Do you ever find that you have difficulty understanding softer sounds, such as in speech or the environment? Then it’s worth looking into purchasing a pair of hearing amplifiers.
One in five Americans who are 12 years and older have some degree of hearing loss. Several factors can cause this, including genetic factors, noise, trauma, aging, and others.
On the positive side, people with mild to moderate hearing loss can improve by getting a hearing amplifier or personal sound amplification product (PSAP).
The main function of hearing amplifiers is to enhance softer noises that you’re exposed to in your environment. There are plenty of people who will find these useful, especially musicians.
Etymotic is a brand that has marketed its products towards musicians and composers. However, anyone who requires hearing protection earplugs and sound amplifiers have the option of using the brand’s products.
They claim to provide the user with the hearing protection they need so that they are not exposed to extremely loud noises while at the same time enhancing softer sounds, such as instruments, music, and voices.
In this review, we will discuss the best Etymotic hearing amplifier according to reviewers, as well as several earplugs.
About Etymotic Research
The company Etymotic Research was founded more than 30 years ago by Ph.D. Mead Killion in Illinois, US.
Its mission is to design products that improve the lives of people with hearing loss and protect the hearing of people exposed to loud noises and sounds in their everyday lives.
The company has 60 employees, including audio engineers, audiologists and musicians, all working together on creating superior sound quality products. Over the years, they have generated over 100 patents (issued and pending).
Etymotic Bean Hearing Amplifier Review
The Etymotic Bean Amplifier is an excellent choice for those who want something that will protect their hearing but will still allow them to be able to hear what’s going on around them very clearly.
They reduce or stabilize loud noises, such as fireworks and percussion, but boost sounds such as speech. You have two levels of enhancement, which you will be able to monitor with the switch of a button.
Etymotic Bean Features:
- Boosts soft sounds of speech, so you can clearly hear conversations
- The volume of loud sounds is reduced (ex: fireworks, strike of a drum, etc.)
- Two modes to choose from (Normal or High)
- Has 16kHz bandwidth which is double that of other personal sound amplifiers.
- You can use it in either ear
- You can buy a T-coil model as well, which can be used in venues that have hearing loops
- Comes with 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
Indiscreet Design
They have a small form, which sits within the profile of the outer ear.
In addition to this, you can purchase them in 3 colors: brushed gold, bronze and platinum, so you can choose one that matches your skin tone.
Long Battery Life:
When you first buy the Bean, it will come with 10 zinc-air style batteries. A single battery will last up to 12 days, so you don’t have to worry about changing it for nearly two weeks.
Once the battery starts running low, an audible low battery indicator will let you know that it’s time to change it.
What’s included in the box?
The Bean (ready to use), several size ear tips so you can choose the most comfortable, filter removal tool and replacement filters, cleaning brush, 10 zinc-air batteries, leather pouch so you can store and carry the amplifier with you wherever you like.
As we already discussed above, the Etymotic Bean is engineered to provide superior sound quality. As a result, you will be able to hear people’s conversations more clearly, even in loud environments, and you will be able to adjust all of this with the flip of a switch.
In addition to this, the Bean will allow your hearing to remain protected when you’re exposed to loud noises, but sounds such as speech are amplified.
If necessary, you can even use them with hearing amplified telephones. So whether you’re a musician or want to hear the television and your conversations with people more clearly, these are an excellent choice.
The following are not technically marketed as being hearing amplifiers, but one of their functions is to enable the user to hear voices and other soft sounds much more clearly.
These are some of the highest-rated earplugs manufactured by Etymotic, even though they are not necessarily considered to be hearing amplifiers.
They are also extremely inexpensive, making them a great form of hearing protection for people looking for more affordable.
Your ears will remain protected from some of the louder noises, including concerts, theaters, and more, but if you are a musician, you will be able to hear your own instrument more clearly and how it blends with the others.
Soft noises such as voices and music will sound clearer, but to a point where The earplugs will protect your hearing.
Even though these earplugs are more meant to be used by people frequently exposed to loud noises as a form of protection.
They also still allow you to hear what’s going on around you clearly, making them a rather popular option for musicians or anyone else who wants hearing amplification.
The loud sounds you might be exposed to in your environment or workplace will be blocked out, while The plugs will amplify the softer sounds and clearer.
These earplugs are proven to be a great way to protect your ears against hearing damage caused by loud noises, and the best part is that they are inexpensive.
These earplugs are tiny, so you won’t have to worry about them being noticeable, and they’re extremely convenient if you plan on wearing a hat or anything else that would get in the way of regular earplugs or headphones.
These earplugs work by lowering sounds by 20 decibels, and you can hear speech and music more clearly. You should clean them after every use and change the ear tips from time to time to ensure that you can get the most use out of them.
These are meant for musicians who want to be able to hear what’s going on around them without having to take out their earplugs.
It’s mostly meant for musicians, music teachers, directors, performers, security, and others who will be working in loud environments that involve music.
Since they are powered electronically, you will enhance soft sounds with the flip of a switch. And louder sounds, such as cymbals, percussion, and more, will be blocked out.
Depending on what you want, the earplugs provide either 9 or 15 decibels of protection, which you will be able to control with a switch on the side. These are very small, so they will be virtually unnoticeable when you’re wearing them.
They claim to allow you to hear softer noises very clearly, and the best part is that they’re comfortable. While you might not be able to get a custom fit, the box they come in does provide you with multiple-sized ear tips so that you can find ones that fit you the best.
They also come with a protective case, neck cord, cleaning tool, batteries, and a user manual.
Conclusion
Getting hearing amplifiers is a good choice for those who want to protect their hearing and maintain the ability to listen to what’s going on around them.
Softer noises such as speech, TV sound and music will be amplified, whereas your ears will be protected from loud noises like fireworks, drums (perfect if you’re a musician), and crowds.
The Etymotic Bean Amplifier provides superior sound clarity; they are small in size and convenient for any situation you’re in. The Etymotic brand is to be marketed towards musicians in general, but anyone who feels the need to use them may do so. You can also find Etymotic earphones & headphones.
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