Digital hearing aids are the most advanced hearing aid technology available and can be worn comfortably by people of all ages, from infants as young as two months of age to the elderly. Digital hearing aids are available in a variety of price ranges and styles, including small, discreet models that are virtually invisible. There are several options available to improve your hearing in specific situations.
Directional Microphones
These devices make it easier to hear in loud social settings, such as a party or noisy restaurant. This technology uses two microphones -- one picks up sounds from all directions, while the other amplifies sounds from just one direction. If you are having a face-to-face conversation, most hearing aids will automatically adjust the microphones, or you can activate the directional microphone to turn up the volume of sounds in front of you, such as the other person’s voice.
Telecoil
Also known as a T-coil or telephone adapter, this lets you switch between normal hearing aid settings and a special setting that improves your ability to hear phone conversations. The technology works with landlines as well as hearing-aid-compatible mobile phones. The telecoil also allows the listener to connect to a loop system, which is a hearing-aid-compatible sound system feature that is common in large auditoriums or places of worship.
Wireless and Bluetooth Technology
There are lots of ways to link your digital hearing aids to your mobile phone, television, tablet, or other devices. Certain manufacturer phone apps offer additional flexibility for people using hearing aids. Various Bluetooth-compatible accessories are available, too.
Feedback Cancellation Systems
These automatically block annoying squealing and whistling (feedback) before you hear it.
Multiple Memories
Many digital hearing aids have several listening programs stored in their circuitry. This lets you select various microphone or hearing aid settings via a remote control or program button on the hearing aid. You can use different programs for listening in noisy or quiet settings, listening to music, or watching television.
Digital Speech Enhancement
You can choose to increase the relative intensity of certain components of speech to make it easier to understand conversations.