AVAILABLE HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY
Hearing instruments today come in different styles
and different circuit types for improved hearing for individual
hearing needs. Digital microprocessor technology is a part of
the newer hearing aid designs. The cost of hearing aids reflects
differences in size, advanced technology and professional services.
As a result, the range of prices will vary from $500 to $3000
or more for each aid. Allow your hearing instrument specialist
to advise you of your options. They will combine their expertise
of fitting hearing instruments with your personal needs for hearing.
The technical choices in current hearing aids
allow the consumer a variety of options. These circuit choices
can be categorized into seven technologies.
CONVENTIONAL OR LINEAR - These make all
sounds louder.
TRADITIONAL COMPRESSION - These soften
some loud sounds when they occur.
ADVANCED COMPRESSION - There are many
special circuits to make hearing aids more comfortable. Your specialist
will guide you.
ADVANCED DESIGN NON - DIGITAL - These
are unique newer more complex circuits that may be "automatic"
(i.e. no volume wheel necessary).
DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE - These higher technology
circuits have 1 to 13 adjustable bands of compression. Often they
are automatic and use computers to program different listening
environments. Some models use remote controls to provide more
direct client control.
100% DIGITAL (DSP) - DSP stands for Digital
Signal Processing - audio sounds are digitized and the processed.
These types of hearing aids use computer for the fitting process.
They contain computer chips within the hearing aid for further
processing.
DEEP CANAL CIRCUIT - For maximum benefit
this circuit depends upon the placement of the hearing aid near
the eardrum, which changes the performance of this type of hearing
aid.
Remember your Hearing Instrument Specialist's
role is to correct your hearing problem with the most effective
hearing instruments for you. Listen to their advice and discuss
your options.
