Unfortunately, as many as 50 million Americans suffer a hearing loss. But only a fourth of those who could benefit from a hearing aid wear one. People who decide to seek help will be surprised to find out about all of the new hearing aid technology available today. Not only are they more effective than ever before, but they're smaller and more comfortable. Gone, for the most part, are the knobs or controls.
Many instruments automatically adjust loudness.
What used to be a limited number of options in tone, volume and sound quality has become a complex array of new technologies and a maze of choices. Digital technology, the driving force behind computers, fax machines and satellite communications, is the newest innovation, allowing for a finer sound differentiation and selectivity than conventional analog hearing aids. Digital and digitally programmable hearing aids amplify signals in new ways and customize the benefits of hearing aids. Many digital aids are virtually computers with flexible and sophisticated processors that analyze and respond to specific sounds. Because children grow rapidly, it s also well suited to them.