One of the keys to improving the understanding of speech in a noisy environment involves improving the “signal-to-noise” ratio (SNR). An SNR figure indicates how many decibels louder speech is than the surrounding noise. The higher the SNR, the easier it is for the listener to understand speech. One way to enhance the separation between speech and noise, and thus improve the SNR, is to use a “directional” hearing instrument. Rather than amplify sound from all directions (as omnidirectional hearing instruments do), a directional hearing instrument amplifies sound from in front of the listener more than from behind. This helps listeners understand conversation by improving the SNR, and it can also improve the wearer’s ability to localize sounds.
Although more sophisticated and technologically advanced than ever before, today’s hearing instruments still keep one simple goal in mind—helping the hearing impaired hear better by making the most of the hearing they have. Hearing instruments of today are becoming smaller, more comfortable, and more invisible, but their benefits are getting bigger and broader. Come find out what’s new at BETTER HEARING CENTER. You just may hear some things you haven’t heard in a long time. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. A signal-to-noise ratio that is greater than 1:1 means that the signal is louder than the noise.
