Hearing Aids vs PSAPs: Key Differences You Need to Know

Both PSAPs (personal sound amplifiers) and hearing aids help people hear better, but they are not the same. Many people don’t know the main differences between them.PSAPs can be bought from a store without seeing a doctor, but using them without knowing how they work can sometimes cause problems.

Studies show that hearing aids help people understand speech about 30–40% better than PSAPs, especially in noisy places. The FDA checks hearing aids to make sure they are safe and work properly, which is why doctors usually prescribe them.

Experts say that hearing aids work much better than PSAPs for understanding speech, especially in noisy places. The FDA checks hearing aids to make sure they are safe and effective, which is why doctors usually prescribe them.

Let’s learn the basics of how hearing aids and PSAPs work so it’s easy to understand!

How do Hearing Aids Work?

A hearing aid is a special device that is approved and checked by the FDA. Usually, a doctor or audiologist gives it to someone who has trouble hearing. Since 2020, some hearing aids can also be bought over the counter because the rules changed.

A hearing aid has three main parts that help it work properly:

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?

PSAPs (personal sound amplifiers) are also called sound amplifiers or hearing aid amplifiers, but they are not approved by the FDA as medical devices. People usually use PSAPs for fun or recreational purposes, not because they have trouble hearing. PSAPs come in different shapes and designs, and some of them look a lot like hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, PSAPs don’t focus on specific sounds — they make all sounds around you louder.

Now, let’s look at the main differences between a hearing aid and a PSAP:

FDA Regulation: 

A hearing aid is a special medical device that is approved and controlled by the FDA. You need a doctor’s prescription to get one. 

PSAPs, on the other hand, are not regulated by the FDA. You can buy them from a store without a doctor, and you don’t need any medical supervision to use them.

Cost: 

Hearing aids are expensive, costing between $2,000 and $4,000.  

PSAPs are much cheaper, usually between $50 and $400, which is why many people buy them. But using a PSAP without a doctor’s advice might harm your hearing instead of helping it.

Selective Sound Enhancement: 

PSAPs make all sounds louder, even the ones you don’t want to hear. 

Hearing aids are smarter. They filter out unwanted sounds and make the important sounds, like someone talking to you, louder. For example, in a noisy café, a hearing aid will help you hear your friend, while a PSAP will just make the noise louder and harder to listen.

Design: 

Most PSAPs have just a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. They are one size fits all and not customized. 

Hearing aids are custom-made by a doctor or audiologist to fit your ear and your hearing needs. They are comfortable, secure, and come with cool features like:

• Rechargeable batteries
• Directional microphones
• Bluetooth connection
• Tinnitus control
  

Some modern hearing aids can even be programmed remotely by a doctor, so you don’t have to go to the clinic every time changes are needed.

Why Using PSAPs Can Be Risky for Your Hearing

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.

Hearing Aids vs PSAPs Comparison Table

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.

FAQ

1. What is the main difference between a hearing aid and a PSAP?
A hearing aid is a medical device for people with hearing loss and is usually prescribed by a doctor. A PSAP is mostly used for fun or temporary sound amplification and is not regulated by the FDA.

2. Can I buy a hearing aid without a doctor’s prescription?
Some hearing aids are now available over the counter, but most still require a doctor or audiologist to prescribe them. PSAPs, however, can be bought anywhere without a prescription.

3. Why are hearing aids more expensive than PSAPs?
Hearing aids cost between $2,000 and $4,000 because they are custom-made and come with advanced features. PSAPs are cheaper, usually $50 to $400, but they don’t offer medical benefits or customization.

4. Do PSAPs filter out unwanted background noise?
No. PSAPs make all sounds louder, including background noise. Hearing aids can filter out unwanted sounds and amplify only the important sounds, like someone talking.

5. Can PSAPs damage my hearing?
Yes, using a PSAP without a hearing evaluation or medical supervision can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Hearing aids are safe when prescribed and fitted by a professional.

6. What are the main parts of a hearing aid?
A hearing aid has three main parts: a microphone (to pick up sound), an amplifier (to make sound louder), and a speaker (to send the sound into your ear).

7. Can hearing aids be customized?
Yes! Hearing aids are custom-fitted to your ear and hearing needs. They can also have advanced features like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, tinnitus control, and remote programming.

8. How do I decide between a PSAP and a hearing aid?
If you need help with hearing loss, visit a doctor for a custom hearing aid. If you want temporary or recreational sound amplification, you can consider a PSAP, but it’s best to get a hearing check first.