What is the difference between hearing aids and PSAPs?

Although both personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and hearing aids help individuals hear sounds better, not many people are aware of the key differences associated with both of these sound-amplifying devices. As PSAPs are generally available over-the-counter, there is a higher risk associated with using these devices without having prior knowledge regarding their functionality. Let’s look at the basics of how PSAPs and hearing aids work!

How do Hearing Aids Work?

A hearing aid is a class 1 FDA-regulated device, usually prescribed by a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist to a person having hearing disabilities. In 2020, due to certain changes introduced in the regulations concerning such devices, some of these devices were made available over the counter as well. A hearing aid comprises of three basic components, including:

1. Microphone: The sound enters the hearing aid through this component, which is then converted into electrical signals and sent to the amplifier.
2. Amplifier: The amplifier enhances the magnitude of the sound received through the microphone.
3. Speaker: The amplified sound is received/heard by the user through the speaker. 

Hearing aids are highly customized as per the patient’s needs and are well-fitted to an individual’s ear shape. Some of the hearing aids have advanced features, such as tinnitus control and Bluetooth connectivity. They also enable a person to selectively enhance certain sounds, as well as lessen any background or unwanted noise.

What is a PSAP hearing device?

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), also known as, sound amplifiers or hearing aid amplifiers, are not listed/approved by the FDA as medical devices. They are usually used by people who are not suffering from any type of hearing loss and are primarily used for recreational purposes. PSAPs come in different kinds of designs, however, many of them significantly resemble a hearing aid at first glance. PSAPs do not differentiate between any specific sounds and amplify all kinds of sound signals existent in one’s vicinity.

Here are some of the fundamental differences between a hearing aid and a PSAP. 

1. FDA Regulation: As mentioned earlier, a hearing aid is a Class 1 medical device, which is regulated by the FDA. Such devices are only available to patients through a medical prescription. As PSAPs are not at all regulated by the FDA, they can be bought over the counter and do not require any kind of medical supervision. 
2. Cost: Both PSAPs and hearing aids differ significantly in terms of their cost. While a hearing aid can cost anywhere between USD 2,000-4,000, a PSAP might cost you around USD 50-400. As PSAPs are highly affordable, they have gained substantial popularity among people over the last few years. However, using a PSAP without medical supervision might damage your hearing rather than enhance it.
3. Selective Sound Enhancement: A PSAP amplifies every sound signal present within a specific area, including the sounds you wouldn’t like to hear or are not as important. However, hearing aids are based on broadband technology and, therefore, can filter out undesirable sounds, as well as amplify the specific sounds you would want to listen to. For instance, if you are sitting in a noisy cafe, you wouldn’t want to hear all the background noise, which would make listening to a conversation very difficult. In such scenarios, a PSAP is rendered useless, and in fact, counterproductive to the desired outcome. 
4. Design: The majority of the PSAPs comprise just a microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver/speaker. Such devices are highly standardized and are designed in such a way that one size fits all. On the other hand, hearing aids are custom-tailored by an audiologist or an ENT specialist to cater to one’s hearing needs. Further, these devices are designed so that they fit the patient well, and therefore, feel comfortable and are well-secured within the ear. In addition, hearing aids often come with highly sophisticated features, such as rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and tinnitus control. Recently, some hearing aids have been launched with built-in remote programming features, that enable an audiologist to remotely program the hearing aid, if required, thus eliminating the need for a patient to be present at the physician’s office. 

The Risk of Using PSAPs

You might have come across cases wherein people have reported hearing damage after using PSAPs / hearing amplifiers. However, they are not at all dangerous if used after a proper hearing evaluation. Hearing damage usually happens when people try to substitute these devices for hearing aids, which can cause more harm than good. If used without medical supervision, PSAPs can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss in individuals.

Make sure that if you are facing any kind of hearing difficulties, you are getting it diagnosed immediately by a certified healthcare professional. The hearing loss can be assessed easily using an audiogram. Trying to find a solution through the use of a PSAP, not only keeps you from identifying the underlying cause of the issue but might completely damage your hearing abilities in the long run.

How to Choose between a PSAP and a Hearing Aid

Although the fundamental technologies being used in hearing aids and PSAPs are largely similar, these devices are used in completely different scenarios and serve a special hearing purpose. If you are interested in purchasing a PSAP or a hearing aid, you must choose the device carefully based on your specific requirements. If the primary objective is a recreational activity, such as birdwatching or performing on stage, you would want to look for a suitable good-quality PSAP. In addition, a PSAP must be also bought after undergoing a hearing evaluation. On the other hand, to resolve any hearing-related issues, you need to visit an audiologist or an ENT doctor, who can prescribe you a custom-tailored hearing aid. In addition to being customized as per a patient’s requirements, hearing aids are also equipped with additional features that make them highly user-friendly.