Information On Digital Hearing Aids!

2009-01-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Types of hearing aid

are available in different shapes, sizes and types. They are described as either analogue or digital depending on the way the technology inside them processes sounds, and both types come in different sizes and styles. Some are worn behind the ear while others fit inside the ear. Digital hearing aids are not necessarily tiny.

Some hearing aids are designed specially for people with a particular kind of hearing loss.
The benefits of digital hearing aids
Digital hearing aids are increasingly available on the NHS.

Hearing aids are described as either analogue or digital. They look very similar on the outside but the way the technology inside processes sounds is different.

Digital hearing aids have a tiny computer inside to process sounds. This makes it possible to customise the aid to suit your hearing loss very precisely. Many digital aids can be programmed with different settings for different sound environments, for example a quiet living room, a large meeting room or a noisy restaurant.

The benefits of digital hearing aids can be:
sound tailored to suit your hearing.
comfortable listening in different environments.
easier hearing in noisy places.
your hearing aid is less likely to 'whistle' (give feedback).
Where can I get a digital hearing aid?
Digital hearing aids on the National Health Service (NHS)

Digital hearing aids are becoming increasingly available on the NHS. All hearing aid centres in England should be fitting digital hearing aids by April 2005.

Audiology services in Wales and Northern Ireland have already been upgraded to provide digital aids. Centres in Scotland are providing some digital hearing aids, but the complete programme of modernisation will not finish until 2007.
Digital hearing aids on the NHS are usually behind-the-ear style.

Digital hearing aids provided by the NHS are usually behind-the-ear style.

Patients who go to a modernised audiology department and have not had an NHS hearing aid before will be offered a digital hearing aid if their hearing tests show this would help. If you already have an NHS hearing aid, you will be offered a digital aid when you are reassessed and found to need new aids.
Buying digital hearing aids privately

You can buy digital hearing aids privately from registered hearing aid dispensers but they are often more expensive than analogue models and can cost up to £2,500 each.

For more information see our "Buying a hearing aid?" factsheet.
Different types of hearing aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

These have an earmould that fits snugly inside your ear. The rest of the aid rests behind your ear. Some models have twin microphones, which let you switch between all-round sound and a more directional setting that helps you focus on what you want to hear in noisy places.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

These fit entirely into your ear. The working parts are either in a small compartment clipped to the earmould or inside the moulded part itself. ITE aids tend to need repairing more often than BTE aids.
Completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids

These are even smaller than in-the-ear aids and less visible. They are unlikely to be suitable if you have a severe hearing loss.
Body-worn hearing aids

These have a small box that you clip to your clothes or put in your pocket. This is connected by a lead to the earphone. Some people find the controls less fiddly than those on smaller hearing aids. Some body-worn aids are very powerful.
Bone conduction hearing aids

These are for people with conductive hearing loss or people who can’t wear a conventional hearing aid. They deliver sound through the skull via vibrations. Find out more about them in our "All about hearing aids" leaflet.
CROS/BiCROS hearing aids

These are for people with hearing in one ear only. CROS hearing aids pick up sound from the side with no hearing and feed it to the ear with normal or near normal hearing. BiCROS aids are similar but made for people with no useful hearing in one ear and some hearing loss in the other, so they make the sounds louder as well.
Disposable hearing aids

These are usually suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They can be thrown away and replaced when the battery runs out, which is usually after about 10 weeks. They are only available from some private dispensers and cost from around £26 a month for one aid.
Further information

Find out more about hearing aids in our "All about hearing aids" leaflet.
(http://www.rnid.org.uk/information_resources/hearing_aids/types_of_hearing_aid/)

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