Digital Hearing Aid compared to the analog one
Hearing aids perform remarkably well nowadays, thanks to digital technology
that has been widely used since 1996.
A digital hearing aid is a device that processes sound waves into digital format before amplifying the sound for the user.
The main advantage of a digital hearing aid is that it can amplify desired sounds more precisely. The most wonderful trait of a digital hearing aid is its ability to differentiate background noises (radiators, fans, other people talking, etc.) from the noise or voice you intend to comprehend.
The main difference between the old analog hearing aid and digital hearing aid is that an analog hearing aid magnifies the sound as it is in order to make it louder, a digital hearing aid breaks the sounds waves , imroves them , rearrange them and finally amplifies them.
A digital hearing aid is programmable so that the user’s hearing profile and needs can be adjusted by a small computer .
Analog hearing aids are now normally only issued as replacements for current users of analog aids for whom a digital hearing aid is unsuitable.
A digital hearing aid includes front and rear microphones, a sound processor, and a speaker.
A digital hearing aid is the best hearing aid for seniors who are losing their hearing due to aging.
Wearing a digital hearing aid is more comfortable today than it was several years ago because the technology is ever increasing.
Before you decide which type of digital hearing aid is best for you, you will need to speak to a licensed audiologist. Digital technology gives the audiologist maximum control over sound quality and sound processing characteristics.
What is digital sound processing?
Digital sound processing is used to replicate the sound instead of an analog signal.
Digital technology uses directional microphones. Research has shown that digital hearing aid users who have directional microphones are 50% more satisfied with the hearing aid’s performance in noise.
Battery:
Battery life depends on the type of hearing aid, the size of the battery, and the amount of use the hearing aid receives.
By far, most use a zinc-air button cell battery that is replaced by the user.
Pay attention when replacing the battery because it is easy to put the hearing aid battery in the wrong way so make sure that the ‘+’ on the battery matches the ‘+’ on the battery compartment door. Be careful when closing the hearing aid battery door and if you feel that it must be forced shut, this is often a sign that the battery is in the wrong way.
One of the main drawbacks are finding other energy sources, but some that are under consideration are solar energy and small battery packs, which can be used for medical purposes as well as being more fashionable .
Accessories:
In recent years, manufactures have been making a really amazing array of hearing aid accessories.
But since technology used inside hearing aids differs, some hearing aid accessories may not really fit into the kind of hearing aid that you are currently using.
There are many styles and models of digital hearing aids and hearing aids accessories available in the market today.
Prices:
The suggested retail prices can be as high as $5,000 (each). Digital and analog hearing devices are available in a variety of characteristics and prices.
Aricle was written by Chaim Golz
