Noise is a fact of contemporary life. From packed stadiums to restaurants to the train station, noise is all around and can become overwhelming sometimes. For the hearing aid users, the problem of background noise can be immense. It’s a big challenge to differentiate one sound from the background noise. Digital noise reduction technology embedded inside hearing aids is one approach to combating this problem. It allows the wearer to block unwanted noise and focus on specific sounds.
Conversational speech and meaningless noise follow different sound patterns, which digital noise reduction technology is able to pick up on. If a person is talking to you in a quiet room, the device knows that the signals it is picking up are speech signals. However, when conversing in a noisy environment, your digital noise reduction equipped hearing aid can tell that there is unwanted sound present. Once your device picks up on sounds that may interfere with your ability to follow a conversation, it automatically lowers the volume in the noisy channels.
While no hearing aid can completely eliminate unwanted noise, it can go a long way in reducing the frustration brought about by trying to communicate in loud environments. Compared to hearing aids that don’t have noise reduction technology embedded, user report better speech sounds and improved comprehension.
Digital noise reduction technology works best when the background noise it is combating is fairly constant. This means that steady sounds such as an air conditioner or engine running are more effectively blocked than dynamic music or a nearby conversation.
To make the most out of the digital noise reduction feature in your hearing aid, you might want to consider taking some common sense steps to reduce the noise around you. In restaurants it is usually possible to request a table in a quieter area or away from music speakers.
While no hearing aid technology can give you perfect hearing, digital noise reduction can take much of the annoyance out of dealing with noisy situations.
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.