The advantages of digital hearing aids over their analog counterparts are miniature size, ease of use and increased wearing comfort, high speech intelligibility, the ability to customize and fully automate the operation of the device.
Leading manufacturers
Hearing aids, digital BTE in particular, are produced today by a number of manufacturers, including the generally recognized leaders in the electronic device market. Such companies as Siemens (Germany), Widex and Oticon (Denmark) confidently hold the palm. Here are some of the most popular examples for each of them.
- Siemens: A&M Motion
- Widex: Mind, Menu
- Oticon: Sumo DM, Chili
Popular digital hearing aids
Siemens
- A&M Digitrim
The Digitrim line of hearing aids is represented by devices whose technical level can be designated as basic. They are a very good combination of high quality digital audio processing and relatively low cost. The main distinguishing features of this series of devices are efficiency, high power and reliability.
Devices from this line are suitable for most users with varying degrees of hearing impairment. Any digital hearing aid in this series allows beginners to adapt as easily as possible and make the transition to a higher quality digital sound very comfortable for those who have previously used analog devices.
- Motion
With a wide range of body sizes and a wide range of sound amplification options, the Motion Series can be used with initial hearing loss or virtually no hearing loss. It is these characteristics that allow the devices of this line to hold the leadership in the hi-end class.
Motion devices are fully compatible with all sorts of accessories for added convenience from Siemens: EasyPocket remote control, EasyTech streamer and eCharger charger. In addition, in the devices of this line, you can replace the classic horn with the ultra-thin LifeTube, which is almost invisible to others. If the horn is removed, the body is reduced in size, thereby achieving a greater aesthetic effect. Also, in the models of this series, the manufacturer has provided a special mini-horn for hearing impaired children, which takes into account all the anatomical features of the small ear.
Widex
- Mind
The devices of this line satisfy the needs and requirements of almost every hearing impaired user. Sound in Mind models is processed in such a way that the device reacts to the slightest changes in the environment. At the same time, the location of the user does not affect the sound quality. High-quality processing of the incoming signal allows you to get the clearest and most detailed sound.
The manufacturer has developed a special Zen relaxation program. This unique addition from Widex plays tunes that are pleasing to the ear in random order. You can listen to them at any time convenient for the user.
- Menu
In the Menu series devices, the user can independently select the required set of functions so as not to overpay for what is not needed. It should be noted that even the basic configuration allows you to get excellent sound and absolute comfort. If you suddenly need to connect any other functions that Widex offers in a sufficiently large number (for example, the already mentioned relaxation program or technology that highlights speech in the general noise), they can be added very quickly and easily.
Oticon
- Sumo DM
The Sumo DM series hearing aids are heavy duty hearing aids. The manufacturer has provided them with a huge number of functions that provide high-quality support and development of both the auditory and speech capabilities of a hearing impaired child. The line includes the world's smallest ultra-powerful digital hearing aids. Thanks to the lightweight body, it is very comfortable to wear such a device.
The finest digital processing of the sound coming into the device from the outside makes it possible to qualitatively amplify human speech and, at the same time, to regulate unwanted noise.
Oticon has incorporated intelligent sound processing technology into its hearing aids, which allows them to be tuned to fully compensate for existing hearing loss, resulting in extremely accurate sound.
- Chili
If a person is diagnosed with severe hearing loss, there is simply too little additional sound amplification. He needs the highest quality sound. The Oticon Chili series features 3D noise reduction. It allows you to isolate human speech from the general noise and, accordingly, better understand words. Thus, the hearing impaired will be able to fully communicate with the interlocutor, regardless of the background noise of almost any volume.
Chili machines are equipped with a directional microphone system that automatically dampens any noise that comes from behind and from the side, focusing specifically on the voice you need to hear.
The ConnectLine add-on, designed specifically for Oticon hearing aids, turns the Chili range into a true hands-free headset. It endows the device with the ability to receive a signal from a telephone, mp3 player, personal computer or TV and transmit it directly to the ears.
Which manufacturer to prefer
| Siemens | The devices of this brand are favorably distinguished by the use of the latest technologies. Engineers, physicists and audiologists are working together to create the best modern hearing aids. They are very comfortable to use, deliver true crystal clear sound and minimize interference. Thanks to high-quality microphones and special noise-canceling technology, the hearing impaired person has excellent speech perception even in the noisiest places. Conveniently, the devices are configured automatically, and there is no need to adjust them manually. The use of adaptive technologies allows the user to transmit sound as clearly and comfortably as possible, constantly adjusting to the characteristics of the surrounding environment and his individual needs. Most Siemens devices are almost invisible to others. It only takes a couple of seconds to put them on. |
| Widex | The latest technologies used by the developers in Widex hearing aids provide the wearer with an extremely high input level (over 113 dB). The sounds produced by these devices are clear and free from any defects. Therefore, regardless of the general environment and noise level, an exceptionally clear and high-quality sound will be delivered to the ear. Each Widex device is a kind of universal designer that is able to satisfy almost any request regarding settings and functions of the device. The developers offer a standard set of basic functions and an expanded range of additional ones. As a rule, they are already completed in sets - for the convenience of users (you can choose a device for yourself with the functions that are necessary for you). With the right balance of value, high quality sound, efficient function and reliability, Widex devices maintain a strong position in the mainstream digital hearing instrument market. |
| Oticon | The Oticon range of products includes over 50 different models and their modifications designed for users with varying degrees of hearing loss. The digital processing and sound tuning in these devices helps to achieve the ideal sound quality, the highest possible intelligibility of human speech and comfort in the perception of the general sound environment. Oticon devices effectively eliminate whistling and other noise. To solve this problem, the developers have implemented noise suppression technology and high-quality feedback. The devices of this manufacturer have the ability to instantly adapt to the existing sound environment and concentrate on the speech of one or more people. Oticon has created a separate line of devices with accessories called Safari, which includes special devices for children. These devices perfectly receive the most complex and high-frequency sounds. As a result, children are able to orient themselves much better in the environment that surrounds them. |
Let's sum up
Choosing a digital hearing aid is necessary taking into account the individual needs and characteristics of the person to whom it is intended. Research confirms that a digital hearing aid (powerful behind the ear in particular) is able to compensate for the loss of hearing acuity of almost any degree - up to severe deafness. Its electrical components are located outside the ear, which reduces the risk of moisture or earwax getting on them. This significantly extends the service life of such a device.
BTEs can be easily connected to FM systems and many other accessories. And finally, the color of the housing and the ear-tip can be changed at will, and you can also add various decorations to it according to the user's taste.
