If you’re one of the estimated 37.5 million adults in America suffering from hearing loss, you may wonder, “Hearing amplifier vs hearing aid: Which is better?” Fortunately, we have researched this topic extensively and have developed this guide to help you decide which will work best for you.
Highlights:
- Discover the difference between hearing aids and hearing amplifier devices.
- While both are intended for people with hearing loss to some degree or to regulate hearing ability, each has various features that make them distinct from one another.
- Both hearing aids and hearing amplifiers have benefits to consider. Learn about which may be better for your needs.
What Is a Hearing Aid?
A hearing aid is an FDA-regulated medical device that you wear externally or inside your ear canal, assisting you with hearing. These technologically advanced devices assist people with hearing loss and those who struggle to decipher specific sounds from background noise. High-quality hearing aids like Eargo hearing aids feature technology that eliminates background noise and allows you to focus on your desired conversations or music. They also allow you to customize your soundscape easily through a connected app.
Pros
- Financing available for most
- Customized fit
- Customized sound
- Discreet models available
- Available without a prescription
Cons
- Some are noticeable
- May be costly
- Must recharge or change batteries regularly
How Hearing Aids Work
Hearing aids use technologies that receive information through a microphone, then convert the sound waves to electrical waves and process them through an amplifier before boosting the power and playing the sound through a speaker. Additionally, many utilize artificial intelligence that customizes the sounds around you to buffer unwanted background noise and amplify the sound of nearby voices, music, or other media. Even in a crowded restaurant, wearers can hear the voices of those at the table but won’t be bothered by background music, other conversations, and pans banging in the kitchen. Most quality hearing aids allow you to adjust settings to create a soundscape that fits your preferences, a benefit that people with normal hearing will envy.
Can Hearing Aids Help With Tinnitus?
Hearing aids also offer the additional benefit of easing tinnitus symptoms. If you are bothered by a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears, a hearing aid that offers sound therapy may help. These tinnitus management programs can ease your symptoms by buffering background noise and allowing you to focus on preferred sounds or play soothing sounds that distract from the bothersome tinnitus noise. The best hearing aids for seniors with tinnitus include the Eargo and EleHear Alpha Pros.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in several styles, each with pros and cons.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are what most people think of when they picture a hearing aid. The device is encased in hard plastic and fits behind the ear, with an arm that sits over the ear and holds the speaker in the outer ear. While not discreet, they are sometimes an affordable alternative to smaller devices and resist moisture well.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are similar to behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids but are a more comfortable fit for those who wear glasses or are bothered by the BTE device sitting over the crown of their ear. These devices sit behind the ear but connect to the speaker via a tiny wire that loops over the ear.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are smaller than behind-the-ear (BTE) but are still visible. These devices sit in the outer ear canal and do not include a portion behind the ear.
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are very similar to in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Sometimes, the terms are used interchangeably, though there are differences. ITC hearing aids are typically smaller than ITE hearing aids and are often custom-molded to fit more securely in the canal.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the most discreet option available. When worn correctly, they are virtually undetectable as they fit securely within the ear canal. These tiny devices pack a bundle of technology in a tiny device.
What is a Hearing Amplifier?
Hearing amplifiers, sometimes called personal sound amplification products, differ vastly from hearing aids, lacking most of the technology and artificial intelligence their counterparts offer. Essentially, a hearing amplifier strengthens all nearby sounds without discretion. If you’re in a crowded restaurant wearing a hearing amplifier, every sound, including background noises, the voices of those around you, and sounds from the kitchen, will all amplify simultaneously.
How Hearing Amplifiers Work
At a basic level, hearing amplifiers and hearing aids work the same way. They receive sound waves through a microphone, convert them into an electrical signal, pass them through an amplifier that increases their intensity, and then play them into your ear through a speaker. However, in the case of hearing amplifiers, no adjustments are made through this process, meaning that every sound is amplified at the same rate.
Hearing Amplifier Styles
Many hearing amplifiers are designed to be worn periodically, unlike hearing aids designed for more continuous use. For instance, some users will keep them on their nightstands for use while watching television so they don’t have to bother their partner by increasing the volume, but they may not need them while driving or during normal dinnertime conversation. Therefore, hearing amplifiers are typically designed as one-size-fits-all and not for long-term use. You’ll easily recognize them as they often come with headphones or earbuds that connect to a handheld device.
Cost of Hearing Amplifiers Vs. Hearing Aids
Because of the advanced technological features and artificial intelligence woven into hearing aid devices, they tend to be more expensive than hearing amplifiers. Some personal sound amplifiers can be purchased for under $50, while hearing aids, which feature more advanced technology, can cost $1,000’s.
You can purchase hearing aids at varying price points, but the higher-quality devices that are more discreet and offer more advanced technology are more expensive. Fortunately, some insurance policies offer coverage for hearing aids, and many hearing aid manufacturers make financing available to those looking to make a purchase.
| Cost of Hearing Amplifier vs Hearing Aids | ||
| Device Name | Device Type | Cost |
| Eargo 7 | Hearing Aid | $2,490-$2,950 |
| Jabra Enhance Select 500 | Hearing Aid | $1,995 |
| Elehear Alpha Pro | Hearing Aid | $499 |
| Otofonix | Hearing Aid | $149 |
| Bellman & Symfon Mino | Hearing Amplifier | $359 |
| Williams Sound Pocketalker 2.0 | Hearing Amplifier | $230 |
| Reizen Loud Ear | Hearing Amplifier | $59 |
| SuperEar SE5000 | Hearing Amplifier | $55 |
Who Are Hearing Aids Best For?
Hearing aid technology increases the volume of the sounds around the wearer but can also filter out some of the unwanted sounds. This is extremely helpful for improving speech clarity and allowing the wearer to hear the sounds around them without being overwhelmed by background noises such as road traffic.
Hearing aids are appropriate for people with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss. Most over-the-counter hearing aids are intended for people with mild to moderate, high-frequency hearing loss. Speak to an audiologist to determine what type and level of hearing loss you have before purchasing.
Who Are Hearing Amplifiers Best For?
Unlike hearing aids, hearing amplifiers increase the volume of all the nearby sounds. This is especially helpful for people who want to watch television but who tend to turn the volume to a level that is bothersome to others in the home. They’re also helpful for those with mild hearing loss who struggle to hear people around them who speak in soft voices. However, if having all sounds louder is overwhelming, a hearing aid may be a more appropriate option.
Related Article: Otofonix Hearing Aids Review
Hearing Amplifier vs Hearing Aid: Which Is Best For Me?
While most over-the-counter hearing aids and hearing amplifiers do not require a prescription, it is still recommended that you speak with a professional before making your purchase. Hearing aid manufacturers, such as Eargo, encourage you to take their online hearing test and speak with one of their in-house hearing professionals before you complete your purchase. Hearing amplifiers typically do not provide the same service. Regardless, you should consider speaking with an audiologist before making your purchase to ensure you choose the best device for you.
