[Modern hearing-aids at the cutting edge of microelectronics. Increased possibilities for individual customization]

The development of modern hearing aids has been so great that they now represent the cutting edge of micro-electronics. Flexibility has been enhanced by computer-aided programming of the devices, and particularly by digital signal processing, developments which enable improved customization. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of the auditory system, fundamental processes in central auditory pathways, and cognitive function enable technological developments to be exploited, thus enhancing our ability to cope with an increasingly broad spectrum of hearing impairment, ranging from mild high-frequency loss to severe loss across the entire frequency range.