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Hearing Loss
April 2, 2024
6 Min

Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Amplifiers: What’s the Difference?

Hearing amplifiers and hearing aids are two popular devices for improving listening. Click here to learn all about them and their differences!

Author:
Nicole Brener
Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Amplifiers: What’s the Difference?
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Hearing amplifiers and hearing aids are two popular devices for improving listening. However, they work differently, serve different purposes, and are ultimately intended for different people. This guide will help you understand the differences between them.

What are Hearing Amplifiers?

Hearing amplifiers are sound-amplifying devices, also known as Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP), that increase the volume of surrounding sounds without isolating specific frequencies. 

Hearing amplifiers are not specifically intended for people with hearing loss. They can be purchased without a prescription, and a hearing loss diagnosis is not necessary. 

Although some people with mild hearing loss use hearing amplifiers, they are also commonly used by people with normal hearing ability who want to amplify sounds, especially for recreational purposes such as birdwatching or hunting. 

Some common scenarios where people might use personal sound amplifiers include:

  • Outdoor activities
  • Theaters and speaking events
  • Noisy environments
  • Phone conversations
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What are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are electronic devices that enhance sounds, specifically designed for people with hearing loss. They can be removable earpieces or surgically placed implants that amplify specific frequencies. 

There are several types of hearing aids, such as In-the-ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC), Behind-the-ear (BTE), Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), Completely-in-the-canal (CITC), and Cochlear implants. 

Hearing aids are available from a hearing healthcare professional, and recently, some models have been available over-the-counter (OTC) to treat varying levels of hearing loss, from mild to severe. 

Some common scenarios where people might use hearing aids include:

  • Everyday communication
  • Listening to TV
  • Medical appointments
  • Educational or professional settings
  • Listening to music
  • Phone conversations

What’s the Difference Between Hearing Amplifiers and Hearing Aids?

A young Asian male wearing a hearing amplifier.
A young Asian male wearing a hearing amplifier.

Both hearing amplifiers and hearing aids can amplify sound. However, the major difference is that hearing aids are Class 1 medical devices regulated by the FDA and intended for people with hearing loss who may benefit from customized hearing solutions. 

On the other hand, hearing amplifiers (PSAPs) are not FDA-regulated and can be purchased online or over-the-counter. Their technology is not customized to individuals' needs and preferences. Instead, the device amplifies all sounds. 

Hearing amplifiers are a “one-size-fits-all” device that makes all sounds louder. This makes listening to speech in noisy environments with amplifiers difficult, as the background noises and speech will present the same loudness level.

Some hearing amplifiers include different capabilities, such as high and low modes, noise reduction, and volume settings. Some models include a telecoil, allowing users to connect to hearing loop systems. But even though these added features may help to an extent, they won't compare to a fully customized hearing aid device tailored to specific hearing needs.

Key Differences Between Hearing Aids and Hearing Amplifiers

Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aid technology has greatly evolved, leveraging sophisticated digital signal processing to deliver customizable solutions that improve the listening experience. 

Some features include:

  • Noise reduction
  • Feedback cancellation
  • Directional microphones

At the same time, it has also integrated the listening experience into daily life. For example, most hearing aids now include Bluetooth connectivity, waterproof capabilities, extended battery life, and discrete designs. 

Hearing Amplifier Technology

Hearing amplifiers typically use basic analog or digital amplification technology with limited or no sound processing capabilities. While some hearing amplifiers may include basic noise reduction or feedback cancellation features, they don’t provide the same level of customization as hearing aids.

Cost and Accessibility

Hearing amplifiers are generally more affordable and accessible than hearing aids. They are often priced lower and can be purchased without professional fitting or consultation as opposed to hearing aids.

However, the lower cost and accessibility of hearing amplifiers come with trade-offs regarding sound quality, customization options, and suitability for individuals with more severe hearing loss.

Alternatives to Hearing Amplifiers or Hearing Aids

A young female and male looking at each other, holding smartphones.
A young female and male looking at each other, holding smartphones.

There are several alternatives to these devices.

Live Transcribe Apps

Innovative apps are readily available to facilitate communication, whether making phone calls, listening to lectures, meetings, public announcements, or engaging in live conversations.

Using AI-powered capabilities and live transcribe technology, Nagish helps you engage with the world around you in real-time, providing a readily accessible communication tool for those with hearing loss that is easy to use, convenient, and free.   

Captioning Services

Adding captions to videos, whether televised or online, can help people understand speech when their hearing is compromised, or background noise makes it hard to hear. As an added bonus, it may also boost children's literacy. 

Amplified Phones

Amplified phones are useful tools that include several features for people who find it difficult to hear others while talking on the phone. They can increase the volume higher than traditional phones, and some include flashing lights for incoming calls.

The Takeaway

Whether a person should wear hearing amplifiers or hearing aids is a matter of personal preference, the purpose of wearing the device, and the degree of hearing loss. 

Ultimately, people with hearing loss should consult a hearing specialist and opt for custom hearing aids tailored to their hearing needs. Instead, a hearing amplifier might be ideal if the person’s hearing ability is not compromised and they seek to enhance certain sounds in specific events or activities.

Keep in mind that hearing amplifiers should be worn with caution, as the amplified sounds can potentially damage your hearing. 

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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Big News: Nagish is now FCC-certified for IP Relay Services! 🎉  Read the announcement.

Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Amplifiers: What’s the Difference?

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.