Hearing amplifier vs hearing aid
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- Personal sound amplifier. Best for: People with normal hearing in specific settings. See options on Amazon
- OTC hearing aids. Best for: Adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. See options on Amazon
- Hearing aid and amplifier cleaning kit. Best for: Keeping ear tips clean. See options on Amazon
What a hearing amplifier is
The FDA says personal sound amplification products are intended to amplify sounds in certain environments for non-hearing-impaired listeners. It lists common uses such as hunting (listening for prey), bird watching, listening to lectures with a distant speaker, and listening to soft sounds that may be difficult for people with normal hearing to hear, like distant conversations.
PSAPs are electronic products that the FDA regulates under its Electronic Product Radiation Control Program. The FDA says they are not medical devices like hearing aids.
PSAP vs OTC vs prescription hearing aid
| Product | Intended users | Conditions for sale |
|---|---|---|
| PSAP (hearing amplifier) | People of any age with normal hearing, to amplify sounds in certain environments | No applicable FDA requirements regarding conditions for sale |
| OTC hearing aid | People 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss | No medical exam, prescription or audiologist fitting needed; buyer must be 18 or older |
| Prescription hearing aid | People of any age, with any degree of hearing loss, including severe | Prescription needed; licensed seller in some states |
Details are from the FDA consumer update on hearing aids and PSAPs.
Why the difference matters
The FDA says that while hearing aids and PSAPs both amplify sound, the products have different intended uses: hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing, while PSAPs are for people with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain situations. Because PSAPs are regulated as consumer electronics and not medical devices, the FDA notes they may be more variable in terms of product quality compared to hearing aids.
That means a hearing amplifier is not built or labeled to address hearing loss. If you are buying one because conversations are hard to follow, consider whether you actually need a hearing aid. Our OTC hearing aids guide covers who they fit and the FDA's red flag symptoms.
Signs it may be hearing loss
The FDA describes mild hearing loss as having difficulty hearing some speech sounds but not others, and moderate hearing loss as increased difficulty hearing some speech sounds, even in a quiet room with someone talking at a normal level.
The FDA says to see a doctor when things do not feel right, when your hearing loss is progressing, or if you have associated symptoms like dizziness, ear pain or drainage from the ear canal. It notes hearing loss could be a sign of an easily treatable problem like built-up earwax, or a more serious problem like a benign tumor on the hearing nerve. For earwax, see our ear wax removal kit guide.
Other listening options
- Assistive listening devices. The FDA says these are available in some public places such as auditoriums, movie theaters, houses of worship and meeting rooms, and that people with normal hearing or hearing loss may use them to improve listening in those settings.
- OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Prescription hearing aids for any degree of loss and for children.
For listening to audio while staying aware of your surroundings, see our bone conduction headphones guide.
Children and reporting problems
The FDA notes that the reasons for hearing loss in children are more varied and may be associated with other medical conditions that should be medically evaluated before prescribing hearing aids. A child who seems not to hear well needs a medical evaluation, not a store-bought amplifier.
Problems with a hearing product can be reported to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088. Keep the volume on any amplifier comfortable, and stop using a device that causes ear pain or ringing.
What to look for when you buy
Personal sound amplifier
Best for: People with normal hearing in specific settings
The FDA lists uses like bird watching, hunting and lectures with a distant speaker.
Watch out: Not intended to compensate for hearing impairment.
See options on AmazonOTC hearing aids
Best for: Adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss
The FDA says these are medical devices intended to make up for impaired hearing.
Watch out: Check the red flag symptoms and return policy first.
See options on AmazonHearing aid and amplifier cleaning kit
Best for: Keeping ear tips clean
The FDA notes built-up earwax can itself cause hearing loss, and wax can clog small ear tips.
Watch out: Follow the maker's cleaning steps.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is a hearing amplifier the same as a hearing aid?
- No. The FDA says PSAPs are not alternatives to hearing aids and are for people with normal hearing.
- Are hearing amplifiers FDA approved?
- They are regulated as electronic products, not medical devices like hearing aids.
- Who should use a hearing amplifier?
- People with normal hearing who want louder sound in situations like birdwatching, hunting or lectures.
- What if I think I have hearing loss?
- Consider an OTC hearing aid if you are 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate loss, or see a doctor.
- When should I see a doctor about my hearing?
- If hearing loss is progressing, or with dizziness, ear pain or drainage, the FDA says.
Sources
- Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Other Hearing Devices and Products (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration