As a Director of Audiology at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, I was not surprised when my brother, after reading a Wall Street Journal article, texted me “Are you worried that Apple’s AirPods Pro 