Make a Wearable Hearing Aid Using Basic Components

Millions of people experience hearing loss, but conventional hearing aids are often expensive and complex. This project provides an affordable, DIY solution—a Wearable Hearing Aid that you can make using simple, non-programmable electronic components.

This compact device captures and amplifies sound, delivering it through any standard earphones. It’s powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery and designed to be lightweight and wearable, offering a practical and cost-effective alternative for hearing assistance.

Materials and Components

ComponentQuantityEstimated Cost

1/4W Resistors (various)5 $0.50

Capacitors (ceramic and electrolytic)3 $0.60

59014 and 59012 Transistors 2 $0.60

Electret Microphone 1 $0.50

Potentiometer (TOKQ 103) 1 $0.20

PJ-320-D Headphone Jack 1 $0.20

Toggle Switch (3 feet) 1 $0.25

CR2032 Battery and Holder 1 $0.30

Total Cost: $3.25

You’ll also need standard tools like a soldering iron, wire cutters, and a breadboard for prototyping.

The circuit consists of:

1. Microphone Input: Captures sound using an electret microphone.
2. Signal Amplification: Enhances audio signals using a transistor-based amplifier.
3. Volume Control: Adjusts sound levels with a potentiometer.
4. Audio Output: Delivers amplified sound to earphones via a headphone jack.
5. Power Management: Runs on a CR2032 3V battery and includes a toggle switch for power control.

1. Circuit Design with EasyEDA:
2. Open EasyEDA or your preferred circuit design software.
3. Add the following components to your schematic:
4. Electret microphone
5. Amplification section (transistors, resistors, and capacitors)
6. Potentiometer for volume control
7. Headphone jack
8. Power section (CR2032 battery and toggle switch)
9. Connect the components as per the circuit diagram :
10. Label all connections (e.g., VCC, GND, MIC_IN, AUDIO_OUT) for clarity.
11. Simulating the Circuit:
12. Use EasyEDA's built-in simulation tools to test the circuit.
13. Inject an audio signal at the microphone input and observe the amplified output waveform.
14. Adjust the potentiometer in the simulation to verify volume control functionality.
15. Exporting the Circuit:
16. Once satisfied with the design, export the schematic as an image or PDF for reference.
17. Optionally, create a PCB layout for soldering.

Prototyping:

1. Build the circuit on a breadboard using the schematic from Step 2.
2. Ensure all connections match the designed circuit.

Testing:

1. Power the circuit with a CR2032 battery.
2. Connect earphones and verify sound amplification and volume control.

Soldering:

1. Once the circuit works as expected, transfer it to a PCB for permanent assembly.

1. Enclosure:
2. Use a lightweight plastic or 3D-printed case to house the circuit.
3. Ensure openings for the microphone, potentiometer, and headphone jack.
4. Attachment:
5. Add a tag or clip for wearing on clothing or accessories.

Insert the CR2032 battery.

Plug in your earphones.

Slide the toggle switch to the "ON" position.

Adjust the volume using the potentiometer for optimal sound amplification.

Why Simulation Matters

Simulating the circuit before assembly saves time and reduces errors. It ensures your design functions as expected and allows you to troubleshoot issues in a virtual environment.

Conclusion

This DIY wearable hearing aid project combines practical electronics with accessible technology. By designing and simulating the circuit, you can ensure a reliable, efficient solution for hearing assistance. This project is a great way to learn about audio amplification and circuit design while creating a meaningful device.