If you have very minor hearing loss, you may not need a prescription hearing aid. The best hearing amplifiers for elderly (eg, the Soundastic Swan or Empower hearing amplifier) provide a cost-effective option for dealing with minor hearing loss. And always remember that any type of hearing loss should be checked by a doctor.
Unfortunately, not all amplifiers offer suitable results. Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are general amplifiers that pick up sound and amplify it before sending it to an earpiece or speaker.
Hearing aids are tailored to your specific hearing loss while PSAPs typically boost all sounds in the environment. However, some hearing amplifiers include special features for dealing with hearing loss.
There is a difference between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers, so make sure you know the difference by read our ultimate guide to hearing loss.
Hearing loss often starts with higher frequencies.
The top amplifiers should accentuate high-frequency sounds while removing low-frequency background noises. You should also pay attention to the design, volume settings, and battery life.
Before spending money on a PSAP, compare the following best hearing amplifiers for elderly people with minor hearing loss.
Otofonix Elite Hearing Amplifier
With a behind-the-ear design, the Otofonix Elite is a compact amplifier available in gray and beige. It also includes three ear dome styles and two sound tubes for a comfortable fit.
The Otofonix Elite is one of the top-rated hearing amplifiers for seniors due to its versatility. It comes with ten volume levels and four separate listening modes. Depending on the noises in the room, you may switch between normal, noisy, treble, and quiet modes.
Thanks to advanced technology, the amplifier helps eliminate digital noise and reduces feedback, which provides greater clarity.
The amplifier is equipped with a 12-band digital sound processor. The processor only amplifies the sound frequencies of the human voice while suppressing feedback and background sounds.
To switch operating modes and volume, the amplifier has a rocker switch. Press up to change the volume and down to switch listening modes.
Pros:
- The comfortable design allows you to wear it all day
- The multiple ear domes ensure that you get the perfect fit
- The volume settings and operating modes give you more control
Cons:
- The cost may not fit everyone’s budget
- The rocker button may require some practice to manipulate
Britzgo Digital Hearing Aid Amplifier
For those wanting the most cost-effective amplifier, consider the Britzgo Digital Hearing Aid Amplifier. This affordable amplifier has a symmetrical, behind-the-ear design for use in either ear. It also comes ready to wear with two separate sizes of ear tips and two batteries.
Each battery provides up to 500 hours of operation. The extended battery life allows you to wear it 16 hours per day for 30 days before needing to replace it.
The back of the amplifier includes separate oversized buttons for power, volume, and operating modes. The large buttons offer effortless operation even for those with limited finger mobility.
The operating modes allow you to adjust the frequency range of the amplifier. While the operating modes are helpful for dealing with different environments, you may still notice static or hissing.
The Britzgo amplifier is a low-cost option but it lacks some of the advanced features found in other amplifiers. It does not include noise suppression for background sounds and static.
Side note – Check out our page on the full range of Britzgo products over at Britzgo Reviews.
Pros:
- Stylish design that fits in either ear
- One of the most affordable choices
- Large buttons that are easy to operate
Cons:
- The sound quality is slightly lower compared to higher-priced amplifiers
- It is only available in a dark blue color, making it a little less discreet
Empower Hearing Amplifier
The Empower Hearing Amplifier is a small amplifier with a slim profile and a clear tube. It hides behind your ear while providing advanced sound processing. The design is nearly invisible and comfortable enough to wear all day.
The internal sound processor has layered noise reduction to tune out background noise. The sound is remarkably clear and does not suffer from electrical interference with other devices. You can use this amplifier while talking on the cellphone without hearing feedback.
As with most hearing amplifiers for elderly people, the Empower hearing amplifier allows you to adjust the volume and select different operating modes. It features a one-touch operation with a rocker button.
If you have trouble pressing small buttons, the slim profile and rocker button may be a little awkward. However, the slimmer design also makes this one of the most discreet amplifiers.
Pros:
- Advanced noise reduction helps suppress background noise
- It includes a slim profile to keep it hidden
- It comes with a carrying case, cleaning kit, and ten disposable batteries
Cons:
- The batteries may only provide several days of use
- It does not come with multiple sizes of ear tips
Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier
The Coniler Smart Hearing Amplifier bridges the gap between the high-end amplifiers and low-cost devices, offering reliable sound at a reasonable price. It features the standard behind-the-ear design with tubes and ear tips.
This amplifier stands out compared to some of the other hearing amplifiers for elderly people due to the rechargeable battery and smart language processing technology. While it includes digital sound processing and noise reduction, the smart language processing helps improve the clarity of speech.
Along with the clear sound, the Coniler amplifier has a multi-function switch and volume control button. The available operating modes include quiet mode and noisy mode. The controls allow you to easily switch modes for better sound in quiet or noisy environments.
The rechargeable battery provides about 18 hours of operation on a single charge, enough for a full day of use. The charging part uses magnetic absorption contacts instead of a plug, helping to increase the life of the product.
Pros:
- It features a simple design for easier control of the volume and operating modes
- The compact size and clear tube help make the amplifier more discreet
- It delivers crisp, clear sound in most environments
Cons:
- The battery typically requires charging each day
- The instructions are not very clear
Soundtastic Swan
The Soundtastic Swan is a high-quality hearing amplifier for seniors with advanced sound processing and noise reduction features. It has 12 channels of digital sound processing and manual volume control combined with two compression channels and two amplification channels. These features ensure that you receive superior clarity and crisp, natural speech.
The amplifiers come with tubes, ear tips, and disposable batteries. It is ready to wear when it arrives. However, the batteries may not last very long with an average battery life of 160 hours.
The device has a slim design with an on/off button and a rotary knob for adjusting the sound. Some people may prefer the rotary design compared to a rocker button or one-touch button as it provides a noticeable click with each adjustment.
The amplifier also comes with useful accessories. You get a battery removal tool, wax loop tool, cleaning brush, extra batteries, a user guide, and a handy carrying case.
Pros:
- The rotary dial is easier to operate compared to other control styles
- It provides clear, crisp sound in almost any environment
- The four operating modes allow you to tailor the sound for different situations
Cons:
- The peak decibel gain is slightly lower compared to other options
- It does not come with ear tips in multiple sizes