Table 1.

Differences and similarities between hearing aids, direct-mail and OTC hearing aids, PSAPs, and hearing apps

	Traditional hearing aids	OTC hearing aids/direct-mail hearing aids	PSAPs	Smartphone-based amplification apps
Regulated under FDA	Yes	Yes	No	No
Professional consultation needed	Yes	No	No	No
Average price range per device (in US $)	1,000–5,000	200–500	20–400	0–10
Intended target group	PHL	PHL	PNH	PNH
Intended user	PHL	PHL	PNH	PHL and PNH
Typical consumer image	Stigmatizing	Stigmatizing	Stigmatizing to mass appeal	Mass appeal

Abbreviations: OTC, over-the-counter; PSAPs, personal sound amplification products; FDA, US Food and Drug Administration; PHL, person with hearing loss; PNH, person with normal hearing.