One type of hearing aid that can be programmed by an audiologist is the analog programmable hearing aids. The analog programmable hearing aids contain a microchip that allows audiologists to program settings for different environments common to that individual. The hearing aid user may have programmed settings for a noisy work environment and quiet home environment.
During use, the hearing aid user can use a remote control or push a button to change the settings of the hearing aid to match the current hearing environment or circumstances. Analog programmable hearing aids do not automatically adjust like most digital hearing aids.
Why would someone want an analog programmable hearing aid? Since cost is a significant factor in deciding on a hearing aid purchase for many people, the fact that analog programmable hearing aids are cheaper than digital hearing aids is attractive to many hearing aid users.
A new analog programmable hearing aid has many of the same features but may not last quite as long as a digital hearing aid. The type of hearing loss and the person’s tolerance for loud noises may be taken into consideration when programming an analog programmable hearing aid.
Conventional analog hearing aids are cheaper than analog programmable hearing aids. Probably due to the popularity of digital hearing aids and their features, many hearing aid manufacturers no longer make analog hearing aids.
Besides the differences in cost and features such as self-adjustment of settings, another difference between analog programmable hearing aids and digital hearing aids is how they process sound. Sound is processed by analog hearing aids by converting the sound to electrical signals which are then amplified.
Sound in converted to binary code, the language of computers, and amplified by digital hearing aids. The majority of digital hearing aids are also programmable.
The styles of analog programmable hearing aids can be behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid styles. The hearing aid user can get assistance from the audiologist to determine what type of hearing aid best meets the needs of the hearing aid user.
A decision on hearing aids should not be based completely on price. If a hearing aid user needs a new hearing aid and prefers digital but cannot afford it, they should check for financial assistance. Though Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids for adults, some state agencies and non-profit organizations like Audient Alliance provide financial assistance for the cost of hearing aids.
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