Hearing aids are widely used devices designed to help people with hearing difficulties to hear and communicate better. Commonly, a hearing aid consists of a microphone, amplifier, speaker, microchip, and battery. However, there are some differences between analog and digital hearing aids.
We understand that there are different types of hearing aids available in the market. There are behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, and completely-in-the-canal (IITC) hearing aids.
This article will focus on the similarities and differences between two different hearing aids: analog and digital.
What is Analog Hearing Aid?
Analog hearing aids, known as the initial type of hearing aid available in the market, work by amplifying sound waves continuously. Typically, an analog hearing aid is built with a microchip designed to help store program settings for different environments. Wearers of analog hearing aids can change the settings according to their listening requirements.
Nowadays, an analog hearing aid has become less and less common in the market.
What is Digital Hearing Aid?
Digital hearing aids, on the other hand, function by converting sound waves received into digital signals, which are then processed and duplicated for a more precise sound for the wearer. A digital hearing aid is built with a microchip that analyses speech and other sounds.
Essentially, digital hearing aids, with their advanced technology, allow for more complex processing of sound for the wearer.
The Similarities Between Analog and Digital Hearing Aids
Function
Both analog and digital hearing aids have the same function, which is to amplify the sound waves received and send them to the brain to pick up and comprehend the signals.
Electrical Components
Both analog and digital hearing aids have similar electrical components to function. Both hearing aids utilise a microphone to receive and amplify sound signals. Both hearing aids typically run on battery and have an amplifier or speaker that supplies the sound to the wearer.
The Differences Between Analog and Digital Hearing Aids
Technology
Although both analog and digital hearing aids have the same electrical components, the critical difference that stands them apart is the technology used in digital hearing aids. Digital devices are equipped with advanced capabilities, making them sharper and progressive.
Cost
Since the technology used in digital hearing aids are more advanced, the cost of this type of device will be higher than analog hearing aids.
Performance
Both analog and digital hearing aids work to amplify sound. However, analog devices also amplify the wearer’s environmental sound, making it hard to communicate as they will also receive unnecessary sound.
With digital hearing aids, on the other hand, more memories can be stored in the programs, allowing more prominent sound amplification.
Get Affordable Hearing Aids at JGlasses & Hearing
Hearing aids are designed for those with hearing difficulties by transforming the sound waves and amplify them to become signals that can be heard and comprehend. There are, interestingly, many different types of hearing devices available in the market.
The more complicated features of the device may allow the hearing aids to meet best the wearer’s particular pattern of hearing loss and needs. Thus, it is best to consult a hearing aid specialist to understand your hearing needs further.
At JGlasses & Hearing, we provide clients with an array of different selections of hearing aids in Singapore that can fit their daily hearing issues and needs. Visit us for expert consultation and get affordable yet highly functional hearing aids today.
