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Personal sound amplifier: What device will help my grandfather hear better in certain situations?

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What device will help my grandfather hear better in certain situations?

Question

My grandfather’s hearing is fairly good for his age, but I’ve noticed that he has difficulty hearing in some circumstances, such as if we are out to eat in a busy restaurant. Do you know of a device that can improve his ability to hear in certain situations?

Our answer

Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.

If you suspect that your grandfather’s hearing is getting worse, we encourage you to visit a health care professional to find out if your grandfather needs his hearing evaluated by a hearing specialist (audiologist). If you, your grandfather and your health care provider determine that your grandfather does not need a hearing aid and that it is appropriate for him to use a device that amplifies sound in certain situations only, you may be interested in knowing about personal sound amplifier products (PSAPs). Please note that PSAPs are not intended to correct hearing loss. 

  • SuperEar Personal Sound Amplifiers by SuperEar (at Sound Technology) offers three amplifier models that can boost sound by more than 50 decibels and are perfect for watching TV or for following simple conversations. Their products, which are ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant, cost about $65 (USD) for model SE5000, $75 (USD) for model SE7500, and $105 (USD) for model SE9000HP, plus additional shipping fees.
  • Pocket Talker 2 Personal Amplifier by Williams Sound (at Amazon Canada) is an ergonomic, lightweight PSAP that offers superior sound quality. This device costs about $290 (CDN), plus an additional shipping fee. For a cheaper solution, you can purchase the first generation model at Wellwise while supplies last for around $150 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
  • Reizen Loud Ear 120dB Gain Personal Amplifier (at Amazon Canada) is a powerful personal amplifier with up to 120 decibels gain. It has a built in microphone for clear and loud hearing and can picks up sound of up to 100 feet away. The product costs around $120 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.

You may also wish to consult the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada website for more information about the differences between personal sound amplifiers and hearing aids.

If you still can’t find what you're looking for, please ask us a question.

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