Have you ever seen an ad on the television, in a magazine, or perhaps on Amazon for Hearing Amplifiers?  While these products are designed to combat common hearing issues, they are not the same as hearing aids.  For most people, the appeal of of hearing amplifiers is the chance to improve hearing while paying a significantly smaller cost.  These products are deceptive because they look similar to hearing aids but they do not work the same.  The amplifiers increase all sounds and are not as technologically advanced as hearing aids.  Unlike hearing aids, amplifiers are not appropriate for most hearing losses.  They should really only be considered for patients with age-related mild to moderate hearing loss.  

My reasons for distrusting hearing amplifiers are the following:

• Most amplifiers are sold without requiring an evaluation of the patient's hearing abilities and etiology of hearing loss.
• Settings are controlled by the user who may not have an understanding of what he or she needs.
• Amplifiers have not undergone the intense research and testing that hearing aids have been through.
• Amplifiers may not have a built-in limit for dangerously loud sounds.
• The initial cost of the amplifier may be enticing but the lifetime cost of maintenance and repairs may not make the initial cost worthwhile. 
• Unlike hearing aids, amplifiers are not require to meet standards.
• Lastly, an experience with a poor-quality device may discourage a consumer from purchasing hearing aids which could provide benefit.