Digital Hearing Aids Manufacturer and Supplier

Digital Hearing Aids Products 

Digital hearing devices come in different shapes and sizes but you can find the product that will best match your hearing needs. Here are some models in the industry that should catch your attention and why:

League Sound is a reputable and leading manufacturer of the best hearing aids in Xiamen, China. It is the trusted source of patented digital hearing aids offering Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid types. The manufacturer also provides In-the-Ear (ITE) digital hearing devices with clear amplified sound and incredibly accurate results.

League Sound supplies some of the latest over-the-counter digital hearing devices for customers as well as to other merchants or companies for product distribution. The manufacturer introduces its BON series, which includes a collection of BTE and ITE type hearing devices.

A Comprehensive Guide for Digital Hearing Aids

Digital Hearing Aids Versus Analogue Hearing Aids

It is essential to know the difference between digital and analogue hearing aids to understand what the former is. A clear distinction between these two devices can also give you a better picture of what hearing aid fits your needs and other preferences.

The Truth about Analogue Hearing Aids

Analogue hearing aids are the first kind of this device. In fact, it is the only option for hearing apparatuses until about the end of the 1980s. This type of device features an amplifier that magnifies and outputs the sound it captures, resulting in a much louder volume.

It cannot isolate sounds from background noise, thus, it amplifies all the sounds and noises equally. Since there is no refinement of the sounds like in digital hearing aids, using the analogue device can give you a more natural and warmer sound. It offers better quality sound for listening thus, musicians and audiophiles prefer it more. Moreover, they have longer battery span and cheaper prices.

The strong point for analogue hearing devices is that they are wonderful when it comes to sounds, particularly music. It compensates for its weakness in terms of hearing clear speech, which is what you get with digital devices. An analogue variant is known for its clean sound reproduction. It primarily allows true sound reproduction while skipping conversion, so that you can have the luxury of enjoying a wider range of frequency and sounds.

The Truth about Digital Hearing Aids

Digital hearing devices are the newer and more innovative versions of the products in their classification. As the name implies, this device features computer technology such as a chip integrated and embedded within the apparatus.

Check out the different things regarding digital hearing aids and see why more and more people prefer to use it as hearing specialists more often recommend this device to clients and patients:

Advantages of Digital Hearing Devices

Digital tools have more advanced technology embedded in their design and hearing aids are included in this trend. Here are some of the benefits of using the digital variation of hearing devices rather than its analogue counterpart:

Noise Reduction and Filter

Digital hearing aids filter noise resulting in noise reduction for a much clearer and cleaner signal. The device features a digital amplifier, which seamlessly distinguishes speech. It separates this from irrelevant background noise that can distract the overall reception and quality of the sound. Thus, it makes the digital device more preferable especially in challenging environments, allowing you to concentrate on the conversation.

Reduced Device Feedback

The noise filter of digital hearing aids ensures feedback cancellation. Feedback is that somewhat squealing or annoying whistling sounds, usually due to the proximity of the receiver and microphone. The digital technology in this device allows it to screen out audio feedback such as wind, making the speech or conversation clear. It is an ideal option especially in noisy places such as the outdoors, large venues, and restaurants.

Versatile and Customizable Settings

Unlike its analogue counterpart, digital hearing aids have more features and advanced designs. It has more customization options and user control for programmable settings. Some devices have a wide variety of adjustments so that you can fine-tune the hearing aid for the individual needs of specific users.

Smaller Discreet Design

Just like any other technologically advanced devices in the digital world, this hearing device type is smaller and more discreet. It features the tiny yet powerful computer chip that fits in the device. You can wear it inconspicuously and conveniently without anyone even noticing that you are wearing one.

How Digital Hearing Aids Work

Digital hearing aids are more technologically advanced powerful computers, which are also adaptable to the individual’s unique hearing needs. Moreover, it is smaller and more discreet, making it extremely comfortable and convenient to wear. You can also find numerous attractive designs for this type of hearing device.

