The Battle Between PSAPs and Hearing Aids
What is PSAP?
PSAP looks like a Bluetooth receiver and is a personal sound amplification product. Most of these devices are advertised to cater for people suffering from hearing loss. These products would often say on their packaging that it can turn any hearing to an extraordinary experience, which, for someone who is tired of not grasping anything, will probably be a bargain.
Hearing clearly and not missing any word or misunderstanding any sentences for people who lack them is a luxury no one can put a price on. That is why, most experts believe PSAPs are misleading and distracting the true purpose of assistive hearing devices. As these are cheaper than actual hearing aids, of course, people with hearing disabilities will be more than likely get attracted to purchasing them.
How is it different from Hearing Aids?
It can be deceiving to think of PSAPs as something that you could use in replacement of a hearing aid, especially when there are so many commercials advertising them. Some commercials even depict them as devices that allow a conversation from another room to be heard from across one noisy room to another. And what more, there is the possibility of not letting anyone know that you are suffering from hearing loss.
These kinds of devices are made with a microphone, receiver, amplifier and another one inserted to transmit sound directly to the ear, which makes them not too different from any hearing aids. However, the only difference they have from hearing aids is the labeling.
The reason behind this is probably due to the guide released by the FDA clarifying what and what is not considered as a hearing device or aid. Hearing aids are wearable and intended to assist people with hearing loss. A prescription coming from an audiologist is needed before anyone can purchase the device.
On the other hand, PSAP is a also wearable but never to be used to compensate for hearing loss. It is to be used by people not suffering from hearing loss to help amplify sounds in connection to different types of recreation activities.
Do PSAPs treat hearing loss?
It can probably help but if you ask an expert, it is best to be tested first by an audiologist and to check if a hearing aid is necessary. Remember, only experts are able to identify the gravity of the problem and looking a solution to treat them also lies in their hands.
If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure that you get a hearing aid prescription. Also note that the programs on these devices may be modified, but ask your ENT doctor or audiologist first before making any changes. We are specialist of hearing test & assessment and provide hearing aid prescription.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
https://www.hkhearingspeech.com