Hearing ability plays a fundamental role in building social connections, integrating into daily life, and responding to dangers. That’s why hearing loss can directly affect a person’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue in such cases. In particular, hearing aids are considered one of the most effective modern solutions to this problem. Sometimes, however, people try to meet this need with simple sound amplification devices. So, what are the differences between the two?
A hearing aid is a medical electronic device that helps people with hearing loss perceive sounds more clearly and loudly. These devices are usually prescribed based on audiological tests and tailored to individual needs. Modern digital hearing aids do more than just amplify sounds – they also process them by reducing background noise, adjusting frequencies, and adapting to the user’s unique hearing profile.
Simple sound amplifiers (PSAP – Personal Sound Amplification Products) are not considered medical devices. As their name suggests, they are designed to simply make surrounding sounds louder. They are often used by hunters, people attending conferences, or individuals with temporary mild hearing difficulties. However, they are not a proper choice for people with diagnosed hearing loss.
If you have been officially diagnosed with hearing loss, you should always use a hearing aid. Simple amplifiers increase all sounds equally, which may worsen sound quality and even harm the ear. The correct choice of device can only be made after an audiological hearing test conducted by a specialist.
Hearing aid prices vary depending on models and technical features. The most basic models start at around 200 AZN, while advanced models with additional features can cost between 2,000–3,000 AZN. In some cases, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection provides devices free of charge or at discounted rates, especially for children and individuals with disabilities.
A hearing aid is not just a technical device – it is a tool that improves quality of life and helps users reconnect with society. If you or your loved ones are experiencing hearing difficulties, consult an audiologist and base your device choice on professional medical advice. Remember, cheap and low-quality amplifiers can cause more harm than good. Health should never be put at risk.
For people with diagnosed hearing problems, selecting the right device is extremely important for health. If you have an official diagnosis of hearing loss, a hearing aid – not a simple amplifier – must be used.
Simple amplifiers raise all surrounding sounds equally, without distinction. This is not only unhelpful but can sometimes be harmful because:
Damage to auditory nerves: Equal amplification of all sounds exposes the ear to very loud noises, which may damage auditory nerves.
Poor sound quality: Since they cannot distinguish background noise from important sounds, they create noise pollution.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment: A person using a simple amplifier might not notice serious hearing loss in time, which can delay medical consultation.
No medical adjustment: These devices are not tailored to individual audiological test results and may deliver unsafe sound levels.
For all these reasons, simple sound amplifiers should only be used for short-term, non-medical purposes – such as hunting or attending conferences.
If you or your loved ones are worried about hearing loss, the first step should be an audiologist’s examination and a proper hearing test. Only after that can the right technology – namely, a hearing aid – be prescribed.
EN − AZN