This modern hearing aid works through its three main components. First, it features a microphone, which functions to pick up acoustic signals or sounds. It receives and gathers the sounds from the environment and transfers or transmits them to the next component, which is the processor.

The digital hearing aid’s processor serves as the amplifier, magnifying the sounds and converting these sounds into electric or digital signals. Finally, the third component is the loudspeaker or receiver. This is the transmitter of the signals from the outside environment to the ear of the wearer. It is through the loudspeaker that the sound is released, which the wearer can then clearly perceive or hear.

Digital hearing aids amplify the sounds, allowing the wearer of the device to enjoy noise-free and clear hearing. This is quite important especially for communications that have reduced disruptive background noises. Modern hearing devices have such advanced technologies, which make clear sound reception a fully automatic feature.

On Amplifying Sound Volume and Clear Reception

The best thing about digital hearing devices is that it allows not just sound amplification but a clearer reception of signals as well. Impaired hearing is not just difficulty in hearing after all. It has something to do with the difficulty in understanding what is being said as well.

Background noises that can distract hearing may differ in terms of the tone, which varies from a buzzing or a shrilling sound. Some of these irrelevant background noises are unpleasant while others are downright painful to the ear. Thus, making the sound louder is not the right remedy from your hearing aid but the filtering of noise.

On Identifying the Right Volume

Individuals with hearing impairment can hear sounds only at a certain level of volume. Hearing devices help people with impaired hearing to hear better again through its sound amplifying technology or computer chip. It is important to determine just the right volume for the hearing aid because the wrong level of noise can be unbearable to the wearer.

Digital hearing aids allow flexible adjustment of volume and help the wearers determine their comfortable threshold. The threshold is the representation of the sound level that is considered as unpleasant for the wearer. Those with normal hearing have a threshold value of approximately 100 decibels (dB). However, this can also vary accordingly, depending on the person.

On Frequency Ranges and Background Noise

Hearing devices not only allows the wearer to determine and control the right volume. Digital hearing aids also amplify specific frequencies particularly the ones that are no longer audible for the wearer. With state-of-the-art technology, digital hearing devices have advanced features that allow you to choose various frequency ranges to achieve a precise and targeted level. These devices also eliminate background noise and cancel feedback.

On Directional Microphones

Digital hearing aids have directional microphones, which are innovative components that help in focusing on the sounds or voices that you want to hear. Moreover, it turns down the background noises or sounds around the wearer. Analogue devices have special buttons that you need to push to turn this feature on. Its digital counterpart, however, automatically reads the environment, turning the microphone on. Some more innovative models can determine where the noise or sound is coming from.

On Connectivity and Music Programs

One of the modern features of digital hearing aids is that you can use the device to connect to your mobile devices. Analogue devices, on the other hand, can only connect by plugging a cord to the device and through a headphone jack connecting to the hearing aid. Digital hearing devices can connect remotely or wirelessly such as the one that you can hook with your smartphone. Now, you can use your hearing aid flexibly as a wireless headphone to listen to music and other media or even answer a phone call.

Types of Digital Hearing Aid Technology

The function of the digital hearing aids depends on the type of technology integrated into its system. You can find a wide range of hearing devices with a digital design but an audiologist can facilitate in finding the right device for you. Nowadays, digital hearing devices are smaller and use computers, microchips, and the latest digital technology, unlike the heavy, large previous models. These devices are more powerful, flexible, smaller, and more discreet to wear.

These are the two main hearing aid types:

1. Digital Programmable

This type utilizes digitized sound processing, also known as DSP. The feature allows altering the sound waves and converting them into digital signals. A computer chip is integrated into the hearing aid. This technology decides whether the sound is speech or background noise. After processing the sound, the chip makes changes in the device, giving you a loud and clear signal.

