Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) are hearing devices or hearing amplifiers that are designed for a variety of listening situations and environments.

They differ from hearing aids in the way that it does not require a medical diagnosis or professional fitting.

You can purchase the latest hearing aids at a fair price through HearingSol, If you need any assistance or you have a query regarding Personal Sound Amplifiers or Hearing Loss, feel free to call us at +91-9899437202. We are always here to help you.

You can purchase it over the counter or on the internet. On the other hand, a hearing aid needs prescription and support from an audiologist or hearing aid specialist.

Personal Sound Amplifier is specially designed to highlight sounds in specific listening environments, rather than for everyday use in multiple listening situations. They are generally cheaper than hearing aids.

Here is our #1 pick for you.

LifeEar BOOST Sound Amplifier

The Personal Sound Amplification Device (PSAPs) are wearable electronic devices that amplify sounds for the non-hearing-impaired-consumers. Basically, many people face difficulty in listening in a noisy environment.

The PSAP help you to hear in noisy environments like announcements in meetings, noisy restaurant, etc. There are three other types of hearing devices that assist you in listening.

Types of Hearing Devices

1. Hearing Aid

Hearing aids are wearing devices designed for the purpose of aiding people with impaired hearing. They are only available from licensed providers. Hearing aids are fit for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss.

2. Personal Sound Amplification Products

PSAPs are over-the-counter devices that are designed to emphasize listening in certain environments. Not regulated by the FDA and they cannot be marketed as devices that help individuals with hearing loss. Examples of situations in which PSAPs are used include hunting (listening for prey), bird watching, listening to a distant conversation.

3. Assistive listening devices (ALD)

It assists the person with hearing loss to manage in specific listening environments or situations in which conventional devices are inadequate or inappropriate. ALDs utilize light, intense sound, or vibration to connect with the person having hearing loss. And alert about events in their environment, and can also be connected to phones, lights, doorbells, smoke alarms, etc. Not regulated by the FDA.

4. Hearables

Hearable is a device designed to supplement and enhance the listening experience. It includes features such as monitoring vital signs (e.g. heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, etc.), allows users to filter out or enhance specific sounds, music streaming, language translation, or improved face-to-face communication.

Difference Between Hearing Aid and PSAP

Although PSAP and Hearing Aids are used to amplify sound and their components are the same, but they differ in their functionalities and usage by different people. Here are some of the difference between both-

PSAP Hearing Aid PSAPs are for people with normal hearing who need a little boost in volume settings in certain situations. Hearing aids are for those people who have a partial or full hearing impairment. PSAPs doest not need a prescription of a specialist. Hearing aids contain a higher level of technology and are prescribed by a specialist to treat a diagnosed hearing loss. Not Regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Regulated by the FDA. Self-fitting with minimal features. It consists of a large no. of features, it is used to treat hearing loss.

Features of a Good PSAP

A study has shown that low range (<$100) PSAP devices perform poorer than high range (Rs 6,947) devices. So, it is important to remember that lower you go in cost, lower will be the performance.

A good PSAP should include the following features-

Good design and overall fit for the user.

Easy to use with a clear instruction manual.

Good frequency response that includes small differences in the output of low frequencies versus high frequencies.

Includes updated digital sound processing with noise reduction.

Top 10 Hearing Amplification Devices (PSAPs)

Many types of Hearing Amplification Devices are available with different features. Here is the list of top 10 PSAPs along with the features they exhibit-

1. LifeEar BOOST Sound Amplifier

Features

12-band digital sound processing.

10 Volume Adjustments.

Uniquely shaped ear tips fit comfortably in the ear and allow you to hear the world around your more naturally.

4 Amplification Programs.

Noise Reduction.

2. Otofonix Elite Mini Hearing Amplifier

Features

100% Digital Circuitry, 4 Channels, 12 Band Digital Sound Processor.

Layered Noise Reduction to Reduce Background Noise.

Rocker Switch to Easily Increase or Decrease Volume Levels.

Designed for efficiency to ensure Long Battery Life.

3. Sound World Solutions CS50+

Features

Comfortable Form, Discrete Design.

Bluetooth.

Also has a Rechargeable Battery.

Superior Performance.

4. Williams Sound PKT D1 H26 Pocketalker Ultra

Features

Extended high and low-frequency range.

Superior sound quality.

Internal microphone.

Ideal for a one-on-one conversation.

5. Tweak Focus Personal Sound Amplifier

Features

Two microphones offering true directionality.

Digital Volume Control.

12 band graphic equalizer.

Two programs: 1 for quiet environments and 1 for suppressing background noise in noisy situations.

6. Digital Hearing Amplifier by Britzgo BHA-220

Features

Digital chip with long 500HR + Battery life.

Small discrete & adjustable to fit either ear.

Adapt easily to different sound environments.

It also has a German battery with the longest life available in the hearing amplification industry.

7. RCA Symphonix Digital Personal Sound Amplifier

Features

3 volume and noise-reduction settings.

Ultra-light and discreet, won’t interfere with eyewear.

It provides speech frequency amplification.

Active layered noise reduction.

Uses widely available, user-replaceable A312 battery.

8. Digital Discovery

Features

Background Noise Reduction.

Great Sound Quality.

Highest Quality Hearing Amplifier.

The digital amplifier allows you to choose from 4 different pre-programmed modes and also 16 different volume levels per program mode. Select your desired volume level and then pick your favorite model.

9. Etymotic Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier

Features

It provides high-frequency amplified hearing for the soft sounds of speech.

Excellent speech intelligibility in both quiet and noisy conditions.

Low-battery signal alerts the user before the battery dies.

Long battery life (10-12 days) on a tiny cell.

2-position switch offers two levels of enhancement.

10. Audicus Solo Hearing Amplifier

Features

It provides a sound boost in difficult listening environments.

It has volume programs, each tailored for a different acoustic environment.

It is great in loud restaurants, during soft conversations, and while watching TV.

Difference Between Acquiring a Device Through a Retail Outlet and Through an Audiologist

The most important difference is the expertise of an audiologist. He conducts a thorough evaluation and assures that the correct device is selected.

An audiologist guides a patient in utilization, and also increase the efficiency of the device by providing comprehensive instructions.

The role of an audiologist cannot be understated rather it must be a point of emphasis regardless of the technology available.

Moreover, an audiologist also provides any additional treatment options, including audiologist rehabilitation.

Are PASPs safe?

Most of the PSAPs are safe. But sometimes, some of the models can overamplify sounds. According to Consumer Reports, the poor quality device could diminish your ability to hear.

Any device that makes a loud sound in your ear has the potential to cause harm to your ears. But the too-loud device would create only a brief loud sound which gives you the opportunity to pull the device out of your ear before it does any damage.

So overall, these devices are pretty safe. You can read more about regulatory requirements for hearing aid devices and personal sound amplification products in this link.

Which Device is Right for You?

For choosing the best PSAP device for yourself, you must first be clear about what features you want in it. Basically, it depends upon individual needs and wants from the device.

Some devices have Bluetooth capability, others don’t. Some are worn on or in the ear and others are worn like headphones.

So, you can use the above-given details of the top 10 PSAPs and choose the one which matches your needs.

The most modern PSAP making companies are Bose and Nuheara.

They are working further on their respective devices to make new versions of current models that are more practical for everyday use: smaller, better looking, and more comfortable, with longer battery lives.