What is a PSAP?
A personal sound amplification product, commonly referred to as a “PSAP”, is a device that makes sounds louder. PSAPs can look like earbuds, headphones, or a hand-held amplifier with a microphone. Some PSAPs are shaped like hearing aids which is confusing; a PSAP is not a hearing aid. Only a licenced professional can fit hearing aids; they are never sold over-the-counter.
PSAPs are sold at drugstores, online, or electronics retailers. They range in price from $10 – $500.
Who are PSAPs for?
PSAPs are intended to amplify sounds for people without hearing loss. PSAPs can be used to highlight a particular sound in a listening environment, such as a bird’s call. PSAPs are not designed for everyday use, or for varied listening situations.
Uses for PSAPs:
- Lectures or speakers
- Bird watching
- Hunting
- Listening to distant conversation
- Watching TV
How are hearing aids different than PSAPs?
Hearing aids are micro-computers that amplify sounds and are programmed to a person’s individual hearing loss. As Audiologists, we recommend that people with hearing aids wear them all day, every day, in situations ranging from quiet conversation at home with a family member, to watching to TV, to going to dinner with friends at a favourite restaurant.
PSAPs amplify sound, but can’t be programmed so it’s kind of like hitting a nail with a sledgehammer; the devices can over-amplify high frequency sounds and low-frequency sounds, including background noise, all at the same level. PSAPs can be purchased off-the-shelf and do not require a hearing test.
Why the cost difference?
Many consumers know there is a cost difference between hearing aids and personal sound amplification devices, but don’t understand why.
A few major reasons:
Research and development cost of the manufacturer
Hearing aid manufacturers spend millions of dollars each year improving their technology. They must publish studies to demonstrate that their hearing aids features work as intended.
Technology
Hearing aids have much more advanced signal processors with features that allow for managing the varied environments around the user. In short, better hearing in noise, and more custom fit to an individual’s unique hearing loss. On top of this are advanced Bluetooth® connection to apps, TV, audio and music, and rechargeable functions.
Hearing aids come with Audiological care
PSAPs do not come with professional services, while hearing aids have the wearer covered!
Hearing aids include:
- Professional care with an Audiologist
- Hearing assessment
- Hearing aid fitting
- The cost of servicing the hearing aids
- Follow-up care
- Counselling and auditory rehabilitation
The bottom line is that a PSAP is not a hearing aid. A hearing aid will help a person with untreated hearing loss hear better in daily life and keep the brain healthy through exposure to a full range of sounds.
If you have difficulty hearing see an Audiologist
If you want to hear better, it is best to seek the help of a professional Audiologist who will diagnose your hearing loss, and make appropriate recommendations for management.
Studies show that about 1 in 10 people have hearing loss that negatively affects their ability to communicate. However, it is an under-treated health condition, with most people waiting on average 7-10 years from the time they are diagnosed with hearing loss to the time they seek treatment. The concern with using an over-the-counter solution to compensate for not hearing well is that treatment for hearing loss may be further delayed. With your hearing, “If you don’t use it, you lose it” applies.
If you want to hear better, or learn more about how PSAPs compare to hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an Audiologist at Broadmead Hearing Clinic: 250.479.2969 or Oak Bay Hearing Clinic: 250.479.2921.