Perhaps it seems obvious that hearing aids themselves must include amplifiers to correct for hearing loss, so the “hearing aids versus hearing amplifiers” debate may seem to be a matter of semantics.
However, there are distinctions that go beyond that simple observation. While both types of device can help you hear better, hearing aids are prescribed medical devices that have customized capabilities to target individual hearing loss.
At Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, our hearing professionals can explain the advantages that custom-fitted hearing aids offer over general hearing amplifiers. To start the conversation, we’ve prepared this month’s blog post with a quick overview of both devices.
When we talk about hearing amplifiers, it’s in reference to devices that make quiet sounds louder across the normal spectrum of frequencies of human hearing. That is, a hearing amplifier makes all sounds louder.
Hearing amplifiers are also known as personal sound amplification devices. Bird watchers and hunters may use these to amplify the sounds of wildlife for easier identification. Large theaters often provide hearing amplifiers so patrons in the back rows can more easily hear voices from the stage.
Hearing amplifiers don’t require a prescription for purchase, and they’re not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hearing loss.
Hearing aids also amplify sounds, but that’s where the similarities with hearing amplifiers end. Perhaps the closest comparison for the differences comes with eyeglasses.
Sunglasses are sold over the counter with plain lenses that don’t compensate for refractive errors of your eyes. They’re made to protect your eyes from bright sun.
Glasses with corrective lenses help you correct for these refractive errors. You can’t simply swap prescription lenses for sunglasses and expect sharp vision.
Hearing aids compare with prescription lenses. Your hearing loss is unique, with some frequencies not as responsive as others. Hearing aids may be programmed to fill in these problem frequencies, using amplification as well as a range of more advanced audio processing to smooth out the bumps and valleys of your natural hearing.
It’s possible that hearing amplifiers may help you hear better in some circumstances, but your underlying hearing loss remains. Hearing isn’t always about loudness. Clarity is arguably more important when it comes to speech and personal interactions.
Personally prescribed and fitted hearing aids add advantages over generic hearing amplifiers, including:
Hearing aids have a wide range of features and options that are specifically tailored to your hearing loss and hearing needs.
If your hearing changes, your hearing aids can, within certain parameters, be reprogrammed to meet these changes.
When you have trouble hearing in certain situations, such as crowded or noisy rooms, hearing aids have the option of “changing channels” to a different profile that can block ambient or directional sounds.
Direct-to-consumer hearing amplifiers carry the risk of causing hearing loss, due to the broad spectrum amplification approach.
For the best in corrective devices for hearing, contact us at Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates in Lawrence or Ottawa for a hearing test and custom fitting. Call or click to book your appointment today.
