Modern hearing aids use the latest digital technology. They can be customized according to the extent of hearing loss and the individual's personal needs. This is vital, since everyone perceives hearing loss in a different way. Modern hearing aids feature automatic programs for all environmental situations, speech amplification, disruptive background noise suppression and feedback suppression. All this makes the lives of those with hearing loss far easier, whilst enhancing their quality of life. Here, we illustrate how hearing aids have developed, and how modern hearing aids work. You can also find out how hearing aids can do much more than simply amplify sound in the ear, and which other aids can help to improve speech comprehension and sound.