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Programmable
Hearing Instruments
The advent of programmable hearing instruments has led to
new solutions to some old problems.
Single
Program devices allow the hearing professional to adjust
electronic controls in the hearing instrument using a computer.
Previously, instruments would have been returned to the manufacturer
for internal fine-tuning. People who own programmable hearing
instruments do not have to go without their devices as frequently
as those who do not have programmable instruments.
Multi-Program
devices provide the benefits of single channel instruments
in addition to having more than one "program" or setting.
This means that one program can be set for listening in quiet
environments, and another program can be set for noisy environments,
etc. The wearer is able to choose which program is best for
specific listening situations.
Digital
Signal Processing
Up until recently, hearing instruments have used analog technology
to process sound signals - most instruments still do - but
extensive research in the field of digital signal processing
(DSP) and its application in the hearing health industry is
taking place. DSP enables hearing health professionals to
sculpt the output of hearing instruments with refinement in
terms of frequency specific amplification, control of loudness
levels and working towards noise reduction. DSP is the most
promising technology on the hearing health horizon because
of the flexibility it provides to hearing impaired listeners
and hearing health professionals.
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Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) are custom made so that all components
fit inside the shell, but they are worn deeper in the ear canal
than in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE's) which are described in
the following category and are almost invisible. Less amplification
is required from CIC than other types of hearing instruments
because output is delivered close to the eardrum. ClC reduces
the awareness wearers have of their own voice and their ears
do not feel as "plugged up" as with other types of instruments.
The technical term for this benefit is "reduced occlusion effect".
Wind-noise and telephones pose fewer problems to wearers of
CIC compared to the other types of instruments as well.
In-the-ear
(ITE)
In-the-Canal
(ITC)
Behind-the-ear
(BTE) 
