Hearing technology (Aids) explained

Hearing aids are generally distinguished by the type of technology used. In the early days, hearing aid technology involved vacuum tubes and large heavy batteries. Today hearing aids include microchips and digitized sound processing, along with small efficient, sometimes rechargeable batteries. Hearing aids makes and types include Analog and Digital hearing aids. Read more about these, their features, strengths and weaknesses below.

Analog hearing aids

• Analog hearing aids are considered the conventional hearing aid, and are designed with a specific frequency response based on your audiogram. (Audiogram are the results of a hearing test, and gives an indication of how much your hearing varies from what is considered normal, and also where the problem is within the ear, if there is one). In other words, from your audiogram, the audiologist will communicate to the hearing aid manufacturer what settings to install in your hearing aid. Although there may be some adjustments, the aid essentially amplifies all sounds (speech and noise)
• Analog hearing aids are generally the cheapest and can solve many different types of hearing loss
• Some Analog hearing aids are programmable with a microchip which allows the aid to have settings programmed for different listening environments, from quiet conversations through to noisy coffee shops, or larger areas like a theatre. The audiologist programs the hearing aid for these different listening situations depending on the individual hearing loss profile, speech understanding, and range of tolerance for louder sounds
• Some hearing aids can store multiple programs. As the listening environment changes, you can change the listening settings by pushing a button on the hearing aid or by using a remote control to change to the most appropriate listening profile. These aids are more expensive than conventional analog hearing aids, but on average have a longer life span and may provide better hearing for you in different listening situations. These types of hearing aids are important for those who lead an active lifestyle

Digital hearing aids

• Digital programmable hearing aids have similar features to analog programmable aids but use "digitized sound processing" to convert sound waves into digital signals. A computer chip in the hearing aid analyzes the incoming signals to determine if the sound is noise or speech and then makes modifications to provide a clear, amplified distortion-free signal to the users ear
• Digital hearing aids are usually self-adjusting and the digital processing allows increased flexibility in programming, so that the sound it transmits matches your specific pattern of hearing loss
• Digital technology is the most expensive, but it allows for improvement in programming, greater precision in fitting, management of loudness discomfort, control of acoustic feedback (whistling sounds), and noise reduction

Your hearing needs and your budget will ultimately help decide which hearing aid is right for you. Discuss the options with your audiologist and ensure that for the price you get the best available option and quality.