| The word 'digital' is heard a lot these days, especially | | | | computer chip inside the aid is responsible for its |
| when talking of electronic devices. As for a hearing aid, | | | | convenient sizing. It enables easy handling and |
| the word digital refers to the conversion of sound into | | | | adjustment for the audiologist apart from the |
| digital symbols. This kind of conversion or adjustment | | | | numerous functions it supports. These digital aids come |
| happens in real time and is done by the computer chip | | | | with various listening modes, automatic volume control |
| fitted into the hearing instrument. There are basically | | | | and an automatic feedback reduction. These hearing |
| two types, the Analog and the Digital. | | | | instruments are 100% digital and are the finest quality |
| The Analog type convert the sound waves into | | | | aids available in the market currently. The digital type |
| electrical signals which are then amplified. These are | | | | hearing instruments are much more expensive than |
| adjustable aids which are custom made to suit the | | | | the analog ones because of their sophisticated |
| needs of the user and is accordingly programmed. | | | | working and the computer chip. |
| These are provided with various programs and | | | | Digital type hearing aids may not necessarily prove the |
| settings as suggested by the audiologist. These | | | | best choice for everybody. The kind of hearing |
| settings help the user to use the machine as per the | | | | instrument suitable for a person varies according to |
| surroundings and the immediate requirement. | | | | the intensity of the problem and other factors. Hence, it |
| The Digital Aids on the other hand convert the sound | | | | is advisable to consult a doctor or an audiologist for |
| waves into numerical codes, very similar to the binary | | | | proper directions on the usage and the kind of hearing |
| codes of the computer before amplifying them. A | | | | aid. Improper use of a hearing aid may also lead to |
| camera is an ideal example to explain this theory of | | | | increase in hearing loss or other diseases. |
| the digital hearing aids. At a point of time the cameras | | | | According to a survey, most people still feel more |
| were huge, even the ones which were of personal | | | | comfortable using the analog hearing aid. The improper |
| use. It was because the numerous components that it | | | | adjustment of the digital type of hearing aid is the |
| consisted off were held together in a body frame. | | | | primary reason for this. The hearing aid has extremely |
| Gradually, when the cameras became digital, their | | | | sophisticated functions which need proper adjustment. |
| sizes reduced by a noticeable measure. This | | | | For this it is necessary to give the user a very detailed |
| happened because all the 'working parts 'were | | | | and illustrative demonstration of the machine. This |
| basically inside a very small computer chip. The same | | | | should be done in a very user friendly manner as well. |
| happened with the mobile phones as well. | | | | Make sure you you ask the right questions when you |
| The digital type of aid is just the same. The petite | | | | next visit your Audiologist! |