Shopping for a personal sound amplifier means wading through feature lists that can feel overwhelming. Bluetooth 5.0. Digital Signal Processing. Directional microphones. Adaptive feedback cancellation. Telecoil compatibility.
What do these actually mean? Which ones matter for your situation? And which are just marketing speak?
This guide translates the jargon into plain language, explains what each feature actually does, and helps you figure out which ones are worth paying for.
Power: Rechargeable vs. Disposable Batteries
Rechargeable
What it means: The device has a built-in lithium-ion battery that you charge, usually overnight in a charging case or dock.
Why it matters: No buying tiny batteries. No fumbling to replace them with arthritic fingers. No discovering the battery died right when you need the device. Just drop it in the charger when you go to bed.
What to look for: Battery life of at least 16-20 hours on a single charge. Quick-charge capability (some devices give you several hours from a 30-minute charge). A charging case that's easy to use and sturdy.
The verdict: For most people, rechargeable is the right choice. The convenience is substantial, and modern batteries hold up well over years of daily use.
Disposable Batteries
What it means: The device uses replaceable zinc-air batteries (usually size 10, 13, or 312—tiny button cells).
Why it matters: Some people prefer the simplicity: when the battery dies, pop in a new one. No charging routine to remember. Batteries are inexpensive and available everywhere.
Considerations: The batteries are small and fiddly. They last 3-10 days depending on device and usage. Over time, the cost adds up. Not ideal for anyone with dexterity challenges.
The verdict: Disposable batteries made sense before rechargeable technology matured. Today, they're mainly relevant for people who specifically prefer them or for backup devices.
Sound Processing
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
What it means: A computer chip processes sound in real-time, adjusting various aspects of what you hear before it reaches your ear.
Why it matters: DSP is what separates a quality amplifier from a simple "make everything louder" device. It can emphasize speech frequencies, reduce background noise, suppress feedback, and adapt to different environments.
What to look for: Virtually all modern amplifiers include DSP—the question is how sophisticated it is. More advanced DSP means better performance in challenging situations like noisy restaurants.
The verdict: Essential. Don't buy anything without digital processing. The difference between a $30 amplifier and a $200 amplifier is largely in the quality of the DSP.
Noise Reduction
What it means: The device identifies and suppresses sounds that aren't speech—air conditioning hum, traffic rumble, restaurant clatter—so voices come through more clearly.
Why it matters: In quiet environments, you don't need this. In noisy environments, it's the difference between understanding conversation and just hearing louder noise.
What to look for: Multiple levels of noise reduction you can adjust. Devices that distinguish between steady background noise (which should be reduced) and variable sounds like speech (which should be preserved).
The verdict: Important for anyone who wants to use their device in restaurants, family gatherings, or other noisy settings. Less important if you'll primarily use it at home in quiet.
Directional Microphones
What it means: Instead of picking up sound equally from all directions, the device focuses on sound coming from in front of you—typically the person you're facing and talking to.
Why it matters: In a noisy restaurant, directional microphones help you hear your dinner companion while reducing the conversation at the next table. It's how our ears naturally work, but enhanced.
What to look for: Multiple microphone modes—omnidirectional (all directions) for some situations, directional for others. Some devices automatically switch based on the environment.
The verdict: Very useful for conversations in noise. Less useful for situations where you want to hear everything around you (like nature sounds outdoors).
Feedback Cancellation
What it means: The device detects and eliminates the high-pitched whistle that can occur when amplified sound leaks back into the microphone.
Why it matters: Without feedback cancellation, you'll occasionally get an annoying squeal—especially if the device shifts position or someone hugs you.
What to look for: Active feedback cancellation that works automatically, not just a volume limiter that cuts sound when feedback starts.
The verdict: A must-have. Any decent modern device includes this. If a device is prone to whistling, that's a sign of poor quality or poor fit.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
What it means: The device can wirelessly connect to your smartphone, tablet, TV, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Why it matters: Phone calls stream directly to your ears. You can listen to music or podcasts. Some TV setups work through Bluetooth. And you can adjust device settings through a smartphone app.
What to look for: Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for better range and stability. Compatibility with your specific phone (iPhone and Android handle Bluetooth audio differently). Clear documentation about what the Bluetooth actually does.
The verdict: Nice to have, not essential. If you want to stream phone calls or use app-based controls, look for Bluetooth. If you just want to amplify the sounds around you, you can skip it and save money.
