Martha started using hearing aids at the tender age of seven. Back then, analog hearing aids were the gold standard for children like her. It offered relief to her auditory processing disorder (APD), making her easily follow conversations with her family and regain her confidence. Since then, the technology has taken a different trajectory.
In fact, you might be tempted to believe that analog devices have simply faded away. But the truth is these gadgets have endured and are making a surprise comeback amidst the digital age.
Let’s understand why analog hearing aids have not been phased out despite the emergence of digital technology. But first, let’s look at the different categories of hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing problems increase with age, and exposure to loud noise can damage the inner ear and worsen the condition. It can be categorized in three ways:
Sensorineural
Age-related problems, injury, and noise exposure can damage the cochlea in your inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing disability. This condition is the most prevalent and can’t be reversed. Individuals experiencing this condition may notice the following symptoms:
- Muffled speech
- Trouble understanding words
- Hearing in one ear only
- Buzzing in ears
- Asking others to speak loudly
If you have this condition, consult an audiologist who can evaluate your situation and ask you to buy analog hearing aids or related alternatives. Also, you can take an online hearing screening to get a diagnostic view of your hearing ability.
Conductive
Sometimes, a foreign object or an ear wax inserted in the ear canal prevents sound waves from traveling through the inner ear. This often causes fluid accumulation or infection in the middle ear space.
This condition affects people of all ages but is most common in children. Treatment depends on the patient’s underlying condition. However, doctors can use medication or minor surgical procedures to correct it.
Mixed Hearing Loss
It’s not unusual for some patients to have elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. For example, an infection in the middle ear can worsen a pre-existing sensorineural condition, leading to additional conductive hearing illness.
The following signs may indicate the presence of mixed hearing loss:
- Inability to hear sounds clearly
- Ear discomfort
- Dizziness
- Slurred or muffled sounds
Treating this condition can be tricky, and any therapy option has to handle each type separately, depending on the severity of the disease. However, the commonly used options include hearing aids, surgery, and cochlea implants.
Why Analog Hearing Aids Remain Popular
Hearing loss affects many people, and the technology behind treating it has come a long way. Today, hearing aids are more advanced and use digital signals to help patients hear better.
It’s true that analog devices have some limitations compared to their digital counterparts. However, analog gadgets are still a popular choice among many patients for the following reasons:
Simplicity
Not everyone wants their lives run by technology. Some doctors pressure patients to use sophisticated digital hearing machines, even with little reported benefits over analog hearing aids.
Analog machines operate on a straightforward structure that amplifies sound equally without the need for complicated algorithms. As a result, many patients find them easier to use with little or no technical glitches.
Affordability
Analog hearing aids have a simple design. Unlike their digital counterparts, they pass through a less complicated manufacturing process.
This cost-saving benefit is passed on to the consumer, making them affordable, especially to patients with budget constraints.
Also, analog machines offer relief to individuals with little or no access to healthcare services or insurance coverage.
Durability
Analog hearing aids provide a long-lasting solution to people who have hearing loss. Since they contain fewer complex parts, they are less prone to glitches and constant malfunctioning.
Besides, dust or moisture rarely affects these devices. Their simple, rugged design and structure make them more suitable for diverse conditions which contributes to their longevity.
Longer Battery Life
Analog hearing machines function on a simple amplification structure without relying on complex digital processing. That means they can operate on less power using smaller batteries. This feature minimizes the need for frequent battery changes and significantly reduces instances of battery leakage and corrosion.
Conclusion
It’s surprising how many people ignore signs of hearing loss until it’s too late. If left untreated, this condition can lead to further complications, frustration, and social isolation. Although selecting a hearing aid is purely a matter of choice, your doctor can provide a solution that is appropriate, easy to use, less expensive, and meets your hearing needs.