A disposable-type hearing aid uses a relatively large single diaphragm or a large
single diaphragm subdivided into a plurality of smaller active diaphragm areas
obtained using a grate-like back support plate with ridges which contact and divide
the diaphragm into the several smaller active diaphragm areas. The diaphragm and
a backplate are enclosed in a metal housing and are disposed proximal and parallel
to a shell-like hearing aid enclosure having sound inlets. The metal housing is
closed at an end opposite the sound inlets by a printed circuit board (PCB) forming
an acoustical seal for a back volume of the microphone. The PCB also carries substantially
all the electronic components for the hearing aid thereon. The PCB has a ground
plane in contact with the housing whereby the PCB also acts as an EMI shield. An
electrical connection is formed in various ways between the back support plate
and the PCB during assembly of the metal housing and components with the PCB. Mass
production of disposable hearing aids with large diaphragms and relatively low
noise levels is thus possible using this invention.