Hearing aids have advanced tremendously, evolving from animal horns to tiny devices that sit behind or inside our ears. Early hearing aids simply amplified all sounds, which, while helpful, could be overwhelming for users with specific types of hearing loss. The introduction of the microchip and the widespread adoption of electronics gave rise to the digital hearing aid — a device that can be programmed to assist with specific forms of hearing loss.

But what is the difference between an analog and a digital hearing aid? Does it matter? You might also be wondering which option would be best for you. Let’s explore the differences between analog and digital hearing aids, and discuss which one might be right for you.

Types of hearing loss

Hearing loss is a complex issue, as many components of the auditory system can be affected. However, there are three main types of hearing loss we’ll focus on here. Keep in mind that there are many variations within these types, such as low or high-frequency hearing loss.

It’s important to note that even within these categories, hearing loss can be specific to certain frequencies. Some people hear higher frequencies (like whistles or children's voices) better than others, while some have trouble hearing lower frequencies (like bass, thunder, or deep voices). Hearing loss works in a similar way: some individuals may experience low or high-frequency loss, which will influence the type of hearing aid they need.

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the structures of the outer or middle ear break down, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear to be processed by the brain. Structures that can be affected include the pinna, ear canal, eardrum, and hearing bones.

Other causes of conductive hearing loss may include middle ear infections or earwax buildup. In some cases, surgery can correct damaged structures in the outer or middle ear, medication can treat infections, and a hearing healthcare professional can remove excess wax.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the sensory part of the inner ear — the hearing organ — and the neural part of the auditory system are not functioning properly. As a result, the sound received from the middle ear cannot be accurately processed by the inner ear and brain.

Sensorineural hearing loss is common among older adults, as the sensory parts of the inner ear weaken with age. It can also be caused by a poorly formed hearing organ or auditory nerve, exposure to loud sounds, certain medications, or genetic factors. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be treated with surgery or medication. Instead, behind-the-ear hearing aids, customized to the user’s specific hearing loss, may be helpful.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It occurs when issues affect both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear. For example, someone might have hearing loss due to excessive noise exposure, as well as a middle ear infection. In this case, both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occur simultaneously, resulting in mixed hearing loss.

Treating mixed hearing loss involves addressing both the conductive and sensorineural components. It’s essential to diagnose and treat each type of hearing loss separately for the best outcomes.

Types of hearing aids

There is a wide range of hearing aids, each with unique features and benefits. Some of the most common hearing aid types include behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC). The Go Lite and Go Prime hearing aids are both ITE hearing aids, sitting inside the ear canal.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

BTE devices are the most common type of hearing aid, with a device that sits behind your ear and a tube that feeds sound into the ear canal. The majority of the device’s components are housed in a small plastic shell that sits behind your ear, or “on-the-ear” if it is a mini-BTE device.

These devices are typically powerful and offer a range of features, including alternative sound settings, directional microphones, and high-quality sound.

In-the-ear (ITE)

ITE devices are much more discreet, as they sit completely within the ear, with no part of the hearing aid visible behind or around the ear. All components are housed in a small plastic shell that is inserted directly into the ear canal.

The biggest benefit of an ITE device is its discreetness, as it is almost entirely hidden within the ear. These devices are perfect for users who are self-conscious about their hearing aids or those who are active and don’t want to worry about their hearing aids falling off. The only downside is that the size of the device limits its features, but ITE devices still provide excellent hearing assistance.

Analog vs. Digital Hearing Aids

Analog hearing aids

Analog hearing aids amplify all sound waves equally, meaning they make all sounds louder in the same way. These devices can be programmable, allowing for different settings in various noise environments. However, even with these settings, analog hearing aids still amplify sounds in the same way, which means environments with background noise can become overwhelming for the user.

Although they are less popular today, analog hearing aids still have their benefits. For example, an analog hearing aid, such as the Go Lite OTC, is best suited for smaller environments or situations like watching TV. Additionally, analog hearing aids tend to be more affordable since they are cheaper to produce. If you are budget-conscious, analog hearing aids might still be a good choice.

Digital hearing aids

Digital hearing aids work differently from analog devices, as they convert sound waves into digital signals before sending them to the ear to be processed. The microchips inside digital hearing aids analyze incoming sound waves and replicate them into digital signals, similar to how our brains process audio cues.

Digital hearing aids can be programmed for various noise environments with greater precision compared to analog hearing aids. They also offer a broader range of features due to the digital processing of sound.

Since digital hearing aids process sound waves digitally, they can be fine-tuned to address specific high or low-frequency hearing loss. For example, if you have difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds but can hear high-pitched noises just fine, a digital hearing aid can amplify low-frequency sounds while leaving high-frequency sounds at their normal level.

Digital hearing aids are becoming more popular and have become the standard option for people seeking treatment for hearing loss. Their ability to amplify specific frequencies and provide advanced features, such as background noise reduction, makes them an excellent choice for many users. The Go Prime OTC hearing aid is a digital hearing aid that provides clear, crisp sound and is ideal for a variety of environments.

Which is better?

While it’s difficult to say which device is definitively "better," digital hearing aids are gaining popularity because of their advanced features. They offer a wider range of use cases, cater to frequency-specific hearing loss, and provide more customization options. Although analog devices still have their use cases, especially for budget-conscious individuals or specific environments, digital hearing aids generally offer more benefits and versatility.