Difference Between Analog And Digital Hearing Aids
A hearing aid is an apparatus designed to amplify sound and fits either behind the ear or within the outer ear canal.
This electro-acoustic device has evolved greatly during the past few years. Earlier, the devices were shaped as funnels to direct sound waves into the ear canal. Nowadays, the device can be fitted to the cochlea, so it is completely invisible and it generates sound waves through circuitry.
Analog hearing aids are commonly referred to as adjustable control hearing aids. They are designed to enhance the wavelength of sound, consequently increasing it. With the ability to amplify all sounds in a uniform manner, some of them can also be programmed. These programmable hearing aids contain microchips, which automatically switch to settings according to the sound in the environment. Multiple programs for different environments can be stored in such analogue devices. They are easy to operate – adjustments are made through small external controls or through variants on the hearing aid. In some cases, the device can also be activated through remote control. Adjustable circuitry permits the users to adjust the volume according to their personal needs.
Although, digital hearing aids are almost the same as analog aids the only and most striking difference is that these transform the sound waves into digital signals. This helps in creating a mirror-reflection sound of the original sound. It incorporates computer chips, which are used to detect speech and other sounds in the environment. The sound quality of these hearing aids, in most cases, is better than that of analog hearing aids. The amplification process is more complicated and this results in better functioning. The use and handling is also much easier than analog hearing aids.
Hearing aids come in different sizes, shapes and models. There is a vast variety of specific features that a hearing aid may include. Some hearing aids rest on the back of the wearer’s ear while some others can be easily fitted into the inner ear. There are also others such as disposable hearing aids; eyeglass aids; and adjustable varieties and so on. Apart from these, there is a variety of wireless hearing aids. These wireless hearing aids make use of Bluetooth and wireless microphones to eliminate the noise in the background for clear listening of radio and TV. These feature directional microphones that help regulate the sound in the required direction. This helps to improve speech clarity. Hearing aids can be customized according to the specific needs of users – they can thus be accommodated with directional or omni-directional microphones.
Other technological features such as T-Coils are also used in hearing aids. This technology enables the audio sources to link up straightaway to the device. The hearing aid technology includes the use of microphones, receivers, batteries and some sort of electronic circuitry.