Using Apple AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids – An Audiologist's Perspective

Recently, Dr. Goyne published an article at Humelan Hearing. We've shared the article, with permission, below.

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When it comes to hearing care, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 have sparked a lot of curiosity. You might be wondering if these sleek earbuds can really work as a hearing aid or if they’re just a techy gimmick. As an audiologist, I want to help you understand the benefits and limitations of using the AirPods Pro 2 for hearing support, especially if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The AirPods Pro 2 can be an interesting first step into hearing health. They provide an accessible, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid option that allows you to explore amplification without committing to traditional hearing aids right away. While they don’t replace professionally fitted devices, they offer a convenient way to assess your hearing health and experience amplification in the comfort of your home. However, it’s important to recognize where they excel and where they might fall short, so you can make the best decision for your hearing needs.

The Benefits of Apple AirPods Pro 2 as OTC Hearing Aids

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have a couple of standout features that make them appealing as a first look into hearing support:

1. At-Home Hearing Check: One of the most innovative features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the hearing screening function within the app. You can use this tool to assess your hearing right from the comfort of your own home. While it’s not as detailed as a full audiological exam, it’s a step beyond a simple hearing screening. This might help you realize that your hearing isn’t quite what you thought, encouraging you to take further steps in your hearing care journey. It's a great way to become more aware of your hearing health and get a general sense of where you stand.

2. An Introduction to Amplification: If you’ve been hesitant about traditional hearing aids, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a way to explore what amplified sound might feel like. For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, this can be an eye-opening experience that shows them it’s possible to hear better. It might even motivate you to seek more comprehensive, professional solutions if needed.

The Limitations of Using Apple AirPods Pro 2 for Hearing Support

While the AirPods Pro 2 can be a helpful introduction to hearing support, it’s important to understand their limitations. They aren’t designed to replace traditional hearing aids, especially in certain environments or situations. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Battery Life: One of the biggest limitations of the AirPods Pro 2 is its battery life. They offer about 5 to 6 hours of use on a single charge, which is significantly less than the 16-hour minimum that many prescription hearing aids provide. This means the AirPods Pro 2 might be good for targeted situations, like a virtual meeting or a social gathering, but they’re not suitable for all-day hearing support.

2. Noise Management: Professionally fitted prescription hearing aids utilize advanced technologies like adaptive directional microphones and intelligent noise reduction to significantly enhance speech understanding in noisy environments. These devices can automatically adjust to various surroundings, focusing on important sounds—such as a conversation partner's voice—while minimizing background noise. This real-time adaptability is crucial for helping individuals hear more clearly in busy or loud settings.

In contrast, while the Apple AirPods Pro 2 feature multiple microphones and noise-canceling capabilities, it is still unclear how their technology compares to the sophisticated noise management found in professional hearing aids. They might perform well for steady background noises, but their effectiveness in handling environments with competing voices or unpredictable noise, such as a restaurant or holiday dinner, will need further evaluation to be accurately compared to other hearing devices.

3. Amplification Limitations: As an over-the-counter hearing aid, the AirPods Pro 2 have a maximum power output (MPO) designed to keep them within safe listening levels. This makes them suitable mainly for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, many individuals underestimate how much hearing loss they have. If you try the AirPods Pro 2 and find they don’t provide enough volume, it could be a sign that you might need more powerful, prescription hearing aids.

4. Potential Misconceptions: It’s also possible that using the AirPods Pro 2 might give you the impression that they’re just as effective as traditional hearing aids. If they don’t work as well as you hoped, you might mistakenly think that no hearing aid can help you. That’s where audiologists come in—to help you understand your options and find a solution that truly meets your needs.

When to Consult an Audiologist

In some cases, you’ll need to consult an audiologist, and it's important to know when. For example, if one ear hears better than the other (something the AirPods screening might reveal), this could indicate an underlying condition—sometimes it's just earwax, but it could also point to a more serious issue, like a growth on the auditory nerve. An audiologist can assess and guide you through these concerns. Additionally, if using amplified sound for the first time feels jarring or if the AirPods Pro 2 sound tinny or too strong, an audiologist can help you understand what’s happening, assist with the adaptation process, and ensure the volume is set correctly, as many people tend to set it too low on their own.

Could AirPods Pro 2 Be a Backup Solution?

If you’re already using prescription hearing aids, you might wonder if the Apple AirPods Pro 2 can serve as a backup option. The answer is yes, in certain situations. For example, you might use them during virtual meetings, workouts, or as a spare if your main hearing aids need repairs. However, they’re not a replacement for professionally fitted hearing aids, especially if you have moderate to severe hearing loss.

Are the Apple AirPods Pro 2 Meeting My Hearing Needs? Who Can Guide Me?

If you’re unsure where to start, Humelan, a new care navigation service for hearing health, can guide you through the process. They can assess your needs and help you explore whether the AirPods Pro 2 or other solutions might be the best fit for you. Additionally, they can help you understand when it’s time to consult an audiologist or an ENT. With the right support, you can navigate your hearing health journey with confidence and clarity.

Final Thoughts

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be a great starting point for those exploring hearing amplification, especially for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They offer a simple way to get a sense of your hearing health and introduce you to what it’s like to use amplification. However, they do have limitations, particularly in noisy environments and for all-day use. It’s important to understand when they might be suitable and when it’s best to consult an audiologist. If the AirPods Pro 2 don’t meet your needs, don’t get discouraged—there are many other solutions an audiologist can offer. Hearing care is unique to each person, and finding the right support can make a real difference.