A small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound and make hearing easier for people with hearing problems.
example
Seitdem mein Großvater ein Hörgerät hat, kann er wieder an allen Gesprächen teilnehmen.
Since my grandfather got a hearing aid, he can take part in all conversations again.
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is a clear compound of the verb 'hören' (to hear) and the noun 'das Gerät' (device). So it is literally a 'Gerät zum Hören' (device for hearing).
EXAMPLE
Moderne Hörgeräte sind sehr klein und unauffällig.
Modern hearing aids are very small and unobtrusive.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used with 'Hörgerät' (hearing aid): you 'trägt' ein Hörgerät (wear a hearing aid), you 'braucht' es (need it), you have it 'anpassen' (fitted), or you 'setzt es ein' (put it in/use it).
EXAMPLE
Er trägt sein Hörgerät nur, wenn er unter Leuten ist.
He only wears his hearing aid when he is around people.
Sentence structure with a preposition
To describe the benefit of the device, the preposition 'mit' (with) is often used. The sentence then describes what becomes possible again through the device.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinem neuen Hörgerät kann er Vögel zwitschern hören.
With his new hearing aid, he can hear birds chirping.