| Direct-to-consumer hearing aids | Audiologist-fitted hearing aids | Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) |
| Hearing aids which can be purchased directly without the involvement of a health care professional. | Hearing aids that are prescribed, purchased, fit, and tuned through an audiologist | Non-medical hearing devices that amplify sound. No fitting or tuning required. Available for retail purchase without involvement of a health care professional. |
| Indicated for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss | Indicated for mild to profound hearing loss | Not indicated to treat hearing loss; intended to amplify sounds in those without hearing impairment |
| FDA cleared medical devices | FDA approved and regulated medical devices | Not considered a medical device |
| $$-$$$ | $$$$ | $-$$ |
| Patient may be able to self-tune using an "app" | Tuned and adjusted by audiologist | Limited self-adjustments possible |
| Hearing test typically not required | Hearing test required | Hearing test not required |
| Variety of designs (in-ear [in canal, in ear], some with behind-ear receiver) | Variety of designs (in-ear [in canal, in ear], some with behind-ear receiver) | Variety of designs (in-ear [in-canal, in-ear], some with behind-ear receiver) |
