Question: I’ve seen devices advertised on TV and in magazines called “personal sound amplifiers” and they are a lot less expensive. Are they the same thing as hearing aids?
Answer: No, they are not. Personal sound amplifiers are quite different from hearing aids and shouldn’t be used in place of expertly programmed hearing aids fitted by a Doctor of Audiology.
The PSA was created to amplify sounds during recreational activities and not to assist with hearing loss. They are not programmed to specific frequencies for your hearing loss, do nothing to manage room or ambient noise levels, and cannot adapt to environmental sounds. However, properly fitted hearing aids do come in many price options with a 75 day trial so you may experience the difference that correct programming and a proper fit will make in achieving successful hearing.