Understanding Digital Hearing Aids

Choosing the best hearing aid for your situation can be a daunting task, since there are so many features and choices available today. Before you begin your journey, take a few minutes to learn some basic facts about digital hearing aids.

Definition

• A digital hearing aid has a tiny microprocessor that digitizes sound, analyzes it and adjusts it. The digitized information is amplified, then the converted sound is sent into your ear.

Significance

• Unlike analog hearing aids, digital hearing aids can be programmed by a hearing professional and fine-tuned to your hearing loss level. The microprocessor can separate noise from speech, making it easier to hear when there is background noise.

History

• The first digital hearing aid was introduced to the market in 1996 by Widex. Oticon introduced their digital hearing aid in the same year.

Features

• Digital hearing aids have feedback phase cancellation to eliminate feedback squeal, automatic noise reduction, automatic adaptive directionality to reduce background noise, and speech detection in noise. Some models have wireless communication between left and right hearing aids to analyze and process multiple sound sources. Some models have Bluetooth connections to cell phones, iPods and GPS systems.

Misconceptions

• Hearing aids will not restore normal hearing, nor will they prevent further deterioration of hearing.

Considerations

• There are many manufacturers who carry many models with different features. Consult with your audiologist before purchasing a hearing aid.