Hearing Aid Technology Types

The way the hearing aid you use works is determined by its technology and you can find the hearing aid that is right for you with the help of an audiologist.

Modern designs of hearing aids are smaller and more versatile; thanks to the digital technology enabled components using microchips and computer-aided design. In contrast, hearing aid in the past used to be big and bulky and so uncomfortable for use.

You will find three types of hearing aids are in the market:

• Digital programmable;

• Conventional analog;

• Analog programmable.

Digital programmable

This type of hearing aids employs digitized sound processing to convert sound wave into digital signals. The device uses computer chip that determines the status of incoming sound by classifying it as noise/ speech and change it into audible sound that is heard loud and clear by the user.

The main work of digitized aid is to automatically change the incoming sound according to the optimum hearing needs of the user. While these hearing aids are versatile, they are pricey as well; however, the benefits quite justify the cost as follow:

• Keeping sounds from getting too loud;

• Less noise;

• Easier programming;

• Less feedback; and

• Better fit.

The beauty of the digital hearing aid is its ability to adjust to different hearing programs. It allows the user to set the device according to their hearing needs such as when on the phone or in a noisy environment to provide an excellent hearing. The type features both manual and automatic settings which allow the user to control the aid with a push of the button or use the remote control. The setting choices can be controlled by your audiologist program to adjust the aid according to your hearing. This category of hearing aid is durable compared to the other two types.

Conventional analog

This type is different from the digital variety in term of the flexibility of use. While the user can control their setting with the digital aid, the user is limited to the audiologist setting in the conventional analog type. The settings you get are based on the result of the test conducted by the audiologist that your aid is programmed. You are limited to the settings that came with your device. While you do not enjoy the robustness of digital aid, you also have the benefit of paying less comparatively.

Analog programmable

This last type of hearing aid is microchip controlled. This feature allows your audiologist to program the device according to your needs. It can feature multiple hearing settings that differentiate hearing conditions. There can be different settings for talking in a quiet, noisy and spacious environment. Consider this hearing aid as the mid-gap between digital and conventional analog aids.