Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 Can Double as Hearing Aids – FDA

The FDA has approved Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 to be used as over-the-counter hearing aids for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, this Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing aids. These AirPods Pro 2 come with a clinically validated hearing test and customized hearing settings. Audiologists suggest that while the AirPods Pro 2 are a cost-effective and convenient choice, they might not be the best fit for those with more complicated hearing requirements.

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Apple’s software that allows its AirPods Pro 2 earbuds and other compatible devices to be used as hearing aids.

The AirPods Pro 2, which retails for $249, features a built-in hearing test and an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid function.

“On AirPods Pro, powerful features put users’ hearing health front and centre, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss,” Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s vice president of Health, said in a statement.

Plenty of OTC hearing aids have been available on the market since 2022. These can be purchased without a prescription or screening from an audiologist. But can the AirPods Pro 2s be used as hearing aids, especially at the level most would expect from traditional hearing aids?

What Are the AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Health Features?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 features a clinical-grade hearing test that users can take with a compatible iPhone or iPad. It takes about five minutes and provides users with a summary of their results, along with recommendations.

Based on the result of the hearing test, a software feature can transform the AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Users also have the option to set this up with an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.

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Once set up, users can adjust the earbuds to personalize their hearing experience. These adjustments also apply to music, movies, and phone calls.

Kanwar Kelley, MD, an otolaryngologist and co-founder & CEO of Side Health, said the AirPods Pro 2 “are very impressive pieces of hardware” that can be helpful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The AirPods Pro 2 also feature hearing protection, which reduces passive noise and loud sounds to preserve the user’s hearing.

“The AirPods Pro 2 are also offered at a lower price point than many other commercially available over-the-counter hearing aids. Registering AirPods Pro 2 with the FDA should hopefully improve access to and utilization of over-the-counter hearing aids,” said Meghan Reed, AuD, clinical director of audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Can You Rely on AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids?

Although the AirPods Pro 2’s new features are impressive, they may encourage self-diagnosis of hearing loss, said Taylor L. Farrell, AuD, an audiologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Farrell said people who suspect they may have hearing loss can use the hearing test to assess their hearing, but the AirPods Pro 2 “may not be the most appropriate fit for their hearing” since they’re OTC devices.

The earbuds may also come with the risk of over-amplification or not providing enough amplification, Farrell added.

Kelley said the Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 aren’t designed to replace hearing aids and aren’t custom-fitted by an audiologist to address a range of hearing issues. They’re not also ideal for people with more severe hearing loss.

Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 offer about six hours of battery life, which is significantly less than rechargeable hearing aids, which can last a full day, Kelley noted.

Traditional hearing aids also tend to tuck into the ear or hide behind it, but AirPods are more noticeable. Since people usually wear them to listen to music or make phone calls, others may not realize the user is wearing them to hear better.

“It’s going to take some time for someone to say, ‘This person is wearing AirPods to hear me better, not to tune me out,’” Kelley said.

What Can You Do If You Suspect Having Hearing Loss?

If you suspect having hearing loss, you should get evaluated by a healthcare professional.

“Without a proper evaluation, the person may have an underlying medical condition that could be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional,” Farrell said. “Someone may be experiencing muffled hearing and it could be caused by an ear infection, fluid behind the ear, or potentially a benign tumour.”

Sometimes, the issues contributing to hearing loss can be resolved without hearing aids, according to Reed. If you’re considering getting an OTC hearing aid, it’s still important to go through a hearing evaluation, especially if you have symptoms such as ear pain or dizziness.

However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss, the new AirPods might be worth a try. Hearing loss is underdiagnosed, Kelley said, and these new features could help some users find out if they need further hearing support.

If you experience mild to moderate hearing loss, the new AirPods Pro 2 might be a convenient and affordable option to explore. New AirPods Pro 2 can double hearing. However, it’s still important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out other causes of hearing issues.