Digital hearing aids make adjustments automatically, changing the sounds based on the auditory needs of the wearer. It processes the sounds so that the wearer can get a precise and appropriate signal. Digital hearing devices are expensive compared to other types but it has several good features such as the following:

• It is user-friendly and easy to program
• It has flexible adjustment settings, which you can customize according to your hearing needs and preferences
• It better fits the wearer with its tiny and discreet size, allowing you to wear it with convenience without it being noticeable
• It filters sound resulting in reduced background noise and less feedback for clearer and better conversation
• It offers different customizable settings that allow you to change or control the sound volume to avoid too loud volumes that can hurt the wearer. Set the device depending on the venue such as in open noisy places.

2. Conventional Analogue

The earliest version of hearing devices, conventional analogue is bigger but with fewer features, unlike its digital counterpart. It has an amplifier, which amplifies the sound to a louder volume. It outputs the sound but does not isolate certain sounds or filter the sounds from the background noise. Thus, the device only magnifies and outputs the sound or frequency equally.

An audiologist initially sets the device based on the results of the audio or hearing test, making it fixed and not flexible at all. Although it cannot filter and segregate the noise and speech, the hearing device is less expensive than the technologically advanced digital hearing aids.

How to Choose the Right Digital Hearing Aids

Different persons have their unique hearing issues. A hearing-impaired person needs the right hearing device but it can be tricky without relevant help and information. The right digital hearing aid provides effective results and can help ease your hearing problems and concerns.

Before buying a hearing device, make sure that you do the following:

Hearing Checkup

The first thing you need to do when you feel like you are having some auditory problems is to get a checkup. Set an appointment with a doctor or audiologist because a specialist can help you rule out the causes of a hearing impairment, which can still be corrected. Some of these causes include an infection or earwax.

Referral to a Specialist

It is best to get a trusted referral from a certified and reputable hearing specialist. An audiologist conducts an assessment of your hearing and determines the issues you may have. It is also the task of the audiologist to help you identify and select the most appropriate and relevant hearing aid. The hearing specialist makes the necessary adjustment to the device so that it can meet your individual or special needs. In some cases, getting two hearing aids ensures the best results.

Trial Period

Hearing aids usually come with a trial period. You need some time to acclimate to the device and can only decide if you want to continue using it after a while. Licensed and reputable hearing aid suppliers offer their devices with a trial period and the perks that come along with it. Make sure you have the dispenser write up a trial cost and know if this amount can be credited towards the hearing device’s final cost. Moreover, you should know the refund policy of the hearing aid supplier and see if the amount is fully or partially refundable within the trial period.

Future Needs and Adjustments

It is essential to have a digital hearing aid that is flexible and customizable so that you can still use it in the future. Choose the device that you can change or adjust for settings such as increasing its power in case your hearing loss worsens. These devices can be expensive than conventional types, which may become outdated in the future.

Check the Warranty

Protect your investment with a warranty covering your device and protecting it from any incurred expenses due to damages. This also covers labor and parts of the digital hearing aid for a specific time. Different manufacturers have their terms and conditions varying from professional services to office visits within the warranty time frame.

Plan Your Investment

The type of hearing aid you get determines the cost of the device. It may vary widely ranging from approximately $1,500 to several thousand dollars. The extra costs may be inclusive of the remote controls, professional fees, hearing device accessories, and other relevant service options. Your audiologist will help you determine the right hearing aid based on your expectations and needs.

Watch Out for Misleading Claims

You need to have realistic expectations that can be materialized or achieved. One of these is to know that these hearing devices cannot restore your normal hearing. It cannot fully treat your hearing loss or impairment. Your hearing cannot be 100% again because of the device that you wear. However, it can help improve your hearing and give you a clearer reception of signals especially with digital hearing aids that can eliminate background noise. Do not be deceived by dispensers or advertisements that claim the impossible.

Hearing Aids Insurance

Hearing aid costs can be included and covered in your private insurance policy but not all may provide this. You would have to check your policy just to be sure about it. For instance, Medicare does not include hearing aids in their insurance policy coverage. Many states require their private insurers to pay children’s hearing aids. In some cases, medical assistance includes hearing aids. The Veterans Administration provides hearing aids to veterans at no cost.

