Hearing loss is generally categorized as conductive and "sensorineural". Conductive hearing loss refers to abnormal transmission of sound to the outer or middle ear. This can be easily fixed by hearing aids that use analog technology through amplification of sound. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by cochlear or auditory nerve malfunction. Since this is more of a sound processing problem, this requires some digital technology, and this is where digital hearing aids can help.



Common hearing aids use analog technology and they generally come as either conventional or programmable types. Both use the principle of sound amplification by magnifying sound waves. Conventional aids come with a regular volume control for increasing or decreasing sound. While programmable aids basically do the same thing, they have extra features that allow exact fine-tuning and adjusting to an individual's specific needs.

Digital hearing aids work by digitizing sound to produce a clean and customized sound output. They are custom-fit based on the degree of your hearing loss. Millions of algorithms perform calculations faster than you can blink in order to digitally process sound, while reducing or eliminating feedback, noise and distortion. From the collection of sound, it undergoes transformation to digital format using digital processes and translates them to recognizable analog sound. Maximum flexibility and precise fine-tuning are what makes them better instruments.

Hearing aids have taken lots of form, small or big. But they generally fall into four categories. They come as BTE (behind the ear), ITE (in the ear), ITC (in the canal), and CIC (completely in the canal). BTE's houses its microphone and amplifier in a plastic casing that fits behind the ear. They are mostly recommended for children because of their robustness.

ITE's are instruments fitted just inside the outer ear. They are used in a wider range of hearing loss, usually on patients with mild to severe problems. ITC's are fitted further into the external ear since they are smaller, and therefore almost appear concealed. They cater to patients with mild to severe hearing loss.

Completely in the canal or CIC models are considered the smallest in size and are virtually invisible to other people since it literally fits further inside your ear canal. But it does require having an ear canal opening large enough to fit this device. They are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.

It's easy to be confused with so much information on hearing aids out there. So how do we get a custom-fit hearing instrument? The answer will always vary since different individuals have different degrees of hearing loss. A patient's lifestyle and communication will also be factors.

With that being said, the better question might be: Which one is best for me? Your friend might say that he has the best one out there, but it may not be the best for you. Only by undergoing hearing tests and thorough evaluation of your hearing loss problems can you get the right instrument for yourself.

Remember that your needs will always be different from others, and on choosing hearing aids, it's no different. A doctor, audiologist or hearing instrument specialist can conduct accurate tests that will pinpoint the right instrument for you, be it analog or digital hearing aids.