SPECIAL FEATURE
How to Decide If Personal Sound Amplification Products Are Right for You By Danielle J. Frank, AuD, and Emily Francisco, AuD
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as wearable electronic amplification devices that are marketed to consumers with normal hearing to amplify environmental sounds during recreational activities.1 These devices are available for purchase online or in stores and do not require consultation with a hearing care professional. PSAPs vary greatly in price, ease of use, and technological capabilities, providing a variety of options for access to and success with these devices. Some devices also require use of additional technology, such as a smartphone or tablet. Individuals with normal hearing who experience difficulty hearing in situations with background noise may benefit from the noise reduction capabilities and directional microphones found in some PSAPs. Additionally, these devices have been shown to provide benefit to individuals outside of their marketed population — explicitly to adults with hearing loss. PSAPs differ from hearing aids in several ways (see sidebar) but have been shown to have enough amplification to provide audibility to individuals with 50
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up to a moderate degree of hearing loss.2 Many people with hearing loss are not ready to pursue traditional hearing aids for a variety of reasons, even when they may be a good candidate. Individuals who want a device for occasional use, who cannot justify the cost of hearing aids, and who have other personal reasons for bypassing hearing aids may look for alternative options to improve their communication. PSAPs can serve as a stepping stone for people who need hearing help but who are not yet ready for hearing aids. Traditionally, audiologists have been skeptical of PSAPs, concerned that they are low-quality amplifiers that do not provide benefit for patients and are not labeled by the FDA for use to treat hearing loss. For the past year, the Department of Audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) has been dispensing PSAPs in the clinic and learning that these concerns are not always borne out. The process has revealed that some PSAPs can provide a subset of patients with access to improved communication or tinnitus management, which allows them to serve a wider range of people with a broad spectrum of needs. PSAPs can also benefit audiologists by providing another option they can present to their patients. Counseling patients about all of the options available to them
shows patients that an audiologist is a healthcare provider who recommends solutions for improved communication, not simply someone who sells a device.
Evaluating and Selecting PSAPs A wide variety of PSAPs are on the market, with a range of available features. For individuals looking to purchase a PSAP, it may seem overwhelming to sort through these options to find a device. Researching devices on the internet or asking for recommendations from friends or professionals can initially help narrow the search; some audiologists may be able to provide information and guidance that will streamline the selection process. It is important to research all aspects of the device and confirm that the device features will help meet the communication needs and goals of the individual. For example, if a person is looking to increase volume solely for one-onone conversation, the features they may find beneficial could be different from those of a device for a person looking for better communication in a variety of environments with streaming capabilities for music and tinnitus management. If a device is not providing benefit, customers have the ability to return the device during the manufacturer’s trial period. For audiologists looking to dispense PSAPs in the clinic, it is important to www.ATA.org
