Digital Hearing Instruments

A digital hearing instrument contains an actual computer, or microprocessor. Digital hearing instruments convert incoming sounds into digital code, manipulate the code to suit the user, and re-convert the code into sound.

An advancement for two reasons

Broadly speaking, digital hearing instruments are considered an advancement in hearing technology for two reasons.

The first is sound quality. Users often report an improvement in sharpness and clarity compared to non-digital instruments, like hearing a recording on CD instead of tape.

The second reason is versatility. By turning sound into language a computer can understand, digital technology makes it possible to use computers to tailor sound in ways otherwise impossible.

Distinguishes between types of sounds

Today's digital hearing instruments can distinguish between types of sounds based on their modulation. Low-modulation (monotonous) sounds, such as motors, fans, or the babble of many voices, can receive less amplification than high-modulation sounds, such as a single speaking voice.

Active feedback elimination

Active feedback elimination is a capability found only in GN ReSound digital hearing instruments. The GN ReSound ReSoundAIR, Canta, ReSound Digital 5000 and Danavox Danalogic instruments sense the presence of feedback (whistling) before it become audible and send a counter-signal to stamp it out, with no noticeable effect on instrument performance.

GN ReSound at the forefront

As new sound processing formulas are developed, and the processing power of digital hearing instruments climbs, hearing instrument performance will improve even further. Watch for GN ReSound at the forefront of change.

Take a guided tour

Take a guided tour into one of the most advanced digital hearing instruments ever made. Click here to start the tour.