What is a programmable hearing aid?

Programmable hearing instruments are those hearing aids that can be adjusted by the hearing healthcare provider to give you the best hearing and understanding possible. Through new technology available, the instruments can be modified in a variety of ways: low tone, high tone, gain, output, automatic gain control, knee point, crossover frequencies, compression ratio, feedback, band widths and number of different programs. The programming is normally performed using a computer or a dedicated handheld unit through a cord attached to the hearing aid.

There has been a steady growth in market share for programmable hearing aids over the past three years, as reported by the Hearing Industries Association. Programmable hearing aids represented less than 15% percent of the market in 1997. Today programmable hearing instruments represent over 49% of all hearing aids sold in 1999. The question is whether consumers are getting the best product for their money?

Cost

The cost of programmable hearing aids is more expensive because the circuitry and programs are more expensive to manufacture. However, compared to older non-programmable hearing aids, dollar for dollar they are less expensive than conventional hearing aids. Their basic cost is less than conventional units if you were to add several potentiometers to change the pitch, loudness, etc. Even though consumers are paying more, it is a fact that patient satisfaction is higher for new technology hearing instruments.

ADVANTAGES: Programmable hearing instruments and Digital Hearing Instruments offer significant advantages to the consumer.

• They have fewer repairs.

Manufacturer repair rates for programmable products are considerably lower than conventional instruments. The reasons are:

• Programmable products require less internal wiring.
• Programmable products have fewer moveable parts; such as, potentiometers, which are used to change pitch, loudness output, and speed of processing.
• There are fewer parts to corrode
• The programming is visible on computers, allowing more precise control of the sound. Therefore, less circuit modifications are required at the factory.

• There is more flexibility.

Programmable hearing instruments allow for more modifications that can be made to the sound quality. The advantages of being able to make changes are:

• If your hearing changes the instruments can also be changed to accommodate your hearing loss. This may cause the hearing aids to potentially be usable longer.
• There will be a record kept by the computer of what the settings were. If the aids are repaired, they may be reset to the original setting.
• If you don’t like the settings that control the sound quality or loudness they can be changed without sending the instruments to the factory causing you to be without the instruments.
• In multiple memory hearing instruments, different programs can be set for different situations to give you better hearing and understanding. For example, a program can be set for listening at home. Another can be set for listening in groups, background noise, meetings, church, etc.
• If your listening requirements change, the instruments can be reprogrammed for your current lifestyle.

• New Technology can be provided in smaller hearing instruments.

• Programmable hearing aids offer much more flexibility in the space provided.

In conventional canal hearing aids or completely in canal hearing aids, there is only room for one potentiometer. This limits the effectiveness and flexibility of the instruments. Modern programmable hearing aids may have three to sixteen combinations of programs that can be provided. This programmability allows more flexibility in fitting, yielding more satisfied users.

In conclusion, programmable hearing instruments have changed the way hearing aids have been selected and fitted. They provide a vast improvement over conventional instruments and continue to increase the number of units sold. The result is greater patient satisfaction and greater long-term savings. If you are going to be purchasing a hearing aid, please ask your dispenser to discuss programmable units with you. They may be better suited to your listening needs.

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