Advances in Digital Hearing Aid Technology Making People Turn a New Ear
Just ask Henry Foucault of Exeter, Ontario and he'll tell you. "People can't tell I'm wearing a hearing aid," as he motions towards his left ear. He's quite right. All that is noticeable is a thin, inconspicuous wire, virtually invisible compared to the bulky ear pieces of some of the other residents in this home for the aged. "My old hearing aid was such a pain," says Foucault, "I couldn't hear my hockey commentary with it on, so it stayed in my dresser drawer."
Foucault is referring to the new streamlined appearance and sound improvements that are helping to make wearing a hearing aid worth its weight 8230; or rather lack of it. Anna Fleet, Editor for http://www.hearingaids101.com/, a website devoted to educating those on hearing aids, hearing accessories and hearing loss, agrees that "Thanks to recent improvements in hearing aid technology, especially from the digital market, a hearing aid can now address a patient's exact hearing needs."
Since the introduction of digital hearing aids, those with mild high frequency hearing loss, similar to Foucault's, are not only subtle in their design; they're also able to filter out background noise 8211; coming from crowds and traffic, etc. 8211; so that one-on-one conversation and dialogue from television programs can be better perceived by the wearer.
Experts in advanced hearing technology are hoping that the new streamlined appearance of hearing aids will encourage baby-boomers, and even those from younger generations, to have their hearing tested and be open to being fitted with a hearing aid if a problem is found.
"Recent studies show that 76-million baby boomers experience hearing difficulties," says Fleet. "That means that almost half of the over 40-set in the U.S. would benefit in their work and personal lives if they just wore a hearing aid."
Demand for digital hearing aids is particularly on the rise because of their ability to distinguish between different sounds. And while programmable analogue hearing aids offer different programs specific to user's needs, they oftentimes can't differentiate between sounds the user wants to focus on 8211; such as a conversation 8211; from sounds they want to filter out 8211; such as background noise. Digital hearing aids, on the other hand, translate sounds using a digital mathematical calculation. This enables them to duplicate sound more accurately.
Although programmable analogue hearing aids still produce great sound quality for less money according to some, many believe that the digital hearing aid technology is worth its hefty price tag. In order for you to make your own judgment, Hearing Aids 101 recently added a digital hearing aid comparison chart - http://www.hearingaids101.com/digital-hearing-aid-comparison.aspx - to their website, listing the most popular brands of digital hearing aids and their many features.
About Hearing Aids 101
Hearing Aids 101 helps readers understand the challenges faced by over 10-percent of the global population that suffers from some degree of hearing loss. This site is the unbiased resource for those who rely on hearing devices 8211; such as hearing aids, ear protection, implants and hearing accessories. The goal of Hearing Aids 101 is to keep you attuned to any major advancements in the hearing aid industry - including the latest innovations in hearing technology, the newest from manufacturers and helpful tips for shopping online.
For additional information on digital hearing aids, please contact:
Anna Fleet, Editor
Hearing Aids 101
1-866-436-7446 x245