Digital hearing aid

[Janbuck]

How exactly does one of these work? Is it better than the conventional aid? I am due to get one next month and wondered if it will better than the NHS on I have now. I manage ok on it but sometimes have trouble on the phone at work because of noise in the background. Will the digital be better in this respect? Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

[The Big Gill]

Either digital or analogue would probably give you the same trouble using a telephone due to the relative position of the microphone - to help matters, try holding the handset slightly away and forward of the ear until you find some improvement. Some people actually find it easier to remove the earpiece and do without when using a telephone. If you attend an audiology clinic, they should be able to advise you on this.
Not sure if that's what you're saying, but you can get a digital hearing aid on the NHS.
I believe digital aids are better (can't say from personal experience of using them), but I think they're programmable and therefore easier for a technician to adjust to your particular needs.

p.s. There are also telephones available on the RNID website which might make things easier - would your employers help you with this?

[shaneystar2]

My brother and sister-in-law are both deaf and both have digital hearing aids ...my brother two..one in each ear.
They were not born deaf but their hearing has deteriorated as they have got older.TB as a girl left my S-i-L deaf and my brother"s deafness is industrially related
They think they are the best hearing aids they have ever had after years of the analogue type,
They did have problems with the phone at first and had to remove them pro tem when making or receiving calls but they now have one of these special phones..
When you go to have them fitted they programme them to your particular needs and lifestyle.They got theirs on the NHS ..after a lot of hassle mind you !
Good luck and I hope it helps you.