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Digital Hearing Instruments

A digital hearing instrument contains an actual computer, or microprocessor. Digital hearing instruments convert incoming sounds into digital code, manipulate the code to suit the user, and re-convert the code into sound.

An advancement for two reasons

Broadly speaking, digital hearing instruments are considered an advancement in hearing technology for two reasons.

The first is sound quality. Users often report an improvement in sharpness and clarity compared to non-digital instruments, like hearing a recording on CD instead of tape.

The second reason is versatility. By turning sound into language a computer can understand, digital technology makes it possible to use computers to tailor sound in ways otherwise impossible.

Distinguishes between types of sounds

Today's digital hearing instruments can distinguish between types of sounds based on their modulation. Low-modulation (monotonous) sounds, such as motors, fans, or the babble of many voices, can receive less amplification than high-modulation sounds, such as a single speaking voice.