According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 30 million adults in the United States could benefit from hearing aids. Unfortunately, it has been estimated that only 1 in every 5 Americans with hearing loss use hearing aids. To some, hearing aids are perceived as too inconvenient or too costly to pursue.
Many with hearing loss have turned to hearing amplifiers as a more convenient and cheaper alternative to hearing aids. Before making your decision on whether to purchase a hearing aid or hearing amplifier, it’s important to learn about the similarities and differences between the two products.
What Is a Hearing Aid?
A hearing aid is a complex medical device used to treat mild to profound hearing loss. It is important to remember that a hearing aid is designed, tested, and marketed as a medical device. A hearing aid is composed of three main components: microphones, processor chip, and speaker. The microphones work to pick up sounds which are then relayed to the processor. The processor chip analyzes the sounds according to its programming and amplifies the appropriate frequencies. The processed sound is then emitted to the ear via the speaker.
Hearing aids come in an array of different styles. They can be worn as behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). All styles of hearing aids, except for the RITE hearing aids coupled with a dome, are custom fitted to a patient by using a mold of the patient’s ear. They are also custom programmed for a patient so that they treat each patient’s unique style of hearing loss.
There are numerous manufacturers of hearing aids. Some of the top manufacturers include Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Widex, and Starkey. One example of a hearing aid is the Phonak Audéo Paradise. The Phonak Audéo Paradise is a RITE hearing aid for those with mild to profound hearing loss. Further details about the Phonak Audéo Paradise aid can be found here.
Most hearing aids are sold by an in-person provider. Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists (HIS) are the two professionals most commonly selling and fitting hearing aids to patients. There are some online hearing aid companies that are selling hearing aids online. One example of an online hearing aid is the Lively 2 Pro. The Lively 2 Pro is a RITE hearing aid that offers a friendlier budget than other hearing aids.The Lively company is owned by the hearing aid manufacturer GN ReSound. Find out more about the Lively 2 Pro here.
What Is a Hearing Amplifier?
A hearing amplifier is a personal sound amplification product, or PSAP. PSAP’s are not hearing aids, nor are they intended to be worn as hearing aids. A hearing amplifier is supposed to be worn by those with normal hearing so that they can hear soft sounds in certain situations. Examples include listening to a speaker in a crowded lecture hall or listening for animals while hunting.
Like a hearing aid, a hearing amplifier is composed of three main components: microphone, processor, and speaker. The microphone works to pick up sounds which are then relayed to the processor. Unlike hearing aids, the processors on hearing amplifiers amplify all frequencies, not just the frequencies that a wearer has trouble hearing. The amplified sound is then emitted to the ear via the speaker.
Most hearing amplifiers tend to look exactly like hearing aids. They are available in behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-the canal (CIC) styles. However, there are also many hearing amplifiers that are available as headphones and look nothing like hearing aids. An example of a hearing amplifier is the MEDca hearing amplifier. This BTE device is intended to amplify sounds via six different volume settings. Find out more about the MEDca hearing amplifier here. Another example of a hearing amplifier is the iBstone rechargeable hearing amplifier. This ITE device is intended to amplify sounds with an adjustable volume button. Learn more about the iBstone hearing amplifier here.
How Are Hearing Aids and Hearing Amplifiers Alike?
Hearing aids and hearing amplifiers have a few similarities:
Appearance
The most obvious similarity between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers is their appearance. Many hearing amplifiers look exactly like hearing aids.
Components
Both hearing aids and hearing amplifiers are composed of three main components: the microphone, processor, and speaker. These components work together to amplify sound.
Marketing
Both hearing aids and hearing amplifiers target consumers with hearing loss. This is a faux pas for hearing amplifiers since they’re not to be used by the hearing impaired (per FDA guidelines). Regardless, advertising for hearing amplifiers tends to use terms and phrases such as “never miss out on hearing again” and “ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.”
How Are Hearing Aids and Hearing Amplifiers Different?
Hearing aids and hearing amplifiers may look identical to each other, but they have several significant differences:
Regulation
Hearing aids are classified as medical devices used for the treatment of hearing loss. As such, they’re strictly regulated by the FDA and other regulatory bodies throughout the world. Hearing aids must undergo numerous tests and studies before the FDA judges them as safe and effective for use. Hearing amplifiers, on the other hand, are classified as personal sound amplification products (PSAP’s) and not medical devices. Because hearing amplifiers are not classified as medical devices, they aren’t regulated by the FDA or other regulatory bodies.
Prescription
One must have a prescription from an audiologist before purchasing a hearing aid. An audiologist or hearing instrument specialist are the professionals who assist in selecting and ordering the right hearing aid for their patient. However, one doesn’t need a prescription (or even an appointment!) with an audiologist before buying a hearing amplifier.
