[Principles of hearing aids].

The diagnostic and therapy of hearing impairment is one of the main tasks of the Otolaryngologist. This article deals with the treatment of hearing aids in adults and young persons according to the laws and the guidelines of the "Heil- und Hilfsmittelrichtlinien" in Germany. It shall serve the Otolaryngologist as a guideline. The first part of the article is about the indications of hearing aids laid down in the "Heil- und Hilfsmittelrichtlinien". Especially the possibilities of the treatment of uni- and bilateral hearing impairment are discussed. The principles of the actual hearing aids technology are described to support the Otolaryngologist in his consultation.