When considering the usage of a hearing aid to bolster your current hearing levels, there are a couple of types of hearing aids that you should be aware of. Hearing aid types comes with their own set of unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what these are will ensure that your purchase decision is an informed one.

Digital Hearing Aids

There are many different types of hearing aids, due largely to slight differences in the components used with each type of device. However, they mostly consist of similar composition, but do contain a couple of differences that can basically boil down to individual preference. The main difference rests with the electronic aspect of the device, which can either be digital or analog. A digital hearing aid converts any and all sound sent through the device into basic numerical codes before being amplified. These codes allow specific frequencies to be heightened in the place of others in certain situations, due to the very precise way in which numerical codes relay info about the sounds you hear.

This type of hearing aid can be particularly useful in making sure that the sounds you hear are as natural as possible to what you would experience with perfect hearing. The hearing aid can easily adjust itself when placed in noisier or quieter areas, so you won’t be required to manually change the volume settings on a regular basis. This type of hearing aid also works particularly well at determining the exact direction that sound is coming from, which can be especially helpful in crowded areas.

Analog Hearing Aids

When it comes to analog hearing aids, they convert all sounds into standard electrical signals. One of the highlights of this type of hearing aid is that it can be programmed to match the specific needs of each individual user. The settings can be changed when you first try on the hearing aid, and can even be tinkered with later on if you feel that some slight adjustments need to be made. In order for these hearing aids to be tuned to the exact frequencies that you require for proper hearing, a computer will be used to make each adjustment.

No matter which analog hearing aid you select, they contain a large variety of audio programs designed to be used in specific settings. Whether you’re in a smaller room or larger venue, the device can be changed to match your surroundings. These settings can even be changed to account for how many people are in the immediate vicinity. The reason for so many settings is due to the fact that there are a myriad of factors that come into play when determining how you hear sound.

What These Hearing Aids Consist Of

In general, all hearing aids consist of similar components with just a few stark differences. Modern hearing aids utilize an earhook, a section for the batteries, a mic, a switch that turns the device on or off, and a volume control that allows you to set the exact volume whenever you like. Any outside noise is first passed through the microphone before being sent to an amplifier. This amp greatly increases the volume to ensure that you can accurately hear each and every sound that passes through it. These noises are then sent to the earhook where they connect with your ear. Once you’ve made a decision on the type of hearing aid you want to use, you’re ready to start hearing proper sound once again.