Understanding the Features of Hearing Aids

Hearing aid technology is improving all the time. As a result, those who are seeking a new hearing aid, whether it be for the first time or to replace an aging model, may encounter new features of which they have been previously unaware. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the available features in order to make an informed decision in regard to choosing a hearing aid. After all, if you have hearing loss, a hearing aid can easily be one of the most important purchases you make.

• Analog vs. Digital

Hearing aids can be categorized as either analog or digital in nature. Analog hearing aids work by amplifying all incoming sound. Digital hearing aids, on the other hand, convert sound waves into data and then reproduce the sound for the wearer according to their programming. Generally speaking, digital hearing aids are considered to be far superior to their analog counterparts.  Analog hearing aids in many cases are not considered to be competitive.

• Directional microphones

Directional microphones focus on sound coming from a particular direction. This sound is then amplified more than the sound coming from other directions. This feature is helpful because it can make it easier for the listener to concentrate on a sound that is important—such as the person in front of them, to whom they are speaking, in a crowded, noisy environment.

• Telephone switch

Telephone switches are also known as t-coils. This feature helps listeners better hear conversations through a wired telephone. When the telephone switch has been activated, the normal microphone in the hearing aid turns off or is lowered, and the background sound is eliminated, allowing the listener to hear the sound from the phone more clearly and with less distraction.

• Direct audio input

Direct audio input is an interesting feature which allows the hearing aid to be directly plugged into another device so that the listener can hear the sound from that device in the most direct way possible.  Some types of devices which may support direct audio input include televisions, stereos, computers, and other media players. 

• Volume processing

Volume processing is best explained by comparing the feature to the equalizer on a stereo.  While many hearing aids are able to automatically adjust volume for the listener’s convenience, reducing or amplifying sound indiscriminately can lead to loss of clarity. Volume processing takes this into account, allowing programming to adjust not only the volume of overall sounds, but also to adjust the volume based on the channel of the sound.

• Feedback suppression

As with many other audio devices, electronic feedback can be an issue with hearing aids. Squeaking or squealing can be a concern, for example, if the hearing aid comes into close contact with telephones or speakers. This feature helps to reduce these occurrences.

• Wireless Connectivity

This is another form of direct audio input, but it utilizes wireless technology (like Bluetooth) instead of wired options.  This allows wearers to stream media directly to their hearing aids in a wireless manner.