Hearing Aids vs Personal Sound Amplifiers: What's the Difference?
When exploring options for better hearing, you'll encounter two main categories of devices: hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). While both can help you hear better, they serve different purposes and are regulated differently.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are FDA-regulated medical devices designed to treat hearing loss. They are:
- Prescribed by audiologists or hearing healthcare professionals
- Customized to your specific hearing loss pattern
- Programmed with sophisticated algorithms
- Covered by some insurance plans
- Typically cost $1,000-$6,000+ per pair
What Are Personal Sound Amplifiers?
PSAPs like Heared are consumer electronics designed to amplify sounds for people with normal hearing who want to enhance their listening experience:
- Available without prescription
- Designed for recreational use
- More affordable ($20-$500)
- Easy to use and adjust
- Great for specific situations
Key Differences
Hearing Aids
- ✓ FDA regulated medical devices
- ✓ Treat diagnosed hearing loss
- ✓ Professional fitting required
- ✓ Insurance may cover costs
- ✓ Advanced noise processing
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Requires appointments
PSAPs (like Heared)
- ✓ Affordable and accessible
- ✓ No prescription needed
- ✓ Immediate availability
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Great for mild difficulties
- ✗ Not for severe hearing loss
- ✗ Limited insurance coverage
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Hearing Aids If:
- You have diagnosed hearing loss
- Your hearing difficulties significantly impact daily life
- You need advanced features like directional microphones
- Insurance covers the cost
- You prefer professional support and fitting
Choose PSAPs Like Heared If:
- You have mild hearing difficulties
- You want to enhance hearing in specific situations
- Cost is a primary concern
- You prefer immediate access without appointments
- You want to try amplification before investing in hearing aids
Why Heared Stands Out
Heared offers several advantages over traditional PSAPs:
🎚️ Professional-Grade EQ
5-band equalizer lets you customize frequencies from 125Hz to 8kHz, similar to professional hearing aid programming.
🔇 Smart Noise Reduction
Advanced algorithms filter background noise while preserving important sounds like speech.
⚡ Real-Time Processing
Ultra-low latency ensures natural sound without the delay common in other apps.
🎯 Preset Modes
Optimized settings for speech, music, and different environments make it easy to get great results instantly.
Making the Right Choice
The choice between hearing aids and PSAPs isn't always either/or. Many people use both: hearing aids for daily wear and PSAPs like Heared for specific situations or as a backup option.
Important Reminder
If you suspect significant hearing loss, consult with an audiologist first. They can help determine whether you need medical treatment, hearing aids, or if a PSAP like Heared might be sufficient for your needs.
Ready to experience the difference? Try Heared risk-free and discover how professional-grade audio processing can enhance your hearing experience.
Experience Heared Today
Try our professional-grade personal sound amplifier and hear the difference.
