Personal sound amplifiers are enticing for people who think they are experiencing hearing loss. These devices are often marketed to people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. However, they shouldn’t be considered as an alternative to hearing aids. They skip the important process of diagnosing hearing loss, which is necessary to determine the best treatment for you as an individual.
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) don’t make up for hearing loss and won’t make you hear better. They may give you the impression that hearing aids don’t work because there weren’t designed to improve damaged hearing. As well, they could harm your hearing due to the lack of volume control.
Hearing aids are prescribed by a medical professional and are specifically designed to compensate for hearing loss. They will help you hear better.
What are Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPS)?
PSAPS are over-the-counter hearing devices that help normal hearing people hear the softer sounds that they encounter. PSAPS amplifies all sounds in a short range. They can be useful to a person with normal hearing. However, they can create additional issues in loud environments because all sounds are amplified with a PSAP.
PSAPS are worn like a headset, neckband, or behind the ear. They aren’t custom-fit. They contain a receiver, amplifier, and microphone and provide some amplification of sounds in the environment and have to be adjusted manually. They allow people to hear better in loud environments and minimize background noise. But they don’t improve hearing for people with hearing loss.
PSAPS can be thought of as a mini stereo system next to your ear. You can make volume adjustments to PSAPS. Whereas hearing aids are designed to improve your overall hearing.
The FDA does not regulate PSAPS and they are not considered medical devices. They are not customized by professional hearing specialists. Most personal sound amplifiers have a short 6-month warranty.
Why are Hearing Aids Better?
Custom-fit hearing aids are worn by people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are custom fit to your specific hearing loss by a trained professional called an audiologist or hearing specialist. Hearing Aids use broadband technology to make the sounds you hear more clear while reducing background noise and are finely tuned to your hearing loss.
Professionally fit hearing aids have a variety of features including tinnitus control, directional microphones, and streaming capabilities. As well, they come with a full care program. This includes pre and post-visits with your audiologist, a 1-year warranty, and regular cleaning of your hearing aids.
Your Visit to your Audiologist
Your hearing loss is unique to you even if your loss is mild. When you visit Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, you will meet with an audiologist who will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation. They will also take your history, examine your ears and discuss your lifestyle. They can be custom molded for a comfortable and secure fit.
Your hearing specialist will make recommendations for the best type of hearing aid that will meet your needs, and walk you through a fitting process to ensure a proper fit. They will then use technology to adjust the hearing aids. You will discuss with the audiologist what you hear with the aids and they will fine-tune the settings to make sure sounds are clear and crisp.
Hearing aids range in price based on the technology level and style of the hearing aid. Some hearing aids come with Bluetooth and super processors. Whereas others come with more basic components. Your hearing specialist will take the time to explain your options and help you choose the best device for your hearing loss. They will help you with payment plans and financing options if needed.
It might be tempting to choose cheaper hearing aids, but you should not make that decision without the help of an audiologist and a hearing exam. They will pinpoint your specific hearing needs. You won’t have to worry about finding the right fit or hearing aid. Your audiologist will be there to help you each step of the way. They take the guesswork out of finding the right hearing aid for you.
If you aren’t hearing as well as you used to, it might be time to see a hearing specialist to learn what is causing your hearing loss. You may have something simple like earwax buildup, or an easy-to-treat ear infection. At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas we are the specialist in hearing and the experts in listening. We will work with you to find the best solution for your hearing loss.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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