Types Of Hearing Aids

We’ve mentioned that there are different types of hearing aids that differ in size and style. The technology on which hearing aids are based also differs. The basic function of sound amplification is achieved differently depending on what technology the hearing aid was built with. At the moment, there are three general types of hearing aid technology; research to improve hearing problems is ongoing, however, and new products are coming out everyday.

The first type of technology is the “traditional” hearing aid technology, basic analog. With this technology, all sound is amplified equally. Your hearing specialist will set the level of amplification of your device, but you will be able to manually set it at a later time if necessary; indeed, you’ll most likely be required to manually turn the volume down for loud sounds. Analog hearing aids are the cheapest types of hearing aids and should be considered only for those people who spend most of their time in relatively quiet environments. This technology is becoming uncommon, as it is somewhat outdated; indeed, many companies no longer make basic analog aids at all anymore.

At the next rung in the technology ladder, we have programmable analog technology. These hearing aids can be adjusted by your hearing specialist, or audiologist, for differential amplification of sounds; this means that weaker sounds can get some extra amplification, while stronger sounds are amplified only slightly or aren’t amplified at all. Unlike the basic analog technology, therefore, you may not need to, say, turn down the volume in environments where loud sounds abound.

Some models come with the ability to memorize multiple settings, and the user can switch between settings to find the one that is most appropriate to a given situation; a remote control or small button on the device is usually used to switch settings. Even though this technology is more advanced than basic analog technology, it is not as advanced as the third category, and many companies no longer offer programmable analog hearing aids.

Digital technology is the most advanced technology to date, and also the most expensive. Digital hearing aids contain a computer chip that is responsible for converting sound into digital code, which is analyzed based on algorithmic rules. Once the digital hearing aid adjusts sounds in a way appropriate for your type and degree of hearing loss and your listening requirements, it re-converts the signal into sound waves, which are then sent to your inner ear. Digital hearing aids offer much more customized and fine tuned hearing improvement. There are a variety of features that may come with different digital models; the more features you choose, the higher the price of the hearing aid.

There are also other types of hearing aid for deaf people that include implantable devices. If the question “What are the different types of hearing aids?” is on your mind, take a trip to an audiologist for a consultation.