Circuit types
Hearing instrument circuits can be described and are chosen based on three amplification systems:
Linear vs. Compression
Linear Circuit: Linear hearing instruments are designed to add the same predetermined amount of amplification to all sounds the hearing instrument receives.
Compression Circuit: Compression hearing instruments are designed to automatically
adjust the amount of amplification to your comfortable level, reducing unwanted
noise, resulting in a more comfortable listening experience.
Analog vs. Digital
Both Analog and Digital instruments convert acoustic energy (sound) into
electrical energy, amplify it and return it to acoustic energy for presentation
to your ear. A digital system does this with a series of 1's and 0's. This
allows your hearing health professional to adjust the sound to your specific
needs while providing you with a virtually distortion free hearing instrument.
Non-Programmable vs. Programmable
Non-Programmable Circuit: Non-Programmable hearing instruments utilize manually adjustable screw-like controls, called potentiometers. Your hearing instrument provider will adjust these controls to meet your individual hearing needs. These controls can be compared to manually changing the contrast or tint of your television picture.
Programmable Circuit: Programmable hearing instruments are adjusted by a computer. This allows your hearing health provider far more potentiometer adjusting, fine-tuning your instrument to your hearing needs.
Circuit types ::
Behind the ear ::
In the ear ::
In the canal ::
Completely in the canal