Digital Hearing Aids, Beltone, Phonak, Resound

David Faulkner asked:




Almost everyone has an idea of what a hearing aids looks like and how they are supposed to work. But those ideas may be based on some very out-dated types of hearing aids and not at all realistic. If you are at the stage of life in which you hearing may be gin to decline, but are reluctant to see an audiologist and be tested for a hearing aid because of some inaccurate ideas, some information about the types of hearing aids now available may ease your concerns.

Conventional hearing aids, the types of hearing aids with which you are probably most familiar, are the hearing aids on which the hearing devices industry was built. These types of hearing aids are also known as analog hearing aids, and contain the same kind of electronic circuitry as the traditional telephone.

Analog Hearing Aids

The most recognizable feature of analog types of hearing aids is that they will amplify sounds of every frequency, from booming bass to shrieking treble, to the same degree; and that feature is also their greatest drawback. Many of those who have tried analog types of hearing aids have simply been unable to adjust them to a level of sound appropriate for their degree of hearing impairment. It was because of this deficiency that two other types of hearing aids, programmable and digital, were researched and developed.

Programmable Hearing Aids

Programmable hearing aids are types of hearing aids which can be programmed by a computer to match an individual’s specific degree and kind of hearing loss. Having a computer establish the settings in these types of hearing aids creates more opportunity to fine tune them to be as comfortable as possible for their users. But programmable hearing aids still rely on analog electronics.

Digital Hearing Aids

The final of the three types of hearing aids, digital hearing devices, have the most sophisticated hearing aid technology currently available. Digital types of hearing aids actually contain microchips which are also computer-programmed but are far more able to match a specific individual’s amplification profile than is analog circuitry

Digital types of hearing aids have separate circuits which are capable of categorizing incoming noise and dividing it into separate channels and bandwidths. They can then process the sounds on each channel or bandwidth independently of all the others. They are capable of amplifying those frequencies most affected by the user’s hearing loss, while letting the other frequencies remain unchanged.

Anyone considering getting a hearing aid of any type will have to visit an audiologist and be tested to determine the best of the types of hearing aids for his or her situation.

Siemens Digital Hearing Aids

Mike J Roberts asked:




All Hearing Aids are designed to help the person with some hearing loss to have greatly improved hearing. There are two types analogue or digital, depending on how the sound is amplified. Digital are similar to analogue that they both have a microphone which collects the sound waves in the air and converts them into electrical energy. This electrical energy is amplified and fed into a small speaker which converts the amplified electrical energy back into sound waves to feed into the ear channel to energise the ear drum.

Digital aids differ from analogue in that the amplifying part of the process is carried out digitally, which converts it into ‘bits’ of data by a tiny computer type chip in the hearing aid. These ‘bits’ which represent the sound are then analysed and manipulated by a process called Digital Signal Processing. Software is then used to carry out precise changes to the `bits` of information such as reducing the amplification of background noise. These electrical bits of information are then fed to a minute microphone and converted back into sound, which is fed into the ear channel to act on the eardrum.

The hearing loss can be very different in sufferers so it is most important that the digital hearing aid is configured exactly to compensate for the individual. The first step in providing the correct aid is to find out what particular hearing loss the sufferer has. A hearing test should be carried out by an audiologist who will determine the level of hearing over a wide range of frequencies and produce as audiogram – a chart of your hearing responses. With these results the digital hearing aid can be set up to compensate for the loss of hearing in particular areas. It is also possible the hearing aid may be set up just to allow the sufferer to hear voices and restrict any other sounds etc.

Some Digital Aids have also a built in circuit that will protect your ear from very loud sounds which could cause damage. Others also have facilities for suppressing Tinnitus in the ear.

