Analog and digital hearing aids have similar components, including a microphone to pick up sound, circuitry to amplify sound, a receiver to deliver the sound into the ear and batteries for power. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the way they differ is in the technology used to achieve sound amplification.
Analog Hearing Aids
Analog hearing aids make all sounds louder. Some allow the audiologist to program different settings for different environments. The wearer changes settings by pushing a button on the aid.
Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids convert sound waves into digital signals to more exactly duplicate a sound. They contain computer chips that analyze loudness and pitch and can be programmed for different types of hearing loss.
Styles
All hearing aids consist of a case containing the electronics. The case can sit behind the ear and be connected to a part that fits in the ear, or the case itself may fit in the outer ear or in the ear canal.
Cost
According to the Ohio State University Extension, the price of hearing aids can range from $600 to more than $2,000 for a digital hearing aid.
