Consumer's Guide to Hearing Aids > Advanced Hearing Aids > Programmable

Programmable hearing aids represent the first technology to take the step away from manual adjustments. These hearing aids are adjusted using an external source (our computer). The biggest advantage when comparing programmable hearing aids to advanced and conventional is the fine-tuning capability. The computer allows for more accurate adjustments to be made for a specific hearing loss. Another advantage is that you and your audiologist can make quick comparisons of different settings to determine which setting sounds best to you. One important factor for the consumer to keep in mind is, DIGITALLY PROGRAMMABLE HEARING AIDS are not the same as DIGITAL Hearing Aids. Digitally programmable hearing aids do not process sound using a computer chip, they in fact process sound using non-digital (analog) electronics. Many consumers have been led to believe they are purchasing digital hearing aids when in fact they are purchasing programmable hearing aids. Programmable hearing aids have the ability to separate incoming sounds into bands. This gives the hearing aids the ability to process different frequency groups separately, resulting in a better hearing aid prescription. Programmable hearing aids also have the option of multiple memories for different listening situations.

Hearing aid technology has come a long way. There are many different sizes and colors to choose from.

Optional Features:

• Multiple Memories
  
• Remote control (if you desire)
  
• Multiple microphones
  
• Fully automatic (if you desire)

User Group:

• New and experienced hearing aid users
  
• Any degree of hearing loss
  
• Unsuccessful advanced or conventional users
  
• Patients who want precise fitting technology

User Benefit:

• They store the patient's complete audiometric file and preferred listening program for various situations
  
• Ability to readjust prescription should hearing loss change