Learn more about amplification tools that can make hearing easier.
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) use powerful yet user-friendly technology to help make it easier to hear. These lightweight, portable devices can help provide an extra volume boost in a variety of settings. In this post, we’ll look closer at these hearing amplifiers and answer common questions, such as:
- How do PSAPs work?
- How are PSAPs different than hearing aids?
- What types of hearing amplifiers are available?
- Is a PSAP right for you?
Keep reading to explore the answers to each of these questions as we dive deeper into the world of PSAPs.
- How do PSAPs work?
As you may guess from the name, PSAPs amplify sounds in your environment. High-quality PSAPs can adapt to your environment to reduce background noise, much like noise-reduction headphones. Their sensitive frequency response is known to handle even small variations in the output of high frequencies versus low frequencies around you.
- How are PSAPs different than hearing aids?
PSAPs are not hearing aids – the two work differently. PSAPs amplify all sounds whereas a hearing aid can differentiate and amplify only the ones that will make it easier for the user to hear and decipher. PSAPs are also not considered a medical device that requires a prescription from your audiologist, like a hearing aid.
- What types of hearing amplifiers are available?
Some PSAPs have a slim profile like a hearing aid that is nearly invisible. Others feature a behind-the-ear (BTE) style with a small piece that fits into the ear canal to transmit sound, and the receiver and battery are in a small device that fits behind the ear. A third variety, receiver-in-canal (RIC) units, is becoming exceedingly popular because of its even more inconspicuous design. Not all PSAPs look like hearing aids. Some look like more traditional headphones, while others look just like a Bluetooth earpiece (and they operate like one, too).
In terms of features, many sound amplifiers allow you to control your device from your smartphone when you’re using sound-producing applications, such as streaming music or taking calls. As technology advances, PSAPs will also be fitted with many new features to help improve your experience. Find the latest features and top-rated PSAP options here.
- Is a PSAP right for you?
If you find hearing difficult only in certain environments, such as restaurants, conference rooms, or echoing lecture halls, a PSAP may prove to be a useful tool in your daily life. PSAPs should not be considered as an alternative to hearing aids, but instead as one more option available to you as you determine which technologies work best for your personal situation. PSAPs do not require a prescription to use, but hearing specialists recommend that you first see an audiologist before you buy one to rule out any underlying health concerns related to your hearing loss. They can also discuss all the devices that may be beneficial for your hearing loss so you can make the best decision for your circumstance and preferences.
Learn how to choose the right audiologist for you here.
Keep reading our blog for more articles on living with hearing loss. To explore how a CapTel captioned telephone can help people with hearing loss stay connected to friends and family, call us today at (800) 233-9130.
