Hearing aids are the gold standard treatment for most people, although not everyone can afford them, and they are usually not covered by insurance. For budget-conscious people, it is easy to consider skipping hearing aids and instead purchase what is commonly referred to as "hearing aids."
Many audiologists and organizations try to emphasize the difference between amplifiers and hearing aids. These cheaper sound amplifiers may be useful for some people, but sound amplifiers cannot replace hearing aids. Here are some of the main differences between the two devices and why hearing aids may be the safer choice.
But read on to find out if they are really suitable for you.
What is an amplifier
A sound amplifier or personal sound amplification product is a wearable device that uses a microphone to pick up nearby sounds. Designed to improve the environmental hearing of people without hearing loss. Then they process the sound and transmit it to the human ear at a louder volume .
No prescription is required to buy hearing aids. However, manufacturers will not make these devices for people with hearing loss. On the contrary, people can use hearing aids to hear certain sounds more clearly, such as when hunting or bird watching.
Learn more about the different types of hearing aids here.
What is a hearing aid
Hearing aids are usually professionally installed and fine-tuned to suit the needs of the wearer and help reduce hearing loss by increasing certain frequencies. There are many styles and types available for purchase.
Hearing aids have microphones, amplifiers and speakers. The microphone picks up the sound, and the sound becomes an electrical signal, which is then sent to the amplifier. Then the amplifier sends sound waves to the ears through the speakers.
Hearing aids are regulated as medical devices. The purchase of hearing aids requires a prescription from a doctor or audiologist.
Learn more about the different types of hearing aids here.
Differences
Sound amplifiers are best for people with almost no hearing loss to improve their hearing ability in certain situations, such as hunting or bird watching.
If a person has hearing loss, their hearing aids are more beneficial. Audiologists can customize and program hearing aids to meet individual specific needs, and hearing aids have different programs for different sound environments.
Some other differences between hearing aids and hearing aids include:
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Custom made
Hearing aids have more customization ranges and options, depending on individual needs. Hearing aids also come in different styles, types and colors. On the other hand, hearing aids are generally designed in advance.
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prescription
A person needs a prescription to buy a hearing aid. This is because the purchase and configuration of hearing aids requires professional advice from professional physicians or audiologists. The hearing amplifier is for people who have no hearing problems and use them for special purposes.
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Regulations
In many countries, hearing aids are regulated by government departments, because it affects the health and lives of many people, and hearing amplifiers do not have such strict requirements.
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Cost
The cost of amplifiers is usually lower than that of hearing aids. Because the sound amplifier does not perform special processing on the sound, it just amplifies the sound, which reduces the cost a lot. Hearing aids usually have more advanced technology, which is why hearing aids are more expensive.
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Volume and Clarity
Amplifiers make audio louder rather than clearer, usually cannot distinguish speech from other background noise, and do not always have feedback cancellation like most hearing aids. Hearing aids are programmed for personal hearing problems so that patients can hear sounds they cannot hear, and more and more hearing aids have noise cancellation functions.
Hazards of incorrect use
It is very important for a person to choose the right equipment according to his requirements. This trusted source from the Food and Drug Administration pointed out that if some people use hearing amplifiers instead of audiologist appointments and hearing aid prescriptions, they may experience more serious hearing loss. This is because some forms of hearing loss may gradually worsen without treatment.
The sound amplifier itself is not completely dangerous. Although both hearing aids and hearing aids can amplify sound, these products are suitable for different people. Many consumers may try to use them as hearing aids, which will further damage their hearing. Although hearing aids and the technology used in hearing aids are similar in some respects, they are two separate devices for different purposes.
Hearing amplifiers should be used by people with normal hearing, while hearing aids are designed for people with hearing loss. When people use sound amplifiers to reduce hearing loss, the problem is not solved. In fact, many people have not realized the seriousness of the problem. Before buying a hearing aid or sound amplifier, a complete audiogram and examination are required to diagnose hearing loss.
If timely treatment is not available, hearing will be further damaged. This can mean mild and severe hearing loss.
Which one to choose
Although sound amplifiers and hearing aids may seem similar at first glance, they are quite different. One is for recreational purposes, and the other is the recommended treatment for hearing loss. Buying an amplifier instead of a hearing aid seems to be an easy way out , but it may do more harm than good. If you or your loved ones are interested in buying a sound amplifier, please think about why you should buy an amplifier. However, if they get a sound amplifier because of hearing problems, there may be a problem.
Before buying a sound amplifier, it is recommended that potential buyers invest in hearing tests. If they have hearing problems, audiograms can help identify them. From there, they can start thinking about real hearing aids, which will solve their problems safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Both hearing aids and sound amplifiers can maximize the volume. However, sound amplifiers are suitable for those who need extra sound in entertainment activities, and hearing aids are more suitable for people with hearing loss and require prescriptions.
For experts in hearing aids and sound amplifiers, Earsmate will give you the most professional answers. If you want to buy these two types of products, you can contact us and we will provide you with new quotations and consultations.
