Automatic Signal Processing:
Hearing instruments monitor the environment and automatically adjust volume to make speech audible and reduce background noise. Soft sounds are amplified and loud sounds receive little or no amplification. This type of signal processing keeps the output of the hearing instrument comfortable so manual changes using a volume control are unnecessary.

Feedback Management:
Feedback is the  unwanted whistling or buzzing noise that a hearing aid can make. Feedback management technology allows hearing instrument users access to increased high frequency amplification without feedback. High frequency information carries the sounds of speech responsible for clarity. In less sophisticated devices feedback can be reduced by turning down the volume. This method of controlling feedback often sacrifices the clarity of speech. Modern feedback cancellation methods continually monitor the incoming signal and adjust the hearing instrument to minimise feedback without reducing gain.

Noise Management:
The inability to hear in a noisy environment is a common complaint among hearing instrument users. Background noise in a restaurant is an example. Modern hearing instruments use sophisticated computer programs that continually monitor the incoming signal and determine the amount of noise in the environment. The hearing instrument automatically minimises background noise in the appropriate frequency regions based on the instructions received from the microprocessor. This allows the user to listen to speech more comfortably in noisy environments.

Directional Technology:
Another type of technology that improves speech understanding in noisy environments is the use of directional microphones. Most directional microphone systems help focus on the sounds of interest coming from the front by reducing amplification from the sides and rear of the wearer. The latest directional microphone systems automatically adapt to and reduce the dominant noise source in a listening environment.

Multiple Listening Programs:
This feature allows the hearing instrument user to change listening programs depending on the environment. For example, hearing instruments can be set up with programs for the telephone, listening to music or going out to a restaurant. Your hearing healthcare professional will determine which types of programs are most appropriate for you.

Telecoil:
A telecoil will eliminate the feedback or whistling that occurs while wearing a hearing instrument and using a telephone. This feature will only amplify telephone signals from hearing compatible phones. This feature is available on larger hearing instrument models.

Direct Audio Input:
Direct Audio Imput allows a hearing instrument to communicate with assistive listening devices. It is often used in classrooms, auditoriums and places of worship to enhance the listening experience. Direct Audio Input is typically available on BTE hearing instruments.