AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids? An Audiologist's Review

The Hearing Aid Capabilities of AirPods Pro 2

While Apple does not market the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids, they come equipped with features that can enhance hearing abilities. The earbuds come standard with a transparency mode, which allows users to hear the world around them through the headphones. This feature can be particularly useful in noisy environments, where distinguishing individual sounds can be challenging.

However, the transparency mode's amplification volume is quite low and not customized to the user's hearing loss. To transform the AirPods Pro 2 into a form of starter "hearing aids," users need to take several steps:

1. Take a hearing test and upload your audiogram. Every person's hearing loss has a unique shape. To unlock the AirPods' full potential, users need to take a compatible hearing test and upload their audiogram. This allows the AirPods to compensate for the user's specific hearing loss in both streaming and transparency modes. To get an audiogram, visit one of our HearingUp providers. They can give you a professional hearing test and talk to you about the differences between Airpods Pro 2nd Generation and prescription hearing aids. To get a professional hearing test, look for one of our HearingUp providers near you.
2. Update audio accessibility settings. With the audiogram in place, users can navigate to the "Headphone Accommodations" settings on their device and tune their AirPods to match their audiogram. This customization ensures that the sound from the AirPods is tailored to the user's specific hearing loss shape.
3. Turn up the transparency mode volume on the AirPods. The built-in Transparency Mode in the AirPods Pro 2 isn't loud enough to assist most people with hearing loss. However, users can increase the volume of the world around them through a few simple settings adjustments.

The Live Listen Feature

One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the Live Listen feature. This feature uses the iPhone as a microphone to drown out background noise and amplify sound. It can be particularly beneficial in crowded spaces or when trying to hear someone speaking across the room more clearly.

However, it's crucial to note that while Live Listen enhances hearing, it does not replace a hearing aid. Hearing aids are designed to amplify sound and are highly specific to the user's particular type of hearing loss, ear anatomy, and needs. An audiologist can help determine the best solution for each individual.

Conversation Boost

Another feature of the AirPods Pro 2 that deserves mention is the Conversation Boost. This feature is designed to help users focus on the voice of the person directly in front of them in a crowded environment. It's a useful tool for those who struggle to hear in noisy situations, such as in a busy restaurant or at a social gathering.

To turn on Conversation Boost, you need to navigate to your device's accessibility settings. From there, scroll down and tap on 'Audio/Visual', then 'Headphone Accommodations', and turn it on. Once your AirPods Pro are connected to your iPhone or iPad, open the control center. With the hearing control added to the control center, tap it to show the menu. Tap 'Headphone Accommodations', then 'Transparency Mode' if it's not already on. Tap anywhere outside the menu to go back to the hearing controls, scroll down, and tap 'Conversation Boost' to turn it on.

The Limitations of Using AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids

While the AirPods Pro 2 offer some hearing aid-like features, they are not without their limitations. For one, they may not be comfortable for all-day wear. The design of the earbuds may not fit comfortably in all ear shapes and sizes, leading to either the earbuds falling out or discomfort over prolonged use.

In addition, the social dynamics of wearing earbuds constantly can be challenging. In many social situations, wearing earbuds can be seen as a sign of disengagement or a lack of attention. Many people still view using earbuds while around others as rude, and might not realize they are being used for hearing enhancement purposes. This can lead to misunderstandings and awkward interactions.

Lastly, the sound output may not be sufficient for those with more than mild hearing loss. While the AirPods Pro 2 can enhance hearing abilities, they are not designed to replace hearing aids. They lack the power and customization that comes with a professionally fitted hearing aid.

Putting Airpods Pro 2 to the Test: Real Ear Measurement

Using the latest in hearing aid verification procedures (Real Ear Probe Tube Measurement), we tested the Airpods as hearing aids with my assistant Bri, who has a mild to moderate hearing loss. After entering her audiogram, the initial settings of the AirPods Pro 2 failed to match her prescription for anything above 1000 Hertz on their initial settings based on her entered audiogram, essentially leaving her significantly under amplified, which would provide her with little to no benefit using these devices. We attempted to customize the transparency settings to Bri's prescription and after several attempts of modifying the amplification levels, transparency, balance, and tone settings, we got closer, but not good enough - we were still not meeting her hearing loss prescription above 3000 Hertz, which would ultimately caused her to struggle with clarity and speech.

While testing the capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2, we noticed that setting the Transparency Mode tone control to the "Darker" setting increased the low frequency amplification and decreased high frequency amplification. Users should be careful when they shift it over to "Darker" because while that might sound a little bit more natural to them, it actually can create a phenomenon called upward spread of masking, where the low frequencies can end up drowning out the clarity from the high frequencies. For context, imagine trying to listen to a piccolo with a tuba playing right next to it! I have a video on the upward spread of masking here.

My Verdict

After using the AirPods Pro 2 in various settings, I found that they could be a good starting point for those with mild hearing loss who are looking to experiment with amplification for the first time. The sound quality and clarity were impressive, and the devices did a good job of picking up voices and reducing background noise. They are a testament to how far technology has come, offering a range of features that can enhance the listening experience. Their potential use as a hearing aid alternative is intriguing. However, it's important to remember that they are not a replacement for professional hearing aids.

Hearing aids are medical devices designed to address hearing losses of all kinds. They are fitted and programmed by professionals to meet the unique needs of each individual. While the AirPods Pro 2 can provide some assistance for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, they cannot provide the same level of care and customization that hearing aids can. Therefore, if you're considering using the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid alternative, proceed with caution and fully understand their limitations. They can be a useful tool for those with mild hearing loss, but they are not a cure-all solution. If you're experiencing hearing loss, I strongly recommend consulting with an audiologist to determine the best solution for your needs.

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