Digital Hearing Aids Information

A digital hearing aid---by definition---is a very simple thing; however, when you go to purchase one it may not seem that way. You can expect to be shown four to eight different "digital" hearing aids---ranging in price from $400 to $5,000 per aid---when visiting a hearing aid clinic. As of 2009 all hearing aids are digital, but not all are the same.

Function

• A digital hearing aid is a hearing aid with a digital circuit. Sound enters the microphone of the hearing aid, passes through the circuit, and out the receiver into your ear. The circuit processes and amplifies the sound. By using a digital circuit, sound is processed digitally making it clearer and crisper. Digital processing enhances sound quality. So, why the price range? There's such thing as a basic digital hearing aid on up to an intelligent digital hearing aid.

Misconceptions

• Just because a hearing aid is digital, doesn't mean you will only hear what you want to hear, and never hear annoying background noises again. A basic digital hearing aid is simply an amplifier with better sound quality. A basic hearing aid just amplifies sound regardless of what the sound is. Whether it's a person you're trying to hear or a noise you'd rather not hear---a basic digital hearing aid will amplify both sounds crisp, clear, and at the same level.

Features

• Mid and high level digital hearing aids have a feature called "programmability" in common. A digital computer chip---inside the hearing aid---processes sound. Your hearing test results are programmed into the hearing aid and sound is processed according to your needs. With a mid level digital hearing aid sounds you can hear---like annoying background noise---aren't amplified. Sounds you have difficulty hearing---like conversation---are amplified. Digital programmable hearing aids are comfortable to wear in moderate noise.

Benefits

• The high level of digital hearing aid technology boasts features like artificial intelligence, built in blue tooth, data logging, automatic noise reduction, adaptive directional microphones and speech detection. Simply put, all of those features work together to provide the most natural sound quality, ease of use, better hearing in any situation, and comfort in the noisiest of places. A high level digital hearing aid is a highly intelligent computer, designed to analyze sound, decide what the sound is, where the sound is coming from, and what to do with the sound according to your hearing loss.

Considerations

• When choosing a digital hearing aid, there are several factors to consider. If you are active, working, or very social you may want to consider more advanced digital hearing aid technology. According to the Mayo Clinic, digital hearing aids provide sound that's more finely tuned to your hearing loss. If you lead an active lifestyle, high level technology will insure listening comfort every day in every situation. Consider that a hearing aid---if properly cared for---will last 5 to 7 years. A hearing aid can slow the progression of hearing loss if worn every day. The benefits of a hearing aid are worth the extra investment.

  Digital hearing aids come in all shapes, sizes, and styles but could vary according to your type of hearing loss or physical anatomy. Size or style should be determined by a specialist. Always have a hearing test done by a licensed hearing specialist or doctor, never order hearing aids over the phone or online. If you don't know a specialist, the Mayo Clinic recommends, asking your doctor to refer you to a reputable ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), audiologist or hearing specialist.

  If you are semi-active, retired, or not very social you may not need all of the features of a high level digital hearing aid. You can still enjoy comfort and better hearing in moderate noise with a mid level digital hearing aid.

  Basic digital hearing aids should only be considered if you spend 90 percent or more of your time in quiet.

  Most private, state, or government insurance plans do not cover the entire cost of hearing aids. Testing, fitting, and partial cost of the instrument may be covered---check with your insurance provider.