Customer Reviews

Angel Sales PSA 8000 Personal Sound Amplifier

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this for my husband to watch TV, he sometimes has trouble hearing. This amplifies the sound OK, but it also amplifes backround noise so it was not helpful.

This is a handy little item for people who have trouble hearing other people in small groups. I put it on the table in front of me at a recent meeting of about 7 people who were sitting in a circle. I could hear everyone, even the "whisperers. The sound is a little hollow, like being in a large, empty room, but for my purpose it did just fine. It is a great little helper until you are ready to make the big investment in hearing aids.
I tried it while watching TV; it did not work as well, but it did help me hear two soft speakers in a therapy session. All in all, a good investment.
S.N., Clinical Social Worker

I've been using amplified listeners for >25 years, in my work with elderly hard of hearing folk. Most prefer amplified listeners to hearing aids at times, for a variety of reasons. Mostly, I've been using the Radio Shack products, and tried a few others over the years. Till now, RS ruled. I got a PSA 8000 from Amazon, and it works better -- louder top end & simpler to operate -- than the pricier alternatives. I like that this runs on a single AAA battery, rather then two -- in case the unit is left on for a long time, running down the charge.

I suggest using them with in-the-ear padless earphones. The padded ones, as well as the ones that "noise cancel" by filling the ear canal, block the ambient sound. For this device you want all the ambient sound you can get. Ditch the cheap earphones that come with the amplifier, and pick up some cheap ones of a better design -- such as Amazon's Sony Ultra Lightweight MDR-W08L Vertical In-The-Ear Headphones Sony MDR W08L - Headphones ( vertical ) , for about eight bucks.

You don't get a good look at the PSA 8000 from Amazon, as the web page features a glamorous male model to the detriment of a product close up. It looks exactly the same as the pricier "BionicEar Personal Sound Amplifier," right down to the earphones. The only visible difference is the Brand Name decal. I'm happy with the PSA (an unfortunate acronym), and did not buy a BionicEar, so do not have a side-to-side comparison. Nonetheless, I'll bet you a nickel they are identical products -- rebranded.

This "Personal Sound Amplier" is a perfect starter hearing aide - for the person who is not yet ready to commit to a full hearing aide either in terms of cost or acceptance. It also works well for multiple users such as at the nursing home where I work. It can be use for interviews with seniors or to help them participate in group activites such as exercise groups, social meals, or crafts. Even with those who have severe hearing loss but refuse to wear hearing aides, it can be helpful to avoid misunderstandings and frustration. At this price, we don't even worry about losing the odd one if means independance for someone for a period of time. The easy and cheap battery replacement (AA batteries) also mean we don't worry about having forgetful seniors leave them on and let the batteries go dead. A real sense of freedom and independence with this device!

The PSA 8000 Personal Sound Amplifier is probably useful on a limited basis.It doesn't help me when watching TV any more than just turning the volume up does. However, it is inexpensive (about $20) and I do feel it can be useful when listening to a speaker in a large auditorium, where volume conrols aren't available.

I bought this for my mother who has 90% hearing loss. After having tried many sound amplifiers in the past, she told me that this was the best one yet! She's very pleased with this product.

I bought it with other 4-5 similar items on Amazon for my father in China half year ago. He tried them all. This one is the best!

Angel Sales PSA 8000 Personal Sound Amplifier I bought this product for my mother who is 87 years old and has been needing the TV, etc. turned up really loud to hear it. My husband and I were getting headaches, so I thought I would try this. It does work, although you have to expect it will pick up all sounds, background noise, talking, etc. also. It does not differeniate between tv and other noises. But she is enjoying it and so are we. One thing, don't put the ear pieces and the box too close together when on or it will squeal. I am glad I purchased it.

This product is so poorly made that it's shocking. The sound quality is horrible!!! If you make even the slightest noise, such as turn a page in a book, this product will amplify that noise. With all the background noises that are amplified, you won't even be able to clearly hear the sounds that you want to hear, such as your radio or tv. This product is very annoying to use.

...but squeals a lot. I can't wear ear buds, so I use it with regular headphones for things like Bible study and church services. It is great for picking up sound! Unfortunately maybe a little TOO good!! One day I wasn't feeling very well. I was wearing it while watching television and my gurgling stomach drowned out the tv!! I was the only one who could hear it of course, but it was so embarassing!