Digital Noise Reduction Technology : Understanding How It Works and Exactly What It May Mean For You

From a crowded restaurant to a busy sidewalk, you can confront overpowering amounts of noise almost anywhere. 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. Fortunately, many newer hearing devices are incorporating a digital noise reduction feature, a type of technology that helps block out unwanted sounds so you can focus on the things you want to hear.

Hearing aids that utilize digital noise reduction technology are able to pick up on the unique differences between speech and noise. In quiet environments, picking up the sounds of speech is easy because they are the primary sounds in the room. Walk into a crowded and noisy room and the hearing aid equipped with digital noise reduction immediately knows that unwanted noise is 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.

Users are most pleased with their results when the device is used to counteract a constant background noise. While digital noise reduction may not be completely effective in reducing the impact of loud music or nearby conversation, it can greatly reduce steady sounds such as an air conditioner or a motor.

To give your digital noise reduction capable hearing aid the best chance at succeeding, use common sense measures in conjunction with technology. For example, if you find yourself in a noisy part of a restaurant, ask to be seated somewhere that isn’t quite as hectic.

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.