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Digital Technology Hearing Aids:
Hearing aids which are fully digital process sound differently than
normal hearing aids. They use mathematical strategies called Algorithms in
place of electronic components and filters. Digital hearing aids contain
millions of tiny electrical parts micro-manufactured into a single silicon
chip. The computer programmed silicon chip within the aid applies
continuous digital processing to incoming sound.
How Do Digital Hearing Aids Work:
- The hearing aid microphone turns sound into an analog electrical
signal.
- A filter removes inaudible frequencies.
- This filtered analog signal goes to the analog-to-digital converter
which changes it to a numerical digital bit stream (a series of 1’s
and 0’s) so it can it can be manipulated by the hearing aid’s high
speed internal computer or Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
- This chip is programmed to perform many numerical operations
(filtering, noise reduction, loudness compensation, expansion, and
feedback cancellation) depending on the algorithm used.
- The modified digital bit stream is converted back into an audible
sound for the patient to hear.
- These functions are performed instantly and continually.
The advantages of digital hearing aids are no distortion, clean CD
quality high fidelity sound reproduction tailored to the individual’s
hearing loss, adjustable with 5 to 25 parameters usually in 1 dB steps,
minimal size and higher reliability.
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Optional
Features:
- Input compression algorithm
- Output compression algorithm
- Single channel or multi-channel compression algorithm
- Noise compression algorithm
- Remote control
- Multiple memories
- Multiple or directional microphones
User Group:
- Both new and experienced hearing aid users
- Patients with “reversed” sloping, cookie bite and unusual
hearing impairments
- Patients with severe loudness tolerance problems
- Patients who have used conventional, advanced, and programmable
hearing instruments unsuccessfully
- Patients who want the best, latest and most precise prescriptive
fitting technology available today
- Patients who want CD quality sound processing
User Benefits:
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The preciseness of digital computer technology |
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Availability of Automatic Signal Processing circuits which are not
available with non-digital instruments. |
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Remote control (available on some models) |
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Multiple memories for various listening situations |
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Multiple circuit options within a single instrument which achieve
different sound qualities |
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Automatically achieves more volume for the soft, high frequency
sounds and less volume for the more intense, low frequency sounds |
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Capable of retaining the patient’s complete audiometric file and
preferred listening program for various environments |
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Ability to readjust your prescription should your hearing loss
change. |
Digital Pricing:
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Digital Hearing Aids will cost between
$1000.00 for the lowest quality products with limited features and
response choices.
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Top end Digital products in the Completely
In the Canal size can cost as much as $3950.00.
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Pricing for any level hearing aid will
depend on four factors.
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