Hearing aids vs. assistive listening devices.
Hearing loss is a significant challenge for many people around the world, affecting both those who experience it and those who interact with them. There are various solutions available, including hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, the multitude of options within each category can create confusion for potential users.
When it comes to hearing enhancement devices, two main categories are currently available for purchase: hearing aids vs. assistive listening devices. What are the differences between them, and how should one choose? This article aims to clarify the options available for individuals with hearing impairments and for those who interact with them.
First category: Hearing aids
Hearing aids are electronic devices designed for individuals with hearing impairment. They offer varying levels of personalization and professional care depending on where they are purchased.
Some hearing aids, “prescription hearing aids” are fitted by licensed and highly trained professional hearing care providers allowing for the highest level of customization and, therefore, user satisfaction. The hearing care provider adjusts these aids frequency by frequency based on the patient’s hearing loss profile. A newly created and more affordable category of hearing aids is available in some countries, offering additional options for those in need of hearing amplification. Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids are sold on store shelves and can be self-fitted using a smartphone app. While these devices provide a less personalized experience and less precise tuning compared to prescription aids, they offer a more affordable option in some regions.
Various brands are available, such as Signia (formerly Siemens), Oticon, Philips, Phonak, Starkey, Resound, Widex, and some consumer band for the OTC hearing aid segment (Sony, HP, JVC and Bose/Lexie).
Prescriptions and OTC hearing aids come with various form factor from Behind-The-Ear (BTE) where a part sits behind the ear and a wire and earpiece brings the amplified sound to the ear canal or In-the-Ear (ITE), fully inserted hearing aids into a custom-molded shell within the ear canal.
Second category: Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) or Personal Sound Amplifiers product (PSAP)
In contrast to hearing aids, assistive listening devices or personal sound amplifiers do not offer personal customization. They typically feature a one-size-fits-all approach with preset volume settings. Therefore, they are not considered as hearing aids and are more commonly used as sound enhancement substitutes. Assistive listening devices and personal sound amplifiers are commonly used by bird watchers and hunters who require an enhanced listening experience for recreational activities. Additionally, these devices serve an important but less expected role: helping caregivers or loved ones to communicate more effectively with individuals experiencing hearing loss.
Like hearing aids, assistive listening devices or personal sound amplifiers come in various form factors, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), and pocket-sized cases, among others. Be aware that pricing can vary widely based on sound quality and accuracy.
The state of the art is clear
In an ideal world, every person experiencing hearing loss would consult an ENT specialist and receive highly personalized prescription hearing aids when needed. However, many individuals with hearing loss, particularly seniors facing challenges with autonomy and cognition, still do not receive the help they need. Barriers include the multi-step process from diagnosis to hearing aid fitting, reluctance to insert a foreign object in the ear, difficulties in handling small or complex devices, and the cost of replacing lost devices. Consequently, many individuals with hearing loss continue to go without adequate support, facing daily repercussions from untreated hearing loss. For those with reduced autonomy, these consequences can be even more severe, leading to increased frustration, isolation, and a loss of self-esteem.
The Hidden Impact of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has a more profound and unknown impact than many might realize. It not only affects the individual experiencing it, but also significantly influences their interactions with others. For instance, healthcare providers and caregivers often face challenges when communicating with patients who have untreated hearing loss. Simple tasks like conducting a consultation without raising one's voice, obtaining informed consent for medical treatments, or having seamless conversations with loved ones can become sources of frustration for both parties involved. The ripple effects of hearing loss extend well beyond the person with the condition, affecting everyone who interacts with them.
What Solutions are available to communicate with someone with hearing loss?
Interacting with individuals who do not use hearing aids can be challenging, but several innovative and less cumbersome alternatives to traditional hearing aids are available to improve communication. Some selected assistive listening devices are designed to enhance sound transmission and temporarily restore effective communication, making them ideal for one-to-one conversation enhancement.
Top two options are:
- Mino by Belmann and Symphon, offering viable wired options for one-to-one communication.
- Spokeo by Audiome, providing additional benefits with its wireless Bluetooth design for greater freedom of movement and its patented dual high-definition air-bone sound transmission ensuring sounds to reach the inner ear even in cases of earwax blockage.
Conclusion
It is highly likely that, in the near future, healthcare providers and caregivers will increasingly adopt assistive listening devices to restore quality communication with their patients or loved ones. The Spokeo system, with its cutting-edge innovation, introduces a new subcategory of assistive listening devices (ALDs). It not only enhances listening for those in need but also offers a simple and effective communication solution for their interlocutors.
Michael Uzzan
Co-founder
