Why is Digital Technology Better?
Digital technology’s superiority over traditional analog hearing instruments isn’t just what it can do with sounds, but how much better it does it.
By converting the incoming signals into computerized ‘bits,’ they can be processed, or manipulated extremely fast and efficiently in many complex ways using mathematical formulas known as algorithms. This gives digital signal processors (DSP) tremendous speed and agility to recognize sound’s key ingredients.
Like a graphic equalizer in high-end audio systems, algorithms can continually divide sounds into frequency channels. These help preserve and emphasize the higher frequencies containing vital consonant sounds in speech – the “c” and “t” sounds in “cat” – over the distracting rumble of low frequency noise.
Algorithms also manage noise by its duration. While speech sounds’ intensity can change radically in a millisecond, noise is more acoustically stable over a comparatively longer time. Using time, DSP precisely reduces the levels of continuous sounds like traffic noise and household appliances. And it instantaneously readjusts when changes occur, restoring amplification when shorter duration sounds are detected.
That same sensitivity is also useful in quiet surroundings. Utilizing an audio technique called expansion, the digital algorithm senses the consistency of softer environmental sounds from ventilation systems and appliances.
It automatically reduces amplification in the appropriate frequency range, immediately restoring proper levels when the sound pattern changes.
Digital algorithms can also minimize and eliminate the onset of feedback, a common nemesis to hearing instrument use. Within its elaborate frequency channel network, the algorithm detects the elements of feedback before they become audible. It then reduces levels in just those discreet channels, with no noticeable effect on perceived volume levels.
The precision and flexibility of digital technology also gives your hearing professional the ability to more accurately tailor your amplification for the best possible match to your listening and lifestyle needs. This process may include subsequent visits to ensure that you are receiving maximum benefit from your instruments.
In order to determine if the many advantages of digital hearing technology might benefit you, Your New Life hearing professional can complete testing and evaluation are necessary.
Factors for Successful Digital Hearing
Even with all its sophistication, digital technology can’t know the words you need to hear or magically eliminate the noise you don’t want to hear.
That magic only occurs in your brain. With the right kind of input from both ears, it selects and ‘concentrates’ on the desired sounds. A million times more powerfully than any man-made processor.
When a hearing loss alters that input, digital technology can help improve understanding by selectively controlling certain characteristics of the signal.
The rest is up to you.
Your willingness to relearn the necessary listening skills as you adapt to a world of amplified sound is the single most important factor in your success.
Call us today for a free hearing screening and a no obligation consultation to see what's new in better hearing. 816-444-4547
Source: Starkey Laboratories
New Life Hearing Center, 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 816-444-454
