Digital Hearing Aids

Digital Technology:

Hearing aids which are fully digital process sound mathematically bit by bit. In place of electronic components, digital hearing aids contain millions of tiny electrical parts micro-manufactured into a single silicon chip. The computer programmed silicon chip within the aid applies continuous digital processing to incoming sound. Here's how these digital hearing aids work:

1. The hearing aid microphone turns sound into an analog electrical signal.
2. A filter removes inaudible frequencies.
3. This filtered analog signal goes to the analog-to-digital converter which changes it to a numerical digital signal (0s and 1s) so it can be manipulated by the hearing aid's internal computer (DSP chip).
4. This chip is programmed to perform many numerical operations (filtering, noise reduction, loudness compensation, and feedback cancellation) depending on the algorithm used.
5. The digital signal is converted back into an audible sound for the patient to hear. These functions are performed instantly and continually.

The five most important questions regarding digital hearing instruments:

1. How many channels does it have? How many do I need?
2. What type of Automatic Signal Processing compression does it use? What type would best fit my lifestyle?
3. How many memories does it have? How many various listening situations do I encounter?
4. Does it come with a remote control? Do I need a remote control?
5. Does it offer multiple or directional microphones for hearing in noise?

User Benefits:

• The preciseness of digital computer technology.
• Availability of Automatic Signal Processing circuits which are not available with nonprogrammable instruments.
• Remote control (available on some models).
• Multiple memories for various listening situations.
• Multiple circuit options within a single instrument which achieve different sound qualities.
• Automatically achieves more volume for the soft, high frequency sounds and less volume for the more intense, low frequency sounds.
• Capable of retaining the patient's complete audiometric file and preferred listening program for various environments.
• Ability to readjust your prescription should your hearing loss change.

Is It OK To Lick My Hearing Aid Shell And Then Place It In The Ear?

NO, no, and NO. Some people wouldn't dream of doing this, but I am surprised every time I see it happen! Usually they do this to lubricate the shell. Recently Dr. Bankaitis covered this question in detail. The article was written specifically for audiologists, but I think that anyone who uses a hearing aid and wants to know why they "shouldn't lick 'em and stick'em" should read the information. Don't download this article if you have a weak stomach! I've placed a link to this small pdf file here (about 168kb's to download). This article is from the American Academy of Audiology web site, www.audiology.org and was published in Audiology Today, Vol 17:6, 2005.

Digital Hearing Aids

The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can be confusing. When the term “digital” is used while referring to hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a “complete computer”. 100% digital hearing aids have been commercially available since 1996 and are wonders of modern technology. 100% digital hearing aids can process sound using incredibly fast speeds such as 100 to 200 million calculations per second. Interestingly, most 100% digital hearing aids have analog components, such as the microphone and the receiver. 100% digital hearing aids transform analog information into a digital signal and process the sound to maximize the speech information you want to hear, while minimizing the amplification of sounds you do not want to hear. Digital technology is tremendous and it allows the audiologist maximal control over the sound quality and loudness of the hearing aid. Importantly, digital technology allows the audiologist to tailor or customize the sound of your hearing aids to what you need and want to hear. In summary, if you want the best technology— get 100% digital hearing aids.