An over-the-counter BTE digital hearing aid and a digital amplifier can be confused as being the same thing. However, they are very different and are designed for entirely different purposes. In this article, you’ll learn the difference between a BTE digital hearing aid and a digital amplifier as well as which one might be best for you.
What is an Over-the-Counter BTE Digital Hearing Aid?
An over-the-counter BTE digital hearing aid is also known as an over-the-counter (OTC) Behind-the-Ear digital hearing aid or an over-the-counter BTE hearing aid. They are specifically designed to assist individuals with hearing loss and to improve hearing in individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The design itself is typically discreet. BTE hearing aids are also designed to filter out background noise, making it easier for those with hearing loss to hear conversations. The volume can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Additionally, BTE hearing aids are regulated by the FDA and are considered to be medical devices.
What is a Digital Amplifier?
A digital amplifier, also known as a Personal Sound Amplification Product or PSAP, is a general-purpose device that is designed simply to increase all sounds in the environment for people without hearing loss.
It is not regulated by the FDA and is not a medical device.
As a result of its general-use design and lack of regulation, a digital amplifier will not provide the same level of noise cancellation and clarity as BTE hearing aids.
Do BTE Digital Hearing Aids Require a Prescription?
Since over-the-counter BTE digital hearing aids are considered to be medical devices, most people think they need to visit a doctor to receive them - but that’s not the case. In fact, these hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription online or in big-box retail stores. As long as you have mild to moderate hearing loss, they might be the solution you need for improving your hearing.
You might have mild to moderate hearing loss if you have trouble hearing conversations, or get tired easily from listening (among other things).
While it’s also true that digital amplifiers do not require a prescription, they are not intended to improve hearing loss. They are simply intended to make sounds louder.
In summary, the main difference between over-the-counter BTE digital hearing aids and digital amplifiers is their purpose and design. BTE digital hearing aids are designed to improve hearing in individuals with mild to severe hearing loss and digital amplifiers are designed to make sounds louder in the environment.
