Digital Hearing Aids Offer A Number Of Differential Advantages Over Analog

There is little doubt about the impact of technological advancements on both the design and functionality of hearing aids over the last several years. Size, comfort, and utility have all undergone significant improvements, thereby further enriching and enhancing the lifestyles of those requiring the use of such instruments.

One of the recent trends has seen a steady progression/movement from conventional analog hearing aids to digital hearing aids. It may surprise some/many to know that digital hearing aid technology was first introduced in the 1980s but it was subsequently shelved due to issues with the large size of the aids and the short lives of their batteries.

However, improvements in technology led to the reintroduction of digital hearing aids prior to the turn of the century. Since then, with their initial issues overcome, the digital format has enjoyed greater receptivity, and hearing specialists are more comfortable and confident in recommending and dispensing this option to their patients.

In order to gain an overall appreciation for digital hearing aids, it may be beneficial to compare their features with those of the analog style:

• Analog hearing aids
  • Make all sounds louder
  • Are subject to background noise and static
  • Only certain analog versions are programmable
  • Generally less expensive
• Digital hearing aids
  • Convert sounds into digitized signals
  • More effective at filtering different sounds/noise
  • Most digital versions are programmable
  • Typically more expensive

While it should be noted that the analog version remains a viable option for those who require hearing aids, there are some differential advantages to the digital version for new patients or current wearers of analog hearing aids. These benefits would include:

• Providing greater clarity and enhancement of sound (notably speech)
• More effective at detecting and separating noise from speech
• Successfully filtering out or suppressing background noise
• Compression of louder sounds to more comfortable/tolerable levels
• More conducive for use in noisier settings (restaurants, sports venues)
• Can monitor for and minimize unwanted or nuisance feedback
• Allow hearing specialists to improve/streamline the fitting process

As with all other aspects relating to hearing, introducing/converting to digital hearing aids should be done in consultation with professionals such as the hearing aid specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke.

Consult With Our Hearing Specialist For The Hearing Aid That Best Suits Your Needs

Your choice of hearing aids, whether analog or digital, will be dependent on numerous personal and health-related factors. Such considerations might encompass any/all of the following:

• Degree of hearing loss
• Manual dexterity
• Lifestyle wants/needs
• Individual preferences
• Budgetary implications

A professional assessment and subsequent consultation with our Bravo Hearing team would be a prudent and beneficial course of action to determine the best solution for your particular situation. Our hearing specialists can and will provide valuable insight on the choice of hearing aids, as well as a variety of other products and services available to address your hearing needs.

Are you currently wearing analog hearing aids and considering a switch to digital devices? Unsure about the advantages of digital hearing aids for your specific needs? Call Bravo Hearing Centre today at 647-694-4626 to book your free consultation and learn how making such a transition can benefit you and your lifestyle.