Types of Hearing Aids

by on 2010/10/17



Hearing aids can be classified under two categories; they are digital and analog or Conventional hearing aids. Both these processes differ from each other. In the past, Analog devices were superior to the digital devices but modern technology has changed the situation upside down.

According to a survey, more than 95% hearing aids sold in the market are digital products because the products are available in different varieties, styles and models. The model of this product is classified into Basic, Premium and mid-level or advanced. They even have improved amplification and better filters which is of great benefit to the patients. People can choose the aid depending on their hearing loss, budget or their own preference.

Any hearing aid should make the patient hear clearly and communicate comfortably in both quiet as well as noisy atmospheres. Both these aids are produced to increase the volume of the sounds and have three basic components; they are Microphone, Amplifier and speaker for better speech. The different styles of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear aid, In-the-canal, In-the-ear, and completely-in-canal. These styles are mostly available in digital products.

The word digital itself makes it clear that these products belong to the electronic category. They convert the sound waves into numerical code and do the amplification. The code is a more important component in this type because they provide details regarding the volume of sound and its pitch which helps the person to adjust to their requirements. They can shape the volume and clarity of the sound or signal heard through the aid and amplifies without any disturbance.

This aid marks the advancement in the technology and provides the customer with satisfaction along with tremendous advantages. A digital device tries to fulfill the expectation and the needs of the customer. Their motive is to give better understanding of speech with the controlled sound signal.

The next one is Analog, the main process of this type is, and they convert sound particles into electrical signals and give clear hearing capacity with the help of amplification. Microphone grabs the sound and changes it into electrical signals. These signals differ from the variation of sound. Then the sound is amplified by the speaker to the ear drum.

They are available in standard models with more than one program and designed with the guidance of audiologists to face the needs of the users. They amplify both soft and loud noise with the same frequency. The volume gets adjusted often to make soft speech audible and loud noise to soft sound. This frequent change acts as a disadvantage since they become helpless in noisy atmosphere and words are at times misinterpreted. They don't have all the advantages which are found in digital aids but they are more affordable.

Hearing aids are miracles of technology that offer hearing impaired persons better quality of life. There are four different styles of hearing aids, which include the body aid, the behind-the-ear aid or BTE, the canal aid -- either in-the-canal (ITC) or completely-in-canal (CIC), and the in-the-ear aid or ITE. It is more advisable to buy the product of most advanced technology so that one can improve their hearing capacity and enjoy a hassle free hearing experience in any surroundings.

By: Nazimabee Woozeer

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