Dr. Max S. Chartrand Ph.D.

1. ANALOG technology is the technology that has been around for many decades. Analog technology is basic technology and offers limited adjustment capability. It is the LEAST expensive.
2. DIGITALLY PROGRAMMABLE technology is the "middle grade" technology. Digitally programmable units are analog units digitally controlled by the computer in the office to adjust the sounds of the hearing aid.
3. DIGITAL technology is the most sophisticated hearing aid technology. Digital technology gives the audiologist maximum control over sound quality and sound processing characteristics. There are qualitative indications that digital instruments do outperform digitally programmable and analog hearing aids. Digitals are not perfect, but they are very good. Digital hearing aids have been widely available since 1996.

In the alphabet soup of today's technology it's often difficult for hearing impaired consumers to tell which technology is best for meeting their particular needs. To make it easier to make an informed decision, we need understand technology through at least four types of circuitry:

• Analog Technology. These are neither digital nor programmable. However, they do offer an excellent choice for some consumers on a limited budget while providing quality sound. Limitations are: Lack of flexibility for adjusting acoustic responses to individual needs, less processing power in noise, and a tendency to distort when set above comfort levels.  Analog technology is the technology that has been around for many decades.
• Programmable Analog Technology with such patented features as Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC), Automatic Gain Control (AGC-I or AGCo), and Variable Notch Feedback Control (VFC). These instruments are made especially to help in noisy situations, accommodate abnormal loudness growth, and to reduce feedback (whistling). Though packed with lots of value, they're still less flexible than digitals, have a tendency to distort in noise, and lack the true fidelity of the best digitals. These instruments are generally regarded as better than the low-end digitals, and usually cost less.
• Mid-line Digital Technology, more advanced than programmable analogs, these usually feature 9-13 adjustable frequency bands and 2-3 compression channels. Software programmed, these aids provide excellent flexibility and features to meet an individual's needs, and offer a wider fidelity range with low distortion at high input levels.
• Pinnacle Digital Technology devices featuring advanced 32-Channel technology, Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization (ADRO), BeamForming (BF) for superior directional capability. Amazingly, this technology maintains comfort levels in all listening environments without traditional compression or any distortion. Its open-platform feature allows for future software upgrades, which extend the life and function of the instruments over time. On a cost-benefit ratio, these are usually the best value for the money, because of outstanding quality and features, and much longer service of use.

All of the above technologies may be built into:

• In-the-ear (ITE) custom instruments
• Behind-the-ear (BTE) instruments

While ITEs are generally considered more cosmetically acceptable, BTEs are much more robust and durable, and are especially superior where high gain is needed without acoustic feedback, or in cases where occlusion is a major concern. Your best option can be determined by discussing your preferences and needs with your hearing professional.