At the heart of digital hearing aids is optimum flexibility. They also lend a certain versatility, allowing hearing impaired individuals to take advantage of innovative wireless technology and microelectronics. You may not realize it, but digital hearing aids have only been around for about 15 years. Before that, analog hearing aids were at the top of the heap. It seems we’ve come very far since the early 1800s when ear trumpets came out. With today’s models, you get access to remote controls that allow the user to adjust various settings, and some have omnidirectional microphones to detect sound from multiple directions. There are other benefits to digital, too, like background noise filtration and Bluetooth connections. As such, each device can be programmed according to user preference and hearing loss degrees.
The First Digital Hearing Aids
The year 1996 saw the very first digital hearing aids, incorporating DSP, which stands for digital signal processing. Ideal for digital noise reduction, DSPs provided skyrocketed processing speeds which improved the ability to hear, for sure, but also amplification for individuals wearing the hearing aid.
Self-Learning
Using preferences set by the wearer, these devices can pre-program what you like so you never have to fiddle with the setting again. It’s these regulating tendencies that are so special.
Today’s hearing aids are equipped with self-learning or regulating tendencies, which make them truly “smart” hearing aids that adjust settings like volume automatically.
Digital Noise Reduction (DNR)
Digital noise reduction technology surpasses that of directional microphones because it is based on the physical characteristics of noise and speech rather than the separation of space, taking into account speech modulation.
Single Sided Deafness
Technologies like CROS devices and bone conduction devices allow the good ear to receive signals from the bad ear to improve on amplification. Prior to big advancements in digital technology, people who had single-sided deafness had to deal with the frustration of background noise and were relegated to using their “good ear” to pick up on conversation.
Improved Connections
People who incorporate digital hearing aids benefit from increased range, digital noise reduction and higher frequency transposition. Users can even make a connection to Bluetooth and other wireless technological services to expand their ease of use.
The Outlook
The horizon is awash in brightness for the continued advancement of the digital hearing aid. It is only expected to continue its growth. For optimum in flexibility and versatility, hearing impaired individuals can count on digital hearing aids that rely on innovative wireless technology and microelectronics.