Kenneth R. Bouchard, Ph.D.
Michigan Ear Institute
Digital Hearing Aids Provide a Breakthrough in Processing of Sound
In a fully digital hearing aid instrument, sounds are converted into the digital domain, pre-processed at 1,000,000 times per second, converted into precise mathematical codes, shaped to the individual’s comfort range and delivered into the receiver which delivers the sound into the ear canal. This happens automatically and at a very high rate of speed. The processed sound reaches the ear and then the brain in a time that is consistent with all the other important cues of speech and language understanding.
We all use cues of body, face and lip movements to aid in the understanding of speech. The matching of sound with those cues must be appropriate or the result would be confusing, much like a poorly dubbed English translation of a foreign language film.
The digital processing and mathematical formulae are designed to provide audibility across frequencies, optimum speech clarity and maximum listening comfort across all input levels.
This type of processing is especially important and effective when a person is in a difficult listening situation.
Digital technology and appropriate selection of style and gain requirements will go a long way toward creating the most effective and comfortable hearing aid solution for any hearing-impaired person.