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New Apple AirPods Model Will Offer Optional Hearing Aid Feature: Everything to Know
By Jenna Fanelli,
3 days ago
New products from Apple have become a regular occurrence, but the latest announcement about products being rolled out this fall included one item that may offer an additional layer of functionality. It’s a new model of the famous Apple AirPods — AirPods Pro 2 — which is said to have the ability to double as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids . Keep reading for everything you need to know about the upcoming product.
Features of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing aids
One of the main aspects of the new wireless headphones is hearing loss prevention. They're designed to prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what you’re listening to.
The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second, the company says. This new feature, called Loud Sound Reduction, will remain active by default across all listening modes.
To give users even more insights into hearing health, Apple is also introducing a hearing test based on the standard clinical approach called pure-tone audiometry that users can take themselves with their AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad. Users can take the test at home within about five minutes and receive an easy-to-understand summary of their results, says Apple. This will include a number representing hearing loss in each ear, a classification and recommendations.
It can be as easy as turning on your TV in the background!
People with mild to moderate hearing loss may also opt for the new clinical-grade Hearing Aid capability. After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments, so users have the sounds around them boosted in real time. Your personalized hearing profile is then automatically applied to music, movies, games and phone calls across all devices. The Hearing Aid feature was clinically validated in a controlled, randomized study, says Apple.
After taking the Hearing Test, the hearing profile can also help personalize the listening experience for a wider population as well, including people with little to no hearing loss who may still benefit from specific audio level adjustments. Another element of the upcoming model is Media Assist, which should help enhance certain parts of speech on a phone call or musical instruments.
New hearing aid AirPods availability
The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are not yet FDA-approved, but the company says it’s expecting to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon. The product will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany and Japan.
How much will the new AirPods Pro 2 cost?
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The new headphones will cost $249.00. Each set will include a pair of AirPods, MagSafe charging case (USB-C) with a speaker and lanyard loop, silicone ear tips (available in four sizes) and a USB-C charging cable. A free engraving is also available with purchase.
Experts respond to new AirPod hearing devices
Audiologists can’t judge the efficacy of the new product since they’re not yet on the market, but the hearing experts are curious about how the technology may impact the industry.
Affordability
“One of the prohibitive factors when it comes to hearing healthcare is cost, with OTC hearing aids helping improve affordability and access for consumers,” offers Amy Sarow, Aud.D , Lead Audiologist and Editor at Soundly. “However, the price for a quality OTC product is still about $1,000, and this new Apple AirPod option would provide a significant improvement in cost for consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss looking to try hearing technology, and potentially with a device that they either already own or could more affordably buy.”
Efficacy and value
If the AirPods Pro 2 perform as advertised, they could be suitable for individuals with mild hearing difficulties who are not ready for traditional hearing aids, says Ross Cushing, Au.D , Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Audiologist at Live Better Hearing + Balance. They might find the AirPods Pro 2 a useful, discreet option to enhance their hearing in certain environments, he explains.
It can be as easy as turning on your TV in the background!
“Younger adults and individuals already comfortable with Apple’s ecosystem may also appreciate the seamless integration of the AirPods into their daily lives, including the hearing aid functionality,” he adds. “For people who haven’t considered addressing their hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 may act as a bridge, encouraging them to take the next step toward a professional evaluation.”
Limitations
This latest innovation should not be used to replace advice and treatment from a medical professional, experts agree. The AirPods Pro 2 are designed primarily as consumer audio devices, says Cushing, whereas traditional hearing aids are medical devices specifically engineered to address various types of hearing loss with precision.
Traditional hearing aids are also programmed and fitted by an audiologist to match a patient’s unique hearing profile, often using real-ear measurements and audiometric testing, while AirPods Pro 2 offer only generalized hearing amplification based on a built-in hearing test, which lacks the depth of customization provided by professional devices, he explains.
Battery life and durability is also a concern with headphones, as hearing aids are built to last throughout the day, with some lasting days or weeks on a single charge, cautions Cushing. The AirPods Pro 2 battery life, when used as hearing aids, is limited to four to six hours, requiring frequent recharging. This makes them less practical for all-day use by individuals with hearing impairments, he adds.
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“Prescription hearing aids offer a suite of advanced features such as directional microphones, adaptive sound processing, feedback cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity tailored for hearing loss,” explains Cushing. “While the AirPods Pro 2 have some basic hearing aid features, they lack the nuanced control and sophisticated algorithms used in prescription hearing aids.”
The FDA also states that OTC products are for users with “perceived” mild to moderate hearing loss, which is incredibly vague, says Leigh Smith, Au.D , Owner and Audiologist at Florida Audiology Associates. This can raise issues as patients regularly underestimate severity when determining levels of hearing loss, she explains.
“My hope with the release is that the testing will accurately identify users who do not meet mild to moderate hearing loss criteria, regardless of their perception, and will notify the patient for more extensive testing by a licensed professional,” she says.
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