Analog vs. Digital

1
Analog vs. DigitalA Hearing Perspective

• Andy Raguskus, CEO
• SONIC innovations, Inc.

2
Range of Normal Hearing
120
Upper Comfort Level
Lawnmower
100
Loudness
80
(dB)
Vowels
60
40
Consonants
20
Threshold of hearing
0
250 500
1000 2000 4000
8000
Frequency (Hz)
3
Typical Hearing Impairment
120
Upper Comfort Level
Lawnmower
100
Loudness
80
(dB)
Threshold of Hearing
Vowels
60
40
Consonants
20
0
250 500
1000 2000 4000
8000
Frequency (Hz)
4
Analog 2 Channels
120
100
Loudness
80
(dB)
60
40
20
0
250 500
1000 2000 4000
8000
Frequency (Hz)
5
Digital Graphic Equalizer
120
100
Loudness
80
(dB)
60
40
20
0
250 500
1000 2000 4000
8000
Frequency (Hz)
6
Digital Advantages

• Understanding Speech in Noise
• Graphic Equalizer
• Compression
• Temporal Cues
• Background Noise Suppression
• Reprogramming
• Tiny Size Overcomes Stigma
• Battery Life

7
Summary

• If the algorithms are robust, digital
  implementation is better than analog.
• If the algorithms are not effective (majority of
  hearing aids in the world today), analog vs.
  digital doesnt matter.