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

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

Have you heard the rumours? Over the counter hearing aids are likely to be available soon – but haven’t people already been getting them? Well, did you know that hearing aids are a growing device? There are so many on the market today and whether you are looking at over the counter options or you are looking at direct to consumer services, you should really consider the fact that there are plenty of options to choose from.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Over the counter hearing aids are new and they are an upcoming new option in the country. They’re aiming to help adults with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss and while the regulations are still in the process of finalization, they are expected shortly. The availability could give people the chance to seek out help where they may not have sought it before – which means that there are some things to consider. There are some possible downsides:

  • They may not be as successfully fitted as if you were to speak to a hearing instrument specialist about hearing loss.
  • They may not align directly with your hearing loss in the same way that it would if you had a proper hearing test with a hearing instrument specialist.
  • Self-treating isn’t always the best thing to do if you know you have an issue. It’s important to pinpoint the exact hearing loss and the reason behind it, which is why you should speak to a hearing instrument specialist first.

These direct-to-consumer devices are considered medical devices, but they can also just be sound amplifiers and you can buy them without the help of a professional. It’s so important that you ensure that you speak to an expert before you make a decision, but a prescription medical device is the best route to turn to when you need it.

Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP)

These are products that are wearable electronic devices that are used only to help to amplify sound. They’re not the same as traditional hearing aids, nor are they considered to be proper medical devices. In fact, they could be potentially helpful in amplifying sounds, but they’re not actually recommended for proper treatment of hearing loss. They could even cause hearing damage with misuse. You might bypass the crucial steps of fitting and programming when you choose PSAPs, and these are things that you really do need.

Self-Fitting Hearing Aids

These are a new product category, but you need to consider whether you should use them. They’re designed to allow the user to measure their own hearing loss, which could be potentially problematic without the prescription of a trained hearing instrument specialist. There is a lot of market presence surrounding these hearing aid types, and cognition plays a large role in understanding how they work and whether they will work well or not. It’s so important that you seek professional help before choosing a self-fitting hearing aid.

Hearables

This is a loose category of hearing products but these are representative of wireless microcomputers in the ear. Some are as simple as earbuds that will work to amplify sounds and some are hearing aids that can double up as wellness trackers. Hearables have different features, such as the ability to connect to smartphones, tablets and smart home devices. Others have biometric tracking for heart rate, steps and even running paces.

You can improve sound quality and benefit from some of the technology that drives hearing aids today. Some hearables even allow you to monitor your sleep. There are so many different options but that may lead you to query why you should get that professional help.

You can contact Beck Hearing Aid Centre at (888) 618-3778 today, and you could get the help that you need to support your hearing health. Addressing hearing issues is important because without addressing them, you cannot fix them. Self-treating could result in missing some of the key steps, but that’s where a hearing instrument specialist comes in. It may seem like a convenient option to buy self-fitting hearing aids, but you will then be missing out on things that are necessary for your health.

Rather than putting your hearing health on the line, you should consider booking your appointment with a hearing instrument specialist today. It will make the difference between whether you get a prescription medical device or the other devices that would be a drain on money when you don’t have to spend it!

 

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