Hearing Instruments ? Whether to Go Digital or Analog

Posted by adairsawyer on February 13th, 2012

There are numerous hearing instruments that are available in the market today. It is not easy for a new buyer to make a decision on which one to buy. This article provides a little insight into the world of digital hearing instruments and why they are preferred over analog ones.

Every new person who has a hearing problem and goes to buy a hearing aid goes through this situation. There are numerous hearing instruments in the market to choose from. We need to understand how it works before we can make the right choice. A hearing instrument is worn on the ear, sometimes inside and sometimes outside the ear depending on the type of instrument. It collects all the sounds from the environment and amplifies them so that the person wearing it can hear them.

There are two major classifications of these instruments – digital hearing aids and analog hearing aids. The major advantage that a digital instrument has over an analog one is the clarity of sound. Analog devices often add more noise to the sounds or distort them. But digital hearing instruments deliver a clearer and crispier sound.

There is a difference in technology used between both the types. Analog devices work on the traditional technology of using electromagnetic waves. The sound waves are converted into electromagnetic waves and are then amplified and reach the ear. In a digital hearing device, digital signals are used. The sound converts into digital signals that are sent through the device and amplified.

As a property of electromagnetic signals, some distortions and noise are natural. Both digital and analog instruments can be programmed to suit your requirement, but digital aids are still easier to program with greater precision and offer many more features. Digital hearing aids make it easier to listen to a voice even if there is more noise in the environment – a situation where most analog devices fail.

Getting into the depth of technology, digital hearing aids are more complex and can perform many more operations compared to an analog hearing aid. Therefore, more and more users are switching to digital hearing instruments for better hearing. There are many more features and benefits of using digital devices. It also has the feature to block very loud noises so as to protect the ear drum from damage.

Switching from an analog to digital hearing device is not very easy for some. If they have been using an analog device for quite some time, adjusting to the new instrument can take some time. However, it would be absolutely worth it because a digital hearing device can definitely meet your needs better.

It is true that digital devices are more expensive than analog ones. Looking at the quality of sound, flexibility and safety features most users find digital hearing instruments worth their cost. However, analog devices serve well for users that spend most of their day alone and do not need all the advance features. Also some users are comfortable using their old machines and find no reason for change. Digital instruments are most popular amongst socially active users.

There are many types of hearing instruments in the market. You may wonder why digital hearinginstruments are more popular and more expensive. Find out why they might suit you better and make your choice.