How to Acclimate to Your Hearing Aid

You need to get used to your hearing device but this may take time. It is a gradual process especially in getting noticeable results and improvements in your listening skills. You need to be accustomed particularly to the amplification of the device. Take note that everything may seem new even the sound of your voice. Wearing a hearing aid can make it sound different.

These are some of the important points that you need to keep in mind when using your hearing aid for the first time:

• The first thing you need to bear in mind is that hearing aids are not miracle makers. These devices cannot bring back your normal hearing. The main goal of hearing aids is to amplify the sounds, filter background noise, and ensure clearer speech to improve your hearing.
• Be extra patient and give yourself time to acclimate to your new hearing device. Digital hearing aids are customizable and flexible to adjust, giving you the convenience to choose which setting works best for you. This can help you easily and quickly get used to your hearing device.
• Use digital hearing aids in different environments from quiet venues to noisy places such as restaurants and the outdoors. You need to practice using your hearing device flexibly since the amplification may vary from one environment to another.
• Stay optimistic and seek support when necessary. Being successful in your new hearing aid means that you have achieved your goals and there is obvious improvement in your hearing skills. You may find it challenging or difficult at first but constant practice can make it happen. Seek help and support from family and friends. There are also support groups that cater to hearing loss patients or those that require help with their new digital hearing aids.
• Followup visits and maintenance of your hearing aid are essential if you want to get the most out of your device. You can check with your hearing aid provider regarding this since most of them include more follow up visit fees with the device cost. Make sure that you take advantage of this privilege because it is when you may have device adjustments, ensuring that the hearing aid will perfectly work for you.
• Know how to properly care for your hearing device including the right way to clean and maintain it. Different manufacturers have their device features and design, which require varying maintenance requirements. Understand the basic instructions for care and maintenance to make sure that your device can last longer and in top condition at all times.

Digital Hearing Aid Fitting Support

Surveying the digital hearing aid market is a daunting task because there are overflowing choices you have on the market. The good news is that you can find the best hearing device that suits your unique specifications. Before you can choose the right hearing device for you, there are salient steps or processes you need to go through:

• Find a Hearing Care Specialist

A good hearing care professional specializes in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining hearing remedies such as your digital hearing aids. They have unique and comprehensive training in the treatment of hearing impairment and loss. Also known as audiologists, hearing care specialists can facilitate the process of finding the right match of hearing device to suit your hearing problem.

The appropriate and effective hearing aid that matches your hearing loss needs depends on the result of your hearing test. Audiologists also help you maximize the features of your hearing device and maintain its efficiency and function for a specific time frame.

Where to find a specialist?

You can find a hearing care professional in a variety of settings such as hearing centers, clinics, and hospitals. Others are in public and private universities and schools, hearing aid retailers, and military industries. Finding the ideal hearing device makes a world of difference in improving your hearing and your overall hearing experience.

There are three main types of hearing care specialists that help diagnose and treat hearing loss namely audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and Ear-Nose-Throat doctors (ENT). Your medical needs and personal preferences determine the kind of hearing professional to go to.

• Schedule a Consultation with an Expert

Nowadays, finding a hearing care specialist is fast, easy, and efficient because you can usually use numerous online resources for your search. You can check the profile background of the specialist to double-check the reputation of the professional you want to hire for the job. Online directories and personal websites of most hearing care professionals are available including reviews and feedback from their actual clients.

You can choose how you would like to schedule a consultation with a hearing care expert. First, you can get in touch with them online through their website or directory, filling out the form for our appointment request. You can also call the hearing specialist via their phone number. Moreover, personally go to the physical location of the hearing care professional as a walk-in client.

What Not to Do When Buying or Using Digital Hearing Aids

Investing in a hearing aid is a necessity for most people. Thus, it is essential to know some of the things you should avoid or never do at all when buying or using this device. Purchasing a digital hearing aid is a significant and at times, financially demanding kind of investment. That’s if you want to make sure that you get good quality and effective device to help improve your hearing problems.