It can be seen that a Digital Hearing Aid will help with hearing loss giving greater control of what can be heard and what is not wanted. However it is most important to understand that no hearing aids will give you back normal hearing and also it will take a little while to get used to the new sounds reaching the ear

Hearing Aids Batteries

MaryAnn Reynolds asked:




The loss of hearing is typically a result of the human body’s natural aging process. However, there is no reason why the quality of life should dissipate after retirement. What is often referred to as the golden years, is the time in your life when you get to enjoy the music of cheerful birds, conversations with your friends, and long walks with the love of your life. So that neither you nor your loved one ever has to experience hearing loss, digital hearing aids are now widely available in many styles and are affordable so that you will never miss what someone has said to you.

In 1987,digital hearing aids were introduced to the public. This replaced the traditional analog hearing devices which were often cumbersome and awkward to adjust. The batteries in the analog hearing devices had a short life and often caused the hearing aid to have a warm sensation. With the new digital technology, much advancement was made allowing them to make with better quality and operate more efficiently, thus allowing the batteries to last longer.

Digital feedback reduction (DFR), digital noise reduction (DNR), and digital speech enhancement (DSE) were among some of the new features introduced with digital hearing aids. These features helped eliminate feedback sounds from other electronically devices such as the TV, radio, and speakers. Now most hearing aids have an auto volume control that will automatically adjust these settings depending on the environment you are in. Further, other enhancements that digital technology has made possible is the ability to distinguish different algorithms detected in speech patterns. This makes it so that the hearing device automatically modulates speech patterns and makes them easier to understand for the user.

As digital technology continues to improve, new models are introduced that include many upgraded features. For example, medical hearings specialists are able to custom program your hearing aid to match your lifestyle. This enhanced custom features allows you to experience the most out of life by always hearing with quality sound. Many models also give you the option to plug your listening device directly into the audio outputs which also gives you a better sound quality in your ear.

So whether you are retired or about retire remember that you have options available to you so that you never miss another beat. One of the worst is missing hearing your children and grand children talking to you, let alone the embarrassment that it brings to you. A digital hearing aid will help you re-establish your identity and confidence.

Resound Hearing Aids

Alvin Toh asked:




If you find yourself hard of hearing, do not fear. Millions of people suffer from some type of hearing loss. Hearing aids are now better than ever but choosing one can be a little overwhelming.

1. Style

Hearing aids come in various styles. The type and degree of hearing loss determine the style that works best for you. Consult with an audiologist who can advise on a suitable style for your hearing loss.

There are 5 main styles of hearing aid.

CIC – Completely in the ear canal hearing aid fits deep into the ear canal and is not visible. These are super-small devices. One drawback is that the tiny size prohibits many features.

ITC – In the aid fits partially into the ear canal although not as deep as the CIC style.

ITE – In the aid fits into the outer edge of the ear. While this style may be more visible it is also easier to handle and insert.

BTE – Behind the ear hearing aid attaches to the outer ear and rests on the back of the ear. It is making a revival partially because of its similar shape to cell phone headsets and the style lends itself to improved hearing.

Open aid is similar to BTE hearing aid but smaller. It uses a small tube to send sound into the ear canal.

2. Basic features

All hearing aids have the same basic features. A microphone is used to pick up the sounds for amplification. The amplifier increases the volume of the sounds. A speaker is used to provide sounds into the ear canal to be heard. All of them run on battery power. The frequency with which the battery needs to be changed will depend on the number of features, the size and amount of use.

3. Digital or analog

Analog used to be the standard hearing aid and the first type that was available. As technology advanced digital hearing aids were born. These started out being quite expensive. Today, however, the prices have become quite affordable making the analog styles all but obsolete.

4. Accessories

A remote control is handy to easily control volume and make other adjustments. Directional microphones help to pick up sounds that come from various directions. Adapters enable your hearing aid to be used with your telephone and cell phone.

5. Hearing aid brands

When choosing a hearing aid, always purchase a reputable brand. Consider how long the hearing aid manufacturer has been in business as well as their guarantee and warranties. Siemens, Phonak, Starkey, Widex and Rexton offer some of the highest quality aids in the market. Shop around, compare various brands and prices to find a digital ones that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Resound Hearing Aids