What are hearing amplifiers? Several companies sell them. The typical hearing amplifier has features such as volume control, and is very small in size. Some even resemble traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids. They may have earplugs, and use button cell batteries. Hearing amplifiers are often marketed to hard-of-hearing people.
However, hearing amplifiers are not hearing aids. You may see them advertised as "hearing aids," but they are not. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says they should be used only after it has been determined that there is no hearing loss. In fact, the FDA warns that using a hearing amplifier as a hearing aid substitute can actually cause more harm than good. A known risk with hearing devices is overamplification, which can result in increased hearing loss.
Furthermore, the FDA says that sound amplifiers can be used for situations such as lectures or help with hearing soft sounds like distant conversations. Even so, sound amplifiers are not meant to "treat" hearing loss, and therefore are not considered to be medical devices. So, manufacturers of sound amplifiers are not required to register their products with the FDA.
People who are unaware of the risk to their hearing may still try to use hearing amplifiers in place of hearing aids. For example, an About.com reader posted on the About.com deafness forum that because he could not afford a hearing aid, he was using a hearing amplifier. For the reasons stated above, this is not a good solution in the long run.
Sources:
Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm127086.htm. Accessed February 2011.
Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplifiers: Know the Difference. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm185459.htm. Accessed February 2011.