Smartphone Apps
What it means: You can control the device through an app on your phone—adjusting volume, switching programs, fine-tuning sound settings.
Why it matters: Apps offer more precise control than tiny buttons on the device itself. You can make adjustments discreetly (touching your phone rather than your ear). Some apps include useful features like remote assistance or "find my device."
What to look for: An app that's actually easy to use. Read reviews—some apps are well-designed, others are frustrating. Make sure it works with your phone model and operating system version.
The verdict: Useful if you're comfortable with smartphone apps. Not useful if you'd rather just push a button on the device. Don't pay extra for app control you won't use.
Telecoil (T-Coil)
What it means: A small copper coil inside the device picks up electromagnetic signals from hearing loops—special systems installed in some churches, theatres, lecture halls, and public venues.
Why it matters: Hearing loops broadcast sound directly from the venue's sound system. If you're in a church with a loop, telecoil-equipped devices can receive a clear audio signal regardless of where you're sitting or how echoey the room is.
What to look for: A dedicated telecoil program or setting. The telecoil symbol (a "T") at venues indicates loop availability.
The verdict: Valuable if you attend church, theatre, or lectures in venues with hearing loops. Many venues in Canada have them—it's worth checking. If you never attend such venues, you don't need this feature.
Comfort and Convenience
Multiple Programs
What it means: The device stores different settings you can switch between—one optimized for quiet conversation, another for noisy restaurants, another for TV, etc.
Why it matters: The ideal settings for a quiet room are different from the ideal settings for a bustling restaurant. Multiple programs let you adapt to your environment without fiddling with individual settings.
What to look for: At least 3-4 programs covering the main situations you'll encounter. Easy switching—either a button on the device or through an app. The ability to customize programs to your preferences.
The verdict: Useful for anyone who uses their device in varied environments. Less important if you primarily use it in one consistent setting.
Automatic Environment Detection
What it means: The device senses what type of acoustic environment you're in and adjusts settings automatically—no manual switching required.
Why it matters: You don't have to think about which program to use. Walk into a restaurant, and the device adapts. Step outside, and it adjusts again.
What to look for: Genuine AI-powered detection, not just preset switching. Reviews that confirm the automatic adaptation actually works well.
The verdict: A premium feature found in higher-end devices. Convenient if you move between environments frequently. Not worth paying extra for if you're comfortable switching programs manually.
IP Rating (Water/Dust Resistance)
What it means: The device is rated for resistance to water and dust. Common ratings include IP54 (protected against splashes), IP65 (protected against water jets), and IP68 (can be submerged briefly).
Why it matters: Sweat, rain, humidity, and dust can damage electronics. A good IP rating means your device will survive real-world conditions.
What to look for: IP54 minimum for daily wear. Higher ratings for outdoor activities or if you tend to sweat heavily.
The verdict: Important for durability and peace of mind. Devices without any water resistance are more fragile than you'd want for something you wear daily.
Feature Priority by Use Case
Not sure which features matter most? Here's a quick guide:
Primarily TV watching:
- Rechargeable: Yes
- DSP: Basic is fine
- Noise reduction: Not needed
- Bluetooth: Optional (for TV connection)
- Multiple programs: Not needed
Restaurants and social events:
- Rechargeable: Yes
- DSP: Advanced
- Noise reduction: Essential
- Directional mic: Essential
- Multiple programs: Yes
- App control: Helpful
Church and lectures:
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Directional mic: Yes
- Telecoil: Very useful
- Feedback cancellation: Yes
- Bluetooth: Helpful (some venues stream)
Outdoor activities:
- Rechargeable: Yes
- Omnidirectional mic: Yes
- IP rating: IP54+
- Noise reduction: Minimal
- Multiple programs: Optional
The Bottom Line
Features matter—but only the ones you'll actually use. A device loaded with capabilities you don't need costs more and may be more complicated to operate.
Start with your primary use case. Identify the features that directly address it. Treat everything else as nice-to-have rather than essential.
And remember: the best feature of any device is that it actually works for your life. All the technology in the world doesn't help if the device sits unused in a drawer.
HearHelp curates devices with the features that matter most for real-world use. Our product pages clearly explain what each feature does and who it's for—no jargon, no upselling. Questions? Our Canadian support team can help you sort through the options.