Digital Programmable Hearing Instruments
Digital hearing aids are like miniature 100% digital computers. Similar to the analog circuit, the hearing aid microphone picks up the sound, but rather than being converted to an electrical signal, the incoming sounds are converted to numbers, which are analyzed according to rules called algorithms. The digitized numbers are manipulated based on the algorithm, reconverted to an analog form (sound), and delivered to the ear. The result is a clear signal with minimal distortion. Digital technology provides CD quality sound.
Digital hearing aids detect and process sound faster than the blink of an eye. Some digital hearing aids can sample sound one million times per second and analyze these sounds 32,000 times per second. The hearing aid automatically adjusts to the listening environment according to the parameters programmed into the chip, which controls the hearing aid. Sound is reproduced at a comfortable level for the listener, not too loud or too quiet.
The audiologist adjusts the digital hearing aid with a computer using the manufacturer’s software. The required sound parameters specific to the user’s hearing loss are taken into account during the calculation process. The digital hearing aid continuously adjusts to match the hearing profile of the user.