Skip to content

Analog Hearing Aids vs Digital Hearing Aids

Analog Hearing Aids vs Digital Hearing Aids

Until quite recently, all hearing aids were analog. Today you can find both analog and digital hearing aids on the market, although analog hearing aids are becoming less common due to the advantages digital technology can provide.

Both analog and digital hearing aids provide the same function, have similar components and are powered by batteries. They pick up sound using a microphone and use circuitry to amplify certain sounds. The main difference is in the way they handle the electrical signal.

If you want to learn more about hearing aids, check out our resources: 

Analog Hearing Aids

Analog hearing aids work by increasing the volume of continuous sound waves, amplifying all sounds including speech and background noise. Like a microphone connected to a speaker, they use a continuously varying electrical signal to produce sound.

Better quality analog hearing aids compress the sound using automatic gain control. This limits the volume of louder sounds while keeping quieter sounds loud enough to be heard. Some also have programmable settings, which allow you to change the hearing aid settings depending on how loud or quiet the environment is. These settings are usually adjusted with a volume control, physical switch or button on the device.

Advantages of Analog Hearing Aids

Disadvantages of Analog Hearing Aids

Digital Hearing Aids

Digital hearing aids use a digital signal processor, transforming the electrical signal from sound into digital binary code. Once the signal is digitalised, it can undergo advanced manipulation to adapt precisely to changing environments and your specific hearing abilities. Digital technology makes it possible to tailor and process sounds precisely in ways that are impossible with analog hearing aids.

Digital hearing aids offer the user more features and greater flexibility including memory to store environment-specific settings. They use directional microphones and sophisticated algorithms to selectively detect the sound of voices and identify background sounds. This reduces irrelevant noise and removes feedback.

Advantages of Digital Hearing Aids

Disadvantages of Digital Hearing Aids

Ultimately, the right hearing aids for you will depend on the type and severity of your hearing loss as well as your personal preferences and budget. The most important thing is that you consult a hearing aid specialist who can advise you on the best solution for your case.

If you need hearing aids in Perth, get in touch with Hearing And Audiology by calling (08) 9388 8003 or enquiring online. We are hearing aid specialists with more than 30 years of experience and three audiological clinics in Perth – Duncraig, Manning and Subiaco, and one in Geraldton.

Get Our Newsletter

Join our subscribers list to get the latest updates directly in your inbox.