I Have Hearing Loss. How Do AirPods Pro Work as Hearing Aids?

Summary

In this video, Jason explores the newly FDA-approved hearing aid functionality of the AirPods Pro 2, reflecting on his personal experiences using them. He discusses the costly alternatives for traditional hearing aids and highlights the ease of setting up the AirPods for hearing assistance through an integrated hearing test. With features like amplification adjustment and ambient noise control, he notes significant improvements in sound quality and a reduction in the occlusion effect. While they may not replace full-time hearing aids for severe loss, Jason finds them a valuable solution for mild to moderate hearing deficits, emphasizing the importance of addressing hearing health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The AirPods Pro 2 have recently received FDA approval for their hearing aid functionality, enhancing their credibility and usability.
• 🎧 Users can set up AirPods Pro as hearing aids directly through the settings, allowing for a more streamlined experience compared to previous methods.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Traditional hearing aids can be very expensive, often ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, making over-the-counter options like AirPods Pro an attractive alternative.
• 🦻 Users with mild to moderate hearing loss can benefit significantly from the AirPods Pro, although they are not suitable for those with profound hearing loss.
• 🔊 The new hearing aid feature includes options for hearing tests, sound adjustments, and ambient noise reduction, providing a customizable experience.
• 📈 The AirPods Pro hearing aids perform well in distinguishing incidental sounds, offering clearer audio in various environments.
• 🔄 The occlusion effect, where users hear their own voice unnaturally, has been minimized in the latest software update, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• 🔋 Battery life may be a concern for those who require hearing aids all day, as users might need to recharge them regularly.
• 💬 Conversational boost and ambient sound features help improve communication in crowded settings, making them practical for social situations.
• 🧠 Untreated hearing deficits can lead to cognitive issues later in life, underscoring the importance of addressing hearing loss with accessible solutions like the AirPods Pro.

Q & A

What new functionality was announced for the AirPods Pro 2?

The AirPods Pro 2 received FDA-approved hearing aid functionality, which allows users to use them as hearing aids.

How did the speaker initially feel about the hearing aid functionality before the update?

Before the update, the speaker found the hearing aid functionality useful but not essential, experiencing issues like the occlusion effect.

What is the occlusion effect described in the video?

The occlusion effect occurs when a user hears their voice or other sounds in their head, similar to putting fingers in their ears while talking, leading to an unnatural sound experience.

What steps are involved in setting up the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids?

To set them up, users access the settings on their device, select their AirPods Pro, and then take a hearing test to create an audiogram, allowing for personalized sound adjustments.

How does the speaker describe the sound quality after the recent update?

The sound quality has significantly improved, with more distinct and crisp sounds, allowing the speaker to hear incidental noises more clearly.

What are some features available after setting up the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids?

Users can adjust amplification levels, balance sound between ears, enable ambient noise reduction, and activate conversational boost.

How does the speaker feel about the affordability of traditional hearing aids?

The speaker finds traditional hearing aids to be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars, and notes that insurance does not typically cover them.

What demographic does Apple suggest the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature is suitable for?

Apple suggests that the hearing aid functionality is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

What are the drawbacks of using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids mentioned in the video?

Some drawbacks include the perception that others may think the user is wearing headphones, and the limited battery life which requires frequent recharging.

What impact does untreated hearing loss have on individuals, according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive issues later in life, such as dementia, highlighting the importance of addressing hearing deficits.