Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) are electronic devices that can amplify sound. PSAP are available over the counter without testing or fitting by audiologist. Hearing aids may cost over thousands dollars based on the hearing loss condition vs you can find PSAP around a few hundred dollars. However, you should be aware of differences between hearing aids and personal sound amplifier products. Hearing aids are medical devices and Personal Sound Amplification products are not. Healthcare providers noted that the use of PSAP devices incorrectly may cause further hearing loss.
Hearing aids can adjust for hearing distortions and adjust sounds based on the person’s conditions of hearing loss. Hearing aids come with a variety of features like noise reduction or noise cancellation. Hearing aids incorporate directional microphones which helps you in a conversation in a noisy environment. Built in telecoils allow the hearing aid to enhance sound directly in public places. New Bluetooth technology allows hearing aids to connect with televisions or computers or phones. Advanced hearing aid technology allows you to control the settings suitable to the listening environments by apps provided by a manufacturer.
Some users have found PSAPs a useful electronic device to supplement their hearing aids. For example, some PSAP devices come with a T-coil that is compatible with hearing loops found in churches, theaters, museums and airports with the T-Loop or an audio frequency induction loop (AFIL) environment.
All of these PSAP devices can do the job of amplifying sound, but they are not recommended as a substitute for hearing aids. However, you may find it useful in certain situations such as bird watching, listening to lectures, watching TV from a distance, and listening to soft spoken conversations. For example, PSAP can help a hearing impaired person to hear the TV dialogue while leaving the TV volume at a reasonable volume for others to hear. Hearing impaired persons may find one type work better than another in a certain environment. Some of PSAP may have become over-the-counter FDA approved products. However, if you are planning to select a Personal Sound Amplification Product for a hearing impaired person, it is recommended that you consult with an audiologist.
IQbuds2 MAX: https://www.nuheara.com/usa/products/iqbuds-max/
Personal Sound Amplifier: CS50+: https://www.soundworldsolutions.com/product/personal-sound-amplifier-cs50/