids for children with hearing loss, who are age birth to 36 months of age, while they are waiting to receive their personal amplification devices.
What to Expect: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Appointment

Your child has an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. Here is what you can expect.
What to Expect: Hearing Aid Consultation

Your child has a hearing aid consultation appointment. Here is what you can expect.
Hearing Aid Handout (PDF, 157.25 KB)

Troubleshooting tips for Hearing Aids