So, here’s what you should not do when using or purchasing a digital hearing device:

• Don’t Choose Until You are Sure

Shopping for a hearing device is one of the most daunting tasks especially if you are not yet 100% sure of your option. Moreover, you have overflowing choices when it comes to this type of product. You can narrow down your choices by knowing what you want or need for your hearing aid.

For instance, make sure that you have decided on the type of features and programs that are important to you. The design of your hearing aid should match your lifestyle and most of all, your hearing needs.

Do you have an active life or do you prefer a quieter and laid-back one? Do you frequent places that have background noises most of the time? Do you find it difficult to follow conversations because of your hearing issues? These are some of the questions you need to be answered to have a clearer picture of the digital hearing aid that perfectly fits you.

You should also consider other factors such as the style, power requirements, programs, and price range, among others. Careful consideration of these important things will save you a lot of worries and issues with your hearing aid in the future.

• Don’t Buy Before a Hearing Test

Although this is a basic requirement, there are still some people who go ahead and purchase their hearing device without getting a hearing test first. If you are new in this field, make sure that you follow some fundamental steps. First is to always get a hearing test to diagnose your hearing issues. The result of your hearing test will help you determine the type of hearing device that suits you.

You should find a certified and reputable hearing care specialist for this test. They provide a comprehensive hearing assessment to cover every important detail. This should include your medical history as well as a thorough and detailed discussion regarding your hearing needs or lifestyle that will affect your needs and use of a hearing aid.

• Don’t Use the Hearing Device Carelessly

Using a digital hearing aid can significantly improve the quality of your hearing. However, it may also give you problems especially if you are not that careful in using and maintaining your device.

For instance, do not wear the hearing device when you are taking a shower or while swimming. This will damage the hearing aid or even put your life at risk due to the possibility of the device having a short circuit.

Do not let other people wear your hearing device. Take note that your hearing aid is customized to suit your needs and lifestyle. Digital hearing aids can be adjusted through its flexible settings. However, your hearing care specialist should be the one to do that. Letting others use and adjust your hearing device to their preferences alters its settings, which can distort its efficiency.

• Don’t Repair the Hearing Aid on Your Own

Digital hearing aids have innovative designs and features, which may be more complex than you think. Tinkering with your device may cause more harm than good. Do not repair or fix the device even with issues that you think you can solve on your own.

You need to bring it to an authorized person or repair center to make sure that your device is restored in good shape again. Repairing your hearing device may also void its warranty, which means you are not entitled to its warranty claims and benefits. Take time to contact the proper people when you encounter some problems with your digital hearing aid.

• Don’t Forget to Clean your Device

Contrary to repairing the hearing aid, it is important to clean your device especially the battery contacts. Different manufacturers have their instructions as to the care and maintenance of your digital hearing device. Make sure that you have thoroughly read the manual of your device apart from getting instructions from an authority such as your hearing care professional.

In most cases, you can simply use a soft clean cloth to wipe your battery contacts. Doing this will help keep this part of the device free from dirt, dust, and corrosion. The better the battery works, the better and more efficient the device works as well.

You can also maintain and care for your device by regularly cleaning your ears. Earwax may clog the earmold, which may enter the fine tubing of the digital hearing aid. Cleaning your ear could significantly keep your hearing device clean and in top working condition as well.

• Don’t Be Fooled by the Price

Just like any other product on the market, hearing devices may also have their fair share of hypes. Efficiency does not fully depend on how much you are going to spend on your hearing aid investment. It is always more important to get the hearing device that suits you, based on your hearing test. Shy away from people that will offer you the most expensive products without a comprehensive and careful look at your hearing evaluation first.

The best digital hearing aids are necessities for people with hearing impairment or problems. The overflowing market of hearing devices makes it difficult to choose the one that best suits you. Know your needs and your digital hearing aid to effectively find your match.