| Analog Circuit |
In an analog circuit the sound is amplified, frequency shaped, can be compressed if needed before being delivered to the ear-this type circuit does quite well for mild to moderate hearing losses where the residual dynamic range of the hearing impaired is relatively large and where a large amount of signal processing is not required. |
| Digital Circuit |
In a digital circuit the signal is converted in an A/D converter [analog to digital] after which the sound is frequency shaped, expanded, compressed if needed and divided into bands and/or channels then the signal is sent to a D/A converter [digital to analog] before being delivered to the ear .The digital circuit is best suited for difficult hearing losses, steep slopping losses and very reduced dynamic range of hearing where a large amount of signal processing is required. In addition the digital circuits allows a large amount of signal processing in a small chip, allows anti–feedback to be employed and allows for noise reduction to be added. |
| Compression |
A type of automatic gain control that produces output levels for given changes in input levels |
| Screw Set |
Adjusted by a screw driver - limited adjustment possibilities. |
| Programmable |
Acoustic parameters of hearing aid are adjusted by computer virtually - a limitless number of programming possibilities. |
| Single Channel |
Amplifies patient specific ranges of sound. |
| Multi Channel |
Enables the programmer to separate the audiogram into several distinct frequency groups to more exactly mirror the hearing loss for clearer understanding. |
| Noise Supperssion Circuit |
Makes hearing aid sound less noisy than conventional circuit but does not enhance speech understanding in noise. |
| Bands |
Frequency range in which you can control gain, noise reduction & feedback cancellation. |
| Multi Memory |
Provides different programs for various listening situations. Basically on electronic tone control. |
| Directional Microphone |
Designed to enhance signal to noise ratio by de-emphasing sound inputs from the sides and behind the listener-decreases sound coming from rear by 30-50%. A single decibel increase in signal to noise ratio results in close to a 10% increase in speech intelligibility. 51% of hearing aids fit today are with directional microphones. |
| Tel Coil |
An internal antenna in a hearing aid which picks up the magnetic field of a telephone. 46% of hearing aids are fit with a telephone coil. |
| Custom Made |
A hearing aid which is custom fabricated from an ear mold impression to your exact anatomical and acoustic requirements. |
| Open Fit |
Provides a more natural sound reproduction due to the ear not being plugged up. |
| Feedback |
Is a high pitch whistle or howl which is caused by the recirculation of acoustic output of any amplifying system. |
| Low battery indicator |
Sounds to alert you that it’s time to change the battery |
| Power on delay |
Helps prevent whistling/feedback as you insert the hearing aid |
| Wax guard |
Helps keep the hearing aid free of wax |
| Vents |
Tiny tunnels in hearing aids and/or earmolds that help minimize the stuffed up sensation |
| Direct audio input |
Allows the hearing aid to be connected by cable to mp3 players and other audio devices |
| Bluetooth capability |
Allows hands free use of cell and regular phones |
| RIC |
Receiver in the canal, used on some open fit behind the ear hearing aids |
| Zinc Air |
The only type battery used for hearing aids- the average digital hearing aid uses approx 30-35 batteries per year at a user cost of approx. |
| BTE |
Behind the ear |
| ITE |
In the ear |
| ITC |
In the canal |
| CIC |
Completely in the canal |
| Conductive hearing loss |
This type hearing loss is a condition of the outer and/or middle ear. Most conductive hearing losses can be treated medically or surgically. |
| Sensorineural hearing loss |
Is the most common type of hearing loss. This is a condition of the inner ear and can be successfully treated with hearing aids. |