Cost
Hearing amplifiers are much cheaper than hearing aids. This is largely because hearing amplifiers are not customizable or programmable in the same way that hearing aids are, and they don’t come with the expertise and support of the hearing aid provider.
Customization
Every hearing aid is specifically tailored for the wearer. They’re not only custom-fitted for each person’s ear, but also programmed to meet each person’s hearing needs. Meanwhile, hearing amplifiers are manufactured as one-size-fits-all and only come pre-programmed with different volume modes. With hearing amplifiers, one misses out on the various features that are programmed into hearing aids: Bluetooth capabilities, tinnitus relief, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and speech recognition (to name a few!).
Effectiveness
A hearing amplifier amplifies all the sounds that reach its microphone. Hearing aids, on the other hand, only amplify the sounds that the wearer has trouble hearing. For example, if a person has trouble hearing low pitches, a hearing aid will only amplify the low pitches while leaving high pitches alone. An advanced hearing aid can also distinguish between speech sounds and non-speech sounds (background noise) and provide noise reduction for the wearer. A hearing amplifier cannot distinguish between pitches, speech, background noise, or other nuances in the sounds. Consequently, the sounds emitted from a hearing amplifier are indeed louder, but not always clearer or effective in helping with hearing loss.
FAQs
Do audiologists prescribe hearing aids or hearing amplifiers?
An audiologist prescribes hearing aids, not hearing amplifiers, for their patients. The audiologist also programs the hearing aids to treat each person’s unique type of hearing loss.
Can hearing amplifiers damage your hearing?
Yes, hearing amplifiers can damage one’s hearing. A hearing amplifier is simple in that it amplifies all sounds at all frequencies. This includes sounds at frequencies that do not need amplification. Repeated exposure to loud, amplified sounds can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Who is a good candidate for a hearing aid?
A good candidate for a hearing aid is any person who suffers from sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that is caused from damage to the hair cells within the inner ear. This damage can be caused by natural aging, disease, trauma, or repeated exposure to loud noises.
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Not knowing where a sound is coming from
- Being told the TV or radio is too loud
- Having a hard time hearing others on the phone
- Feeling like you can hear but not understanding what is said
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a hearing aid may be the solution.
Who is a good candidate for a hearing amplifier?
According to a guidance document published by the FDA in 2021, hearing amplifiers are meant for people with normal hearing. Hearing amplifiers are not to be used in lieu of hearing aids. Hearing amplifiers serve to amplify sounds only in certain environments or during certain recreational activities. Examples given by the FDA include “hunting (listening for prey), bird watching, listening to lectures with a distant speaker, and listening to soft sounds that would be difficult for normal hearing individuals to hear (e.g., distant conversations).”
Can hearing amplifiers replace hearing aids?
No. Hearing amplifiers are not regulated by the FDA and have not been shown to be safe and effective for treating hearing loss. On the contrary, hearing amplifiers can cause further damage to a person’s hearing. In addition, a hearing amplifier is incapable of matching a person’s unique type of hearing loss. Only hearing aids have the processing power to cater to a person’s unique audiogram.
Why are hearing amplifiers cheaper?
One reason hearing amplifiers are so appealing is because they are so much cheaper than hearing aids. However, the reason they are so much cheaper is because they do not treat hearing loss. Hearing amplifiers and hearing aids have two separate purposes. Hearing amplifiers are designed as recreational devices that amplify sound. Hearing aids are designed as complex medical devices that analyze and manipulate sound to treat hearing loss. Hearing aids are not only custom-fitted but also individually programmed to meet each person’s hearing needs. This results in a higher price tag.
Should you get a hearing aid or hearing amplifier?
Hearing amplifiers offer a tempting alternative to hearing aids. They look identical to hearing aids, seem to work like hearing aids, and cost a whole lot cheaper. However, there are significant differences between hearing amplifiers and hearing aids. Overall, hearing aids are the wiser choice for treating mild to profound hearing loss. To find out if a hearing aid is right for you or a loved one, contact an audiologist.
Sources
- Davenport, Suzy. “What’s the Difference Between Hearing Amplifiers and Hearing Aids?” May 25, 2021. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hearing-amplifiers-vs-hearing-aids-whats-the-difference. Accessed Jun. 20, 2022.
- Healthy Hearing. “Buyer Beware: Hearing Amplifiers Are Not Hearing Aids.” https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51934-The-case-against-personal-sound-amplification-devices. Accessed Jun. 21, 2022.
- McCormack, Abby and Heather Fortnum. “Why Do People Fitted with Hearing Aids Not Wear Them?” International Journal of Audiology, vol. 52, no. 5, May. 2013, pp. 360–68. https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2013.769066.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “Quick Statistics About Hearing.” Mar. 25, 2021. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing. Accessed Jun. 27, 2022.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Guidance Document: Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products.” Oct. 2021. https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2020-D-1380. Accessed Jun. 27, 2022.
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