Apple Airpod Pro 2's as hearing aids? Is this a positive step for people with hearing loss and the hearing care industry?

According to the WHO, “Currently more than 1.5 billion people (nearly 20% of the global population) live with hearing loss.”  Treatment of hearing loss is also quite low with only between 30-35% of people with hearing loss actually seeking hearing aids as treatment.  And of those people that seek treatment, they also usually wait between 5-7 years to do so!  So, what does this all mean?  It means that there are still a whole lot of people out there with hearing loss who are struggling and doing nothing about it for various reasons.  Maybe it is cost, maybe it is cosmetics or maybe they just don’t know what to do.  Regardless of the reason, if there is a way to make better hearing more accessible to more people, then it is a win for everyone!

So, how will Airpod Pro 2 devices become hearing aids?  Consumers will be able to do a hearing test using the devices in the health app on their phone.  From there, the devices will be set to perform similar functionalities to hearing instruments.  The devices also have hearing protection feature that will be activated when required – another great move by Apple to help protect the hearing that people still have. 

Why do we think it might be a beneficial product for people who are just starting their journey?

• Small investment: The price point is much cheaper than traditional hearing aids.

• Multi-use: Fully functioning earbuds that also serve as hearing protection (a feature in them) and hearing devices.

• Cosmetically appealing: It is very common to see people with Airpods and there is no stigma attached.

• Benefit: Users might see the benefits of hearing better in various situations (which could lead to considering other solutions in the future).

That being said, there are some facts that we need to make clear about using Airpod Pro 2s as hearing aids.

• Battery life: Most people who need hearing aids will wear them for most of the day.  The battery life of the Airpods Pro 2 will be about 6 hours.    

• Situational use: Most people who need help hearing better will struggle in social situations.  Although there is no stigma to using Airpods for streaming music/phone calls, the idea of seeing someone using Airpods in social situations might still take some adjustment.

• Longer term use: There are some questions around using these devices for longer periods during day – are they really comfortable for 6 hours use? 

  
  

The move from Apple to enter the hearing care space is a positive step for both consumers, clinicians and other manufacturers.  Raising awareness around hearing loss and showing potential benefits can help us to bring down the number of people who are left untreated.