Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, PSAPS & More. What’s the Difference

Experiencing hearing loss can be a confusing and emotional time. You not only need to worry about the loss of hearing, but also managing it. Speaking with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor about your options is vital, as they can recommend and prescribe the best hearing aids and products for you.

Being as informed as possible before you see an ENT doctor is recommended, as it gives you a better idea how you could manage your condition. That’s especially true when it comes to hearing devices. You have more options than you might be aware of, with five regularly being recommended and prescribed.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids are only available in the United States, and they’re exactly what they sound like. They’re hearing aids you can buy over the counter without needing a prescription from an ENT doctor.

An upcoming category of hearing aids, they’re being approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. While these aren’t currently available, they’re set to be in the coming months.

They’re also only effective for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, with more severe cases needing a prescribed alternative. There can also be fitting issues, as these aren’t customized for your ear to fit perfectly.

Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP)

Personal sound amplification products are wearable devices that make sounds louder, letting you hear them more effectively. In contrast to many other hearing aids and similar options, these aren’t considered medical devices. A prescription isn’t needed to get them.

While these can be decent for mild hearing loss, they aren’t an effective option for anything more severe than this. They’re not supposed to replace standard hearing aids or prescription options and are best left to only minor hearing issues.

If misused or overused, they can also cause damage to the ear, causing further hearing loss. Avoid them if you’re unfamiliar with how to use them or are starting to experience more hearing loss.

Self-Fitting Hearing Aids

Self-fitting hearing aids are sound-amplifying devices that let you measure your hearing loss yourself and adjust the aids accordingly. You’re able to install the devices and use them without a prescription, and you wouldn’t need to speak with an ENT doctor to use them.

A relatively new product, they don’t have much market share, but they can be appealing for people with relatively mild hearing loss. Since they’re so new and a medical professional isn’t involved in setting them up, they mightn’t be as effective as their prescribed counterparts.

They also aren’t an effective option if there’s any cognitive decline, as they need a large amount of thought to continually measure and adjust.

Direct To Consumer Devices

Direct to consumer devices are similar to over-the-counter hearing aids and can broadly fit into this category. They’re available from stores and even online, offering many of the same benefits as prescription options, though not to the same degree.

FDA-approved, these are usually used for mild to moderate hearing loss. What sets these apart from over-the-counter options is that they also include amplifiers, which usually don’t need a prescription for purchase.

These have been available for quite a while, further setting them apart from their OTC counterparts. They can be seen as relatively similar to PSAPs and form a middle-ground between these and OTC hearing aids.

Hearables

Hearables is a relatively broad term used to describe various devices, but these can be best defined as wireless in-ear microcomputers. Some can be simple, such as earbuds, while others can be more complex and double as wellness trackers.

They also offer multiple features, including:

• Connectivity to smartphones and similar devices
• Biometric tracking
• Improved hearing quality
• Real-time translation

These features can depend on the make and model you choose, with your preferences being the main factors involved in your choice. Basic options will naturally be the most affordable, though higher-end models can often be better recommended.

Hearing aids and similar devices are practical and effective ways of managing the effects of hearing loss. With the options on offer, it can be difficult for you to determine what the best option for you is. That’s why it’s vital to visit an ENT doctor to properly diagnose the hearing loss and help you manage it.

At ENT Physicians Inc., we’re dedicated to helping you with your hearing loss. Our dedicated team will help you properly understand your situation and the best path forward. Call us today at (419) 318-4987, and we’ll be happy to guide you through your case.