Digital Hearing Aids UK: How do digital hearing aids work?

History of Digital Hearing Aids

Digital hearing aids vs analog hearing aids

Are digital hearing aids better than analog?

Wondering what the difference is between analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids?  Well, before the industry introduced digital hearing aids, there were only analog devices available.  In terms of sound signals, analog hearing aids were constant and uniform in flow.  This meant that the layers of sound were missing - unlike digital hearing aids.

Another digital and analog hearing aids difference is for analog hearing aids have to adapt - the volume has to be turned up, making your hearing experience more uncomfortable.  Background noise reduction was not possible either, without turning up the volume.   

Analog and digital hearing aids comparison

So, are digital hearing aids better than analog?  Well, in short - yes.  Digital hearing aids incorporate sound signals that change and are unique, which ultimately introduces a more natural-sounding speech and audio including depth and variation.  This means you can personalise how you hear the sound around you, due to all the digital features available.

So, which digital hearing aids are right for me?  When you embark on choosing the right hearing aid for you, there any many variances to consider.  Here are a few examples (and in no particular order):

The audiological requirements of digital hearing aids

Different types of hearing loss require different hearing aid fitting strategies. The hearing aids must have sufficient reserve amplification so they will last for several years – not just one or two.  We would say that five years is about right.

Digital hearing aids technology and performance

This above all else determines the cost of the hearing aid. The higher the technology, the higher the price.  This has nothing to do with the severity of the hearing loss, it’s about how well you want to be able to hear.

Accessories available for digital hearing aids

Some hearing aids have accessories that can be purchased. These include wireless transmitters that enable the sound from a television, telephone, or another device to “beam” sound into the hearing aid.  The need for certain assistance by way of accessories can heavily influence the choice of make and model of hearing aid required.

The size of digital hearing aids

As a general rule of thumb, the larger the hearing aid the more powerful it is. Smaller hearing aids have smaller batteries which could be difficult for people with poor dexterity. Smaller batteries don’t last as long.

Appearance and style of digital hearing aids

There are many different styles of hearing aids. The two main categories are ITE (in the ear) and BTE (behind the ear).  BTEs are becoming increasingly popular as they can be extremely small and cosmetic.   Here is a list of the breakdown of all the different types of digital hearing aids available on the market:

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
• In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
• Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIC) hearing aids
• Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing aids
• In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids
• Invisible In the Canal (IIC) hearing aids
• Super Power (SP) hearing aids
• CROS / BICROS hearing aids

Fully Digital Hearing Aids

What are the benefits of digital hearing aids?

Are digital hearing aids any good?  How can digital hearing aids help?

Over the last few years, there have been some outstanding hearing aid technology developments. Innovations such as advanced sound processing and frequency responses, faster Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility.

How well do digital hearing aids work?  Hearing aids are used to improve hearing and speech understanding for those with hearing loss.  A hearing aid amplifies sound vibrations that go into your ear. 

Those with hearing loss generally have surviving hair cells that recognise the most powerful sound vibrations and then switch them into neural signals to be sent to the brain.  With that in mind, here are some of the advantages of digital hearing aids currently available in the industry:

How Digital Hearing Aids Work

The functions of the main digital hearing aid parts

Digital hearing aid parts

In all good and modern digital hearing aids, there are basic components - microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, batteries, and processing chips.  The processing chip assists the advanced technology and the batteries provide the power to do so. The three main pieces of technology that ensure the functionality of the hearing aid are the microphone, amplifier, and speaker. 

How do hearing aid amplifiers work?  The microphone receives the sounds, switches the sound waves into electrical signals, and transmits them to the amplifier, which then increases the power and level of the signals and finally sends them to the ear through the speaker. 

 A simple breakdown of how a hearing aid works

• Small microphones pick up the sound around you.  The microphone converts these acoustic signals into electrical signals.
• These sounds are analysed by a processing chip and these processed sounds are then sent to the amplifier.  Many modern hearing aids incorporate digital signal processing technology that analyses and processes electrical signals, making adjustments based on the individual's specific hearing needs.
• The amplifier increases the strength of the signals while maintaining their clarity and fidelity.  Amplified sounds are then sent to the loudspeaker.
• Then the sounds are sent by the loudspeaker into the inner ear, through tubing in an ear mould in the ear canal, or through a thin wire to a receiver in the ear.  
• In the inner ear, the receiver converts the electrical signals back into acoustic signals, which are then directed into the ear canal.
• Impulses are finally sent to the brain where they are processed.

Conclusion

Hearing aids are highly customisable electronic devices designed to improve the hearing ability of individuals with hearing loss. They work by amplifying sounds and delivering them directly into the ear.

The settings and programming are adjusted by a hearing care professional to match your specific hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences. This is why regular visits to a hearing healthcare provider are recommended for proper fitting, adjustment, and ongoing support.

Call us free on 0800 567 7621 for support and advice, as well as to put you in touch with your local audiologist for your future hearing healthcare needs.