1. Analog vs. Digital “’A Hearing Perspective” Andy Raguskus, CEO SONIC innovations, Inc.

2. Range of Normal Hearing 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Frequency (Hz) Loudness (dB) Threshold of hearing Upper Comfort Level Lawnmower Vowels Consonants

3. Typical Hearing Impairment 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Frequency (Hz) Loudness (dB) Threshold of Hearing Upper Comfort Level Lawnmower Vowels Consonants

4. Analog: 2 Channels 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Frequency (Hz) Loudness (dB)

5. Digital: Graphic Equalizer 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Frequency (Hz) Loudness (dB)

6. Digital Advantages Understanding Speech in Noise Understanding Speech in Noise  Graphic Equalizer  Compression  Temporal Cues  Background Noise Suppression Reprogramming Reprogramming Tiny Size Overcomes “Stigma” Tiny Size Overcomes “Stigma” Battery Life Battery Life

7. SummarySummary If the algorithms are robust, digital implementation is better than analog. 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 doesn’t matter. If the algorithms are not effective (majority of hearing aids in the world today), analog vs. digital doesn’t matter.