Hearing aids

Can the Apple AirPods Pro 2 be used as hearing aids?

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Reading time: 4 mins

Author: EarPros Team

There are various options for hearing devices, and alternatives to hearing aids have gained popularity in recent years. Recently, in the United States, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 have been FDA-approved as over-the-counter hearing aids.
However, while these devices may offer a convenient solution, it’s essential to consider their effectiveness compared to traditional hearing aids, as there are important factors to keep in mind.

How do AirPods compare to traditional hearing aids?

Here are some points to consider before using AirPods as a solution for hearing loss:

Purpose of AirPods and hearing aids

AirPods: Now approved as over-the-counter hearing aids by the FDA in the United States, they offer an accessible and simple solution for those looking to improve speech comprehension in noisy environments. They are particularly useful for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing Aids: These are medical devices specifically designed to provide safe and effective treatment for hearing loss. They offer personalised solutions tailored to each individual's needs and are supported by hearing health professionals who adjust and monitor their functionality to ensure optimal and safe auditory experiences.

Rechargeable or disposable batteries

AirPods: The batteries can be recharged with a cable, but a full charge only provides five to six hours of listening time. Additionally, it may take up to an hour to fully recharge, which could leave you in a bind when you need them most.
Hearing Aids: Rechargeable hearing aids provide up to 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge and can be easily recharged overnight, ensuring they’re ready for the next day. Alternatively, disposable batteries, specifically designed for each type of hearing aid, offer autonomy ranging from five to 14 days, providing flexibility for those who prefer this option.

Customised sound quality

AirPods: Technically classified as personal sound amplification products, they are simple devices that amplify all sounds in the user’s environment. Since the volume is not regulated, there is a risk that high levels could cause more harm than benefit to hearing.
Hearing Aids: These are specialised medical devices designed to treat hearing loss and are customised according to the user’s specific needs. The volume is carefully adjusted and programmed by a hearing health professional to ensure safe and effective use.

Adjustment to the ears

AirPods: They are one-size-fits-all, meaning while the earbud may fit your ear, it isn't designed to adapt to the unique contours of your ears. This can cause discomfort during long periods of use and increases the likelihood of them falling out, especially during physical activities or sudden movements.
Hearing Aids: They can be custom moulded to fit your ear canal or sit comfortably behind your ear, allowing for all-day wear. Custom moulding and advice on the best type of hearing aid for your needs should come from a licensed hearing healthcare professional.

Effectiveness based on the hearing loss

AirPods: While Live Listen can block some background noise, it’s not perfect, and the devices don’t offer features like programming for specific environments or tools to address underlying hearing loss. This technology is only useful for supporting people with mild hearing loss, not those with more severe conditions.
Hearing Aids: Once your hearing healthcare professional tests your hearing, they’ll program your hearing aids to help you hear comfortably and confidently based on your lifestyle needs. These programs can also be adjusted if your hearing loss needs change.

Causes and degrees of hearing loss

Hearing loss has multiple causes, such as exposure to noise levels above 85 dB, congenital conditions, ageing, ototoxic medications, and ear obstructions like wax buildup. It is classified as:

Mild hearing loss: difficulty understanding soft or distant sounds, with a hearing loss ranging from 21 to 40 dB
Moderate hearing loss: need for high volume to hear speech, with a hearing loss between 41 and 70 dB
Severe hearing loss: difficulty perceiving soft sounds and only able to hear very loud noises, with a hearing loss between 71 and 90 dB. Hearing aids are essential
Profound hearing loss: inability to perceive soft sounds with a hearing loss between 91 and 119 dB, which represents a significant issue that requires the use of very powerful hearing aids

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Is the hearing test with AirPods reliable?

Apple is introducing a hearing test feature that allows users to quickly assess their hearing from home using a compatible iPhone or iPad. This simple test uses pure tone audiometry, a standard clinical method, and incorporates advanced acoustic science to provide an interactive experience. After completing the test, users receive an easy-to-understand summary in a personalised hearing profile, stored in their Health app, and can share these results with healthcare professionals for more informed discussions about their hearing health.

