What defines an air-conduction hearing aid?

An air-conduction hearing aid is defined by its ability to amplify sound through the air. This type of hearing aid works by receiving sound waves through a microphone, converting them into electrical signals, amplifying those signals, and then delivering them to the user's ear canal through a speaker. The sound travels through the air into the ear, which is why it is classified as "air-conduction."

This method contrasts with bone-conduction hearing aids, which bypass the outer and middle ear and transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear via the bones of the skull. Since air-conduction hearing aids do not require surgical intervention or direct connection to the auditory nerve, they are a non-invasive option for individuals with hearing loss. Additionally, while some air-conduction hearing aids may benefit from fitting by a specialist to ensure optimal performance and comfort, they are not restricted to specialist-only fitting. Therefore, the defining feature of an air-conduction hearing aid is its mechanism of amplifying sound through the air.