Audiology @ GBMC: Latest Technology
An analog, or linear hearing aid makes everything louder. This is the most basic type of hearing aid circuitry, therefore is limited in its ability to meet every individual's hearing needs. However, because of its limited functionality, analog hearing aids will meet basic hearing needs while being the least costly.
The most advanced type of hearing aid on the market today is a digital hearing aid. The circuit is programmed through a computer, which gives the audiologist the ability to fine tune the hearing aid in order to match individual hearing preferences, as well as to tune out certain unwanted sounds. The circuits are processed digitally, which typically results in a clearer signal than those hearing aids that have analog circuitry.
Directional technology uses complex microphones to determine which sound is desirable for the hearing aid user based on the direction they are coming from, and is only available in digital technology. A hearing aid with directional capability can allow the user to hear in an omnidirectional mode (all directions), or in the directional mode (reducing the unwanted sounds). The advantage to the user is that directional hearing aids allow unwanted sounds coming from a certain direction to be reducted. For example, while in a restaurant, a person using directional technology will be able to better hear the conversation at their own table better as the hearing aid will reduce the sounds of the diners around them.
