Discussing hearing health and related devices like hearing aids requires specific vocabulary. This guide provides essential Korean expressions related to hearing aids (보청기), covering basic terms, common issues, and phrases useful when visiting an audiologist or clinic in Korea. Learning these will help you communicate effectively about hearing aid needs and experiences.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 보청기
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi
Meaning: Hearing aid
Basic Phrases
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Expression: 보청기가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: I need a hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기를 사용하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-reul sa-yong-ha-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I am using a hearing aid. -
Expression: 이것은 제 보청기입니다.
Pronunciation: i-geo-seun je bo-cheong-gi-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is my hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기 배터리가 다 됐어요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi bae-teo-ri-ga da dwaet-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid battery is dead. -
Expression: 보청기 소리가 잘 안 들려요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi so-ri-ga jal an deul-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: I can’t hear well with the hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기를 조절해야 해요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-reul jo-jeol-hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to adjust the hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기 어디서 살 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi eo-di-seo sal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I buy a hearing aid? -
Expression: 보청기 가격이 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi ga-gyeok-i eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much does a hearing aid cost? -
Expression: 보청기 종류가 많아요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi jong-nyu-ga ma-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there many types of hearing aids? -
Expression: 보청기 청소는 어떻게 해요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi cheong-so-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I clean the hearing aid?
Describing Hearing Aid Issues
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Expression: 보청기가 고장 났어요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-ga go-jang nat-sseo-yo.
Meaning: My hearing aid is broken. -
Expression: 보청기에서 이상한 소리가 나요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-e-seo i-sang-han so-ri-ga na-yo.
Meaning: There’s a strange noise coming from the hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기가 귀에 잘 안 맞아요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-ga gwi-e jal an ma-ja-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid doesn’t fit well in my ear. -
Expression: 보청기 볼륨을 조절해 주세요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi bol-lyum-eul jo-jeol-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please adjust the volume of the hearing aid. -
Expression: 보청기 배터리를 교체해야 해요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi bae-teo-ri-reul gyo-che-hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to replace the hearing aid battery. -
Expression: 보청기가 갑자기 안 들려요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-ga gap-ja-gi an deul-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid suddenly stopped working. -
Expression: 보청기가 너무 커요/작아요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi-ga neo-mu keo-yo/ja-ga-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid is too big/small. -
Expression: 보청기 수리가 필요해요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi su-ri-ga pil-yo-hae-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid needs repair. -
Expression: 보청기 소리가 너무 작아요/커요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi so-ri-ga neo-mu ja-ga-yo/keo-yo.
Meaning: The hearing aid sound is too low/loud. -
Expression: 보청기 착용 시 불편해요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi chak-yong si bul-pyeon-hae-yo.
Meaning: It’s uncomfortable when wearing the hearing aid.
At the Audiologist/Clinic
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Expression: 보청기 상담을 받고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi sang-dam-eul bat-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I’d like to have a consultation about hearing aids. -
Expression: 청력 검사를 하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: cheong-ryeok geom-sa-reul ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to get a hearing test. -
Expression: 보청기 점검을 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi jeom-geom-eul ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I get my hearing aid checked? -
Expression: 이비인후과에 가야 하나요?
Pronunciation: i-bi-in-hu-gwa-e ga-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I go to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) clinic? -
Expression: 보청기 전문점이 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi jeon-mun-jeom-i eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is a hearing aid specialist store? -
Expression: 보청기 맞춤 제작이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi mat-chum je-jak-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is custom fitting for hearing aids available? -
Expression: 보청기 보험 적용이 되나요?
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi bo-heom jeok-yong-i doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Is the hearing aid covered by insurance? -
Expression: 보청기 사용법을 설명해 주세요.
Pronunciation: bo-cheong-gi sa-yong-beo-beul seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please explain how to use the hearing aid. -
Expression: 예약을 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ye-yak-eul hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to make an appointment? -
Expression: 다음 방문은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: da-eum bang-mun-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the next visit?
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural context can be helpful. In Korea, while awareness of hearing loss is increasing, there can still be some stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, particularly among older generations. However, this is changing, and accessibility to hearing care services is generally good, especially in larger cities.
Hearing tests (청력 검사 – cheong-ryeok geom-sa) are often available at ENT clinics (이비인후과 – i-bi-in-hu-gwa) or specialized hearing aid centers (보청기 센터 – bo-cheong-gi sen-teo).
Government subsidies or insurance support for hearing aids may be available for eligible individuals, often requiring a diagnosis from a certified medical professional. It’s advisable to inquire about these possibilities (정부 지원 – jeong-bu ji-won, 보험 적용 – bo-heom jeok-yong).
When interacting with healthcare professionals or staff at hearing aid centers, politeness is key. Using formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is generally expected.
Family members often play a significant role in healthcare decisions, including those related to hearing aids, especially for elderly individuals. It’s common for family to accompany them to appointments.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A foreigner (A) is asking a local resident (B) for help finding a place to get their hearing aid checked.
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Expression: A: 실례합니다. 제 보청기가 좀 이상해서 점검을 받고 싶은데요.
Pronunciation: sil-lye-ham-ni-da. je bo-cheong-gi-ga jom i-sang-hae-seo jeom-geom-eul bat-go si-peun-de-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me. My hearing aid is acting a bit strange, so I’d like to get it checked. -
Expression: B: 아, 그러세요? 근처에 보청기 센터나 이비인후과를 찾아보셔야겠네요.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-se-yo? geun-cheo-e bo-cheong-gi sen-teo-na i-bi-in-hu-gwa-reul cha-ja-bo-syeo-ya-gen-ne-yo.
Meaning: Oh, really? You should look for a hearing aid center or an ENT clinic nearby. -
Expression: A: 이 근처에 보청기 전문점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e bo-cheong-gi jeon-mun-jeom-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a hearing aid specialist store around here? -
Expression: B: 네, 저쪽 길 건너편 건물 2층에 하나 있어요. 간판이 보일 거예요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-jjok gil geon-neo-pyeon geon-mul i-cheung-e ha-na i-sseo-yo. gan-pan-i bo-il geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: Yes, there’s one on the 2nd floor of that building across the street. You should see the sign. -
Expression: A: 아, 감사합니다! 예약해야 할까요?
Pronunciation: a, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! ye-yak-hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Ah, thank you! Should I make an appointment? -
Expression: B: 미리 전화해보고 가시는 게 좋을 거예요. 간단한 점검은 바로 될 수도 있고요.
Pronunciation: mi-ri jeon-hwa-hae-bo-go ga-si-neun ge jo-eul geo-ye-yo. gan-dan-han jeom-geom-eun ba-ro doel su-do it-go-yo.
Meaning: It would be good to call ahead before going. Simple checks might be done right away.
Practice Tips
Mastering these phrases takes practice! Try role-playing scenarios where you need to discuss your hearing aid, like visiting a clinic or explaining an issue~ You can also practice listening by searching for Korean videos related to hearing aids (보청기) online.
Don’t be afraid to use the phrases even if you make mistakes! Koreans are generally understanding. Focus on clear pronunciation, especially the syllable breaks. Good luck with your practice! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
