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Hearing problems are generally classified as conductive or “sensorineural”. It is conductive when there is problem of sound transmission to the outer or middle ear. Hearing aids with analog technology amplify sound and can readily solve conductive hearing loss problems. But with sensorineural loss, you get something about sound processing problem, caused by cochlear or auditory nerve impairment. This problem calls for the use of digital hearing aids, which employ digital technology.

Analog hearing aids make use of the process of amplification by making sound waves larger. They come as either conventional or programmable types. Conventional instruments consist of circuitry that allows for a simple volume control in adjusting how loud sound is received. Programmable instruments, on the other hand, have circuitry that can be programmed to suit the level of your hearing loss or desired volume.

Digital hearing aids have digital circuitry and provide crisp and clear sound. They are programmed based on your unique hearing loss. Its circuitry performs millions of complex calculations in a snap to enable digital processing of sound, canceling noise, feedback and distortion. It converts gathered sound into digital format, then processes it with digital technology and outputs it into your ear as analog sound. These instruments allow for greater flexibility and customization for patients’ different needs.

Hearing aids vary in size and shape. But they generally come down to four basic classifications. Behind the ear or BTE models have a plastic casing that houses the electronic parts used for amplification of sound. As the name says, it is worn behind the ear and has a tube that connects to an ear mold for fitting in the ear canal. They are easy to use and commonly recommended for children.

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.

With so many hearing aids in the market, you ask yourself, where do I start? This is a question that is very difficult to answer since every individual with hearing loss has different needs based on the degree of hearing loss they have, their way of life, and the mode of communication they experience everyday.

In choosing a perfect fit instrument, it is important that patients undergo hearing tests and evaluation of their degree of hearing loss. This is the best way of knowing for sure, and not getting basis from someone who tells you that his aid has the best hearing features.

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.