Hearing aids work with the use of small microphones that are designed to make a soft sound louder. The sound undergoes two transformations as it travels: first, it is converted to electrical or digital signal by the small microphones, then it is converted back to sound as it reaches a tiny speaker within the aid. Settings for these microphones take into account the degree of a person’s hearing loss and their usual environment. Environment, for these purposes, refers to how much - and what kind - of noise you are generally around. You will notice, for example, that your settings will vary in a high pitch environment versus those of a low pitch, conversation area. All these questions will help the audiologist adjust the settings on your device but this is only part of the answer to how they work. It is also important for you to understand the causes for hearing loss so that you can minimize further damage to your hearing.