Analogue Hearing Aids have been used to combat hearing loss for over 60 years. They are still used by thousands of people who have been using them for many years. Referring to a number of forum and message board sites on the internet, there is still a very big following for the Analogue Hearing Aid. Comments such as :- Analogue Aids give a more natural sound, they can give more output, they don’t block out background noise such as traffic noise etc. which can be a hazard.
Many people who have been using Analogue Aids for a number of years are finding the Digital Aids very difficult to acclimatise to.
Analogue Hearing Aids consist of a very basic set up, a microphone that receives the sound, an amplifier to increase the sound and a speaker that passes the amplified sound into the ear channel. The basic principle of the Analogue Hearing Aid is that it amplifies all sounds, collected by the microphone, to an equal amount. Recent developments have overcome some of the disadvantages perceived of the Analogue Hearing Aid
The new more advanced Analogue Aids have the ability to be programmed to suit the specific persons requirements. Programming of the Analogue Hearing Aid is usually carried out by the audiologist . In general there are just two groups of setting, each one set up for different environments such as noisy or quiet. The user only has to click on a switch to change the settings. In some cases a remote control is available.
Some Analogue Programmable Hearing Aids, include an induction coil which can be used to help in sounds that are sometimes hard to hear, especially when using a telephone.
Analogue Aids are available in varies configurations, the most common is behind the ear type but other types include an Aid that can fit into a pocket or round the waist. There are also very small Aids that can fit into the ear channel.
The biggest advantage of the Analogue Hearing Aid is the cost. Because of the simplicity of the circuiting within the Aid the manufacturing costs are relatively low. Programmable Aids are obviously cost slightly more because they are more complex but usually still much cheaper compared to Digital Hearing Aids. As seen from various forums and message boards the Analogue Hearing Aid will still play an important part in helping people with hearing loss.
Hearing loss can affect many people and not all sufferers can afford the more expensive Digital Hearing Aids. The Analogue Hearing Aid therefore serves a very useful purpose in improving hearing for even those who cannot afford very much.
