Airpods 3 vs Airpods Pro: Review For Tinnitus & Hearing Loss

Summary

In this video, Dr. Ben Thompson, an audiologist and founder of Treble Health, compares Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro for managing tinnitus and hearing loss. He recommends AirPods 3 for tinnitus due to their semi-open fit, allowing ambient sound and sound therapy without occlusion. For mild to moderate hearing loss, AirPods Pro with Transparency Mode offer customizable amplification. The video also highlights iOS 15's background sounds feature for tinnitus relief and the ability to adjust AirPods Pro settings based on individual hearing profiles.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Dr. Ben Thompson, an audiologist, discusses how Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro can be used for tinnitus and hearing loss.
• 🔄 AirPods Pro's occlusion effect and Transparency Mode are beneficial for those with hearing loss, enhancing environmental sound clarity.
• 🎵 AirPods 3, with a semi-open fit, are recommended for tinnitus sound therapy for those with normal hearing range, as they allow ambient sound to mix with sound therapy.
• 📱 The iOS 15 update introduced Background Sounds feature, providing additional sound therapy options for tinnitus management.
• 👂 For optimal tinnitus management, Dr. Thompson suggests using sound therapy through devices like AirPods 3, which don't fully block the ear canal.
• 📊 Uploading a custom audiogram to the AirPods Pro settings can help customize the listening experience for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
• 🚫 AirPods Pro are not recommended for those with moderate to severe hearing loss, as they may not provide adequate amplification.
• 🔋 AirPods 3 have a battery life of about six hours, making them suitable for intermittent use in a tinnitus sound therapy plan.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Thompson's company, Treble Health, offers telehealth services for hearing loss and tinnitus, providing professional support for those needing assistance.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to engage by liking and subscribing, which Dr. Thompson interprets as a form of appreciation and support.

Q & A

What are the main differences between Apple AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro discussed in the video?

The main differences discussed are the occlusion effect and the presence of Transparency Mode. AirPods Pro block the ear canal, creating an occlusion effect, while AirPods 3 have a semi-open fit style, allowing ambient sound to be heard simultaneously with the audio from the device.

Why does Dr. Ben Thompson recommend AirPods 3 for tinnitus management?

Dr. Thompson recommends AirPods 3 for tinnitus management because they have a semi-open fitting that allows the user to hear ambient sounds and their own voice naturally, which can be beneficial for sound therapy without exacerbating tinnitus.

What is Transparency Mode in AirPods Pro, and why is it important for hearing loss?

Transparency Mode in AirPods Pro allows the microphones on the device to pick up and process ambient sounds, providing clarity when the ear is occluded. This is important for hearing loss as it helps users to hear conversations and environmental sounds more clearly without removing the earbuds.

How does the iOS 15 update enhance the sound therapy experience on AirPods?

The iOS 15 update introduced Background Sounds, which can be used as a form of sound therapy. This feature allows users to play various ambient sounds through their AirPods, potentially helping with tinnitus management.

What is the occlusion effect, and how does it affect tinnitus?

The occlusion effect occurs when the ear canal is blocked, causing the user's own voice to sound different and potentially louder. This can make tinnitus more noticeable and is not recommended for those managing tinnitus.

Why might the AirPods Pro not be suitable for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss?

The AirPods Pro might not be suitable for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss because they do not provide the same level of customization and amplification as hearing aids, which are specifically designed to address various degrees of hearing loss.

How can AirPods Pro be customized for an individual's hearing profile?

AirPods Pro can be customized by uploading a user's audiogram through the settings in the Accessibility section under Audio/Visual. This allows the device to adjust the audio output to match the user's specific hearing needs.

What is the battery life of AirPods 3, and how does it affect their use for sound therapy?

The AirPods 3 have a battery life of about six hours, which means they are not suitable for full-time use. Users might need to supplement their sound therapy with other devices like sound machines or bone conduction headsets for longer periods.

How does the video script suggest using sound therapy with AirPods 3 for tinnitus?

The video suggests using sound therapy with AirPods 3 by streaming different forms of sound therapy from a smartphone through the semi-open fitting earbuds, allowing the user to hear ambient sounds while receiving the benefits of sound therapy.

What is Dr. Ben Thompson's professional background, and how does it relate to the content of the video?

Dr. Ben Thompson is an audiologist specializing in tinnitus and hearing loss. He has experience with tele-health and tinnitus management and is the founder of Treble Health, a telehealth service company. His professional background lends credibility to his recommendations on using AirPods for tinnitus and hearing loss.