Q.
How is this different from an analog hearing aid?
A. An analog aid processes sound waves as a continuous (analog)
signal through conventional amplifiers, similar to how the groove
on a phonograph record represents the actual sound wave which is
then amplified by conventional audio equipment.
Q.
What is a digitally programmable aid?
A. Many sophisticated hearing aids can be programmed by computers.
These are digitally programmed, but may contain either analog or
digital circuits. Some digital hearing aids are being introduced
that do not require a computer to program, but use screwdriver adjustments
as analog aids have always had.
Q.
Is everything in a digital hearing aid digital?
A. No. The microphone and tiny loudspeaker (also called the receiver)
are analog devices because they respectively convert sound waves
to electrical energy and electrical energy to sound waves.
Q.
Is digital better?
A. Most likely yes. Some analog amplifiers can do very sophisticated
sound processing but there are limits to how much can be done without
drawing large amounts of battery current and taking up a lot of
space. Digital processing can do far more sophisticated signal processing
with very small size microchips and at very high speeds. Digital
circuits, if properly designed, will typically have lower distortion,
less circuit noise, more capabilities and use less battery current.
Q.
Is this better for hearing aids and hearing aid users?
A. Definitely. Hearing aid performance has improved significantly
. Algorithms for improving speech understanding in noise can be
implemented, reduction of background noises, automatic adjustment
of volume, automatic directional microphones, multiple program selection,
lower distortion and clearer sound are all advantages for the best
digital hearing aids. All this results in greater fitting flexibility
and user satisfaction.
Q.
Are all digital hearing aids essentially the same?
A. Definitely not. There are now three classes of digital hearing
aids that could be labeled First Class, Business Class and Economy
Class. "First Class" applies to aids with the most sophisticated
sound processing algorithms for speech enhancement and noise suppression.
Naturally these are the most costly. "Business" Class
devices have fewer "high-tech" features, but offer clear
sound and are lower in cost. "Economy" class digital aids
are relatively the lowest in cost, have the least number of advanced
technology features, may or may not be computer programmed, and
may not perform much better than good programmable analog circuit
hearing aids. Typically, however, the lowest cost digital hearing
aids will be more expensive and perform better than low cost analog
hearing aids.
Q.
With so many choices and styles, which one is right for me?
Your audiologist will help you choose which is right for you. The
choice depends not only the degree of hearing loss, but on your
hearing and listening needs determined by your lifestyle, activities
and interests. |
