Hearing loss affects almost 17 percent of all adult Americans, which means approximately 36 million people over the age of 18 have significant, documented hearing loss. Children can also have congenital hearing loss, hearing loss through illness, or hearing loss through trauma or injury. Hearing loss causes problems with work performance, school, friendships, in relationships and can also lead to depression, isolation and feelings of low self-confidence for the person that is experiencing the hearing difficulty. Early doctors and scientists noticed this change in the social and emotional well-being of those that were having difficulty with hearing. By the early 1800's they had already started working on what were the earliest forms of support.

The first type of hearing aid was often referred to as the "hearing trumpet" or "ear trumpet". These large, cornucopia-shaped devices were often made of silver or tin and were literally held up to user’s ear. Not only were these devices relatively unwieldy but they weren't all that effective, especially since they also enhanced all background noises as well as specific sounds or voices. These ear trumpets can still be seen in several museums and some are extremely ornate.

The next big technological leap was to the body type of hearing aid. First invented by Harvey Fletcher working with Bell Laboratories, these were amazing for their day. In these models, an amplifier that was about as big as a man's wallet or a pack of playing cards was used to receive and amplify the sound. The sound was then transferred to the ear using a cord. The individual wore a molded earpiece that then transferred the sound into the ear in the amplified form. Although these worked very well and were a great help to those with even profound hearing difficulties, the devices were bulky and required the amplifier be placed in a pocket or clipped to a belt. The cord was constantly becoming tangled on objects and the devices where highly noticeable.

Another huge leap in technology occurred just a few years later with the invention of the Behind The Ear or BTE aids. These smaller sized hearing aids have a small insert into the ear connected by a moderate sized clear plastic cord to a device that sits behind the ear itself. Like the body hearing aids, these devices are good for mild to profound hearing loss, but unlike the body aids they are relatively comfortable to wear and very discrete. Many doctors recommend these types of hearing aids for children since they are easy to mold to the ear and are lower cost, perfect for growing bodies. New technology provides even smaller cases and ultra thin wires connecting the sound processor to microspeakers in the ear inset.

In The Ear or ITE hearing aids contain the complete unit in a very tiny, molded plastic form that sits right within the concha, or the outer ear. The natural bowl shape of the concha holds the piece in place, plus each hearing aid is customized to fit each individual. These devices are very common for people with mild to moderate hearing but may not be suitable for all individuals with significant hearing loss. There are even newer models that sit right in the ear canal itself that are virtually invisible to anyone. These hearing aids are becoming much more popular, and improvements in wireless technology research are constantly providing new, improved and more effective hearing aids.