deaf-aid

4.9

A small electronic device worn in or behind the ear that makes sounds louder for people who cannot hear well

noun
/dɛf-eɪd/

Archaic

: audífono

My grandfather wears a deaf-aid behind his ear.

Examples

Some modern deaf-aids are almost invisible when worn.
The doctor recommended a new deaf-aid after her hearing worsened.
He wears a deaf-aid to help him follow conversations in noisy places.
She uses a deaf-aid to help her hear better.
He wears a deaf-aid to help him follow conversations in noisy places.
The doctor recommended a new deaf-aid after her hearing worsened.
Some modern deaf-aids are almost invisible when worn.

Synonyms

hearing aid

vsdeaf-aid

39 2.3

A small device worn to make sounds louder for people who cannot hear well

is specifically an electronic device worn in or behind the ear

ear trumpet

vsdeaf-aid

Archaic

1 9.9

A cone-shaped device that directs sound into the ear to help people hear

is electronic and worn in or behind the ear rather than being a cone

How Effective

deaf-aid

Archaic

4.9

ear trumpet

Archaic

1 9.9

Surface Forms

deaf-aid singular

deaf-aids plural

deaf aids plural

deaf aid singular

Morphology

deaf-aid = deaf + aid (transparent) = deaf + aid

The compound is directly compositional: an aid (device) for deaf people, which learners can infer from the parts.

Etymology

Deaf-aid combines deaf 'unable to hear' and aid 'help', so it literally means a 'help for the deaf'. That's why a deaf-aid is an electronic device worn in or behind the ear to make sounds louder and help people hear better.