However, it’s important to note that while this hearing test provides a basic assessment of sound perception, it is not as reliable as a professional evaluation conducted by an audiologist. While it may offer an initial indication of hearing issues, it lacks the precision and depth of clinical assessments, making it suitable only for casual use.

Different types of hearing tests

There are several types of hearing tests, each designed to assess different aspects of hearing. For this reason, the AirPods hearing test, while offering a basic and quick evaluation, cannot be as in-depth or comprehensive as tests conducted by hearing health professionals. Below are some of the most common types of hearing tests:

Audiometry: Measures hearing ability in both ears by evaluating sensitivity to different frequencies and decibel levels
Videotoscopy: Uses a video otoscope to examine and magnify the ear canal and eardrum for accurate diagnosis
Tympanometry: Evaluates middle ear health and differentiates between types of hearing loss, assessing the eardrum and ossicles
Impedance audiometry: Focuses on middle ear mechanics, including tympanic membrane mobility, Eustachian tube function, and ossicle condition
Speech audiometry: Tests the ability to understand sounds by measuring comprehension at low decibel levels

How an EarPros hearing test is conducted

What to expect from the EarPros hearing test:

Information gathering: Personal and family medical history is required, including any history of otitis, trauma, and exposure to loud noises. Details about health insurance are also helpful.
Symptom description: The staff will assess auditory symptoms. It's important to be precise when describing the issues, and it may be useful to bring a family member for better perspective.
Physical exam: An audiologist will examine the ears for physical issues, such as earwax buildup, that could affect hearing.
Hearing tests: Depending on the medical history, various tests may be conducted, such as pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and bone conduction audiometry, to assess hearing ability.
Results: After the tests, the audiologist will review the audiogram and provide recommendations, which may include treatments such as hearing aids or earwax removal.
Audiogram: A chart that shows the levels of audibility at different frequencies. Hearing loss is classified into several categories based on decibels.

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Solutions for hearing loss: hearing aids

Hearing aids are designed to accommodate different levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. The choice of the right type of hearing aid depends on the degree of hearing loss the user has. Below are the hearing aids recommended for each level of hearing loss:

Mild hearing loss and hearing aids

People with mild hearing loss have difficulty hearing soft sounds and may struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments. For this level of hearing loss, the most suitable hearing aids are RIC (Receiver in the Canal) or CIC (Completely in the Canal) types. These devices are discreet and provide sufficient amplification to enhance speech understanding without amplifying unnecessary noise.

Moderate hearing loss and hearing aids

Moderate hearing loss is characterised by difficulty hearing louder sounds and participating in normal conversations. BTE (Behind the Ear) and ITE (In the Ear) hearing aids are effective options for this level of hearing loss. These devices offer greater amplification power and manage noisy environments better, helping to improve speech clarity.

Severe hearing loss and hearing aids

People with severe hearing loss have difficulty hearing loud sounds, which can significantly affect their ability to communicate. For this level of hearing loss, high-power BTE hearing aids are generally the best option. These devices may include additional features such as specific programming for different environments and customisation by a hearing healthcare professional.

Profound hearing loss and hearing aids

Profound hearing loss is defined by the inability to hear sounds above 90 dB. In these cases, in addition to high-power BTE hearing aids, some individuals may benefit from cochlear implants, which provide direct stimulation to the auditory nerve. These implants are viable options for those who do not experience sufficient improvement with conventional hearing aids.

Final considerations about the use of AirPods as hearing aids

Each type of hearing loss requires a specific and personalised solution, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach, such as with AirPods. The choice of the right hearing aid should be based on an accurate diagnosis and the individual needs of the user.

To determine the type and degree of hearing loss, it is essential to undergo a hearing test. This evaluation, conducted by a hearing healthcare professional, provides detailed information about a person's hearing ability.

Once the hearing test is completed, the professional can recommend the most suitable hearing aid based on the degree of hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound. Additionally, it is important that hearing aids are adjusted and programmed by a specialist. Each device must be personalised to address the unique characteristics of the user's hearing loss, including not only the level of amplification but also settings for different sound environments, such as noisy or quiet places.

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