Apple AirPod Hearing Aids: What You Need To Know
Hearing health is all the rage in tech, and I, for one, am here for it! Apple has released the AirPod Pro 2, advertised as able to function as prescription hearing aids for adults who have a “perceived” mild to moderate hearing loss. I’ve compiled a list of considerations for your reference when determining if AirPods are a viable option for you.
First and foremost, AirPods are not intended for children and should absolutely not be considered an option.
The concept of “perceived hearing loss” is abstract. In my decade of experience, I have seen people have difficulty “perceiving” the severity of their hearing loss accurately. Apple will prompt you to take a hearing test through the AirPods. However, test results vary according to environmental noise. For optimal hearing, I highly recommend obtaining a professional hearing test, which you can upload onto your phone or tablet. Important: If you do the Apple hearing test and it indicates an asymmetry, meaning one ear hears better than the other ear, please schedule an appointment with an audiologist or ENT physician promptly because that is considered abnormal and further testing is necessary.
Another thing to consider is safety. The output of prescription hearing aids (when fit correctly) is programmed using real-ear measurements. This confirms that the hearing aids are set according to your specific ear canal shape and do not exceed a level that could cause further damage. Since the AirPods are not fit by a professional who follows best practices, you risk being under-amplified and/or damaging your hearing.
Let us not forget that treating your hearing loss is the most effective way to preserve cognitive health, and research indicates that being under-amplified is just as detrimental as not wearing hearing aids at all.
The final consideration is battery life. The typical hearing aid user wears their hearing aids 10-12 hours per day. AirPods have a battery life of 6 hours, and prescription hearing aids have a battery life of 20-22 hours.
All things considered, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 test significantly better than other over-the-counter options. However, for optimal hearing outcomes and cognitive health, contact an audiologist you trust. We have the tools and knowledge to optimize your hearing experience, whether via AirPods or prescription hearing aids.
