Why is Digital Technology Better?

Digital technology’s superiority over traditional analog hearing instruments isn’t just what it can do with sounds, but how much better it does it.

By converting the incoming signals into computerized ‘bits,’ they can be processed, or manipulated extremely quickly and efficiently in many complex ways using mathematical formulas known as algorithms. This gives digital signal processors (DSP) tremendous speed and agility to recognize sound’s key ingredients.

Like a graphic equalizer in high-end audio systems, algorithms can continually divide sounds into frequency channels. These help preserve and emphasize the higher frequencies containing vital consonant sounds in speech – the “c” and “t” sounds in “cat” – over the distracting rumble of low frequency noise.

Algorithms also manage noise by its duration. While speech sounds’ intensity can change radically in a millisecond, noise is more acoustically stable over a comparatively longer time. Using time, DSP precisely reduces the levels of continuous sounds like traffic noise and household appliances. And it instantaneously re-adjusts when changes occur, restoring amplification when shorter duration sounds are detected.

That same sensitivity is also useful in quiet surroundings. Utilizing an audio technique called expansion, the digital algorithm senses the consistency of softer environmental sounds from ventilation systems and appliances.

It automatically reduces amplification in the appropriate frequency range, immediately restoring proper levels when the sound pattern changes.

Digital algorithms can also minimize and eliminate the onset of feedback, a common nemesis to hearing instrument use. Within its elaborate frequency channel network, the algorithm detects the elements of feedback before they become audible. It then reduces levels in just those discreet channels, with no noticeable effect on perceived volume levels.

The precision and flexibility of digital technology also gives your hearing professional the ability to more accurately tailor your amplification for the best possible match to your listening and lifestyle needs. This process may include subsequent visits to ensure that you are receiving maximum benefit from your instruments.

Source for this document: http://www.starkey.com/pages/expectations/expect_digital.html

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