What Is The Difference Between Hearing Amplifiers And Hearing Aids?

Описание: .

Chapters

0:00 Introduction
1:10 what are hearing aids?
1:39 What are hearing amplifiers?
2:07 What is the difference between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers?


A hearing aid is a device designed to improve hearing by making sound audible to a person with hearing loss. Hearing aids are classified as medical devices in most countries, and regulated by the respective regulations. Small audio amplifiers such as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) or other plain sound reinforcing systems cannot be sold as "hearing aids".

Early devices, such as ear trumpets or ear horns,[1][2] were passive amplification cones designed to gather sound energy and direct it into the ear canal. Modern devices are computerised electroacoustic systems that transform environmental sound to make it audible, according to audiometrical and cognitive rules. Modern devices also utilize sophisticated digital signal processing to try and improve speech intelligibility and comfort for the user. Such signal processing includes feedback management, wide dynamic range compression, directionality, frequency lowering, and noise reduction. Hearing amplifiers are also known as personal sound amplifying products.

They don’t require a prescription, meaning you won’t have to visit a hearing aid professional to get them. What’s more, although the price varies, they can be significantly cheaper than hearing aids.

However, they don’t work the same as hearing aids, and they aren’t designed to correct hearing loss. In some instances, they may even worsen hearing loss.

Hearing amplifiers work by amplifying every sound without differentiation. As such, they can’t crystalize nearby sounds or isolate specific sound frequencies you may have difficulty hearing.

Still, well-designed hearing amplifiers can help people without hearing loss hear faraway sounds more easily. That’s why hunters and bird watchers use them. They may also be a good first for some people with mild hearing loss.