The user can hear sounds more easily without having to turn the better ear towards the sound. Extra cues are provided for locating sound. A sense of sound balance is restored. Background noise is not eliminated. Directional assistance is limited.
Radio signal is subject to electrical interference.
User may need two different battery sizes for the unit. User needs to wear two instruments. Fully digital hearing aids became available in the U.S. about three years ago. These are, in effect, miniaturized computers that can be programmed to meet individual needs and adjust automatically to changing levels of sound in the environment. In a conventional hearing aid, sound enters the hearing aid, is made louder, and then is delivered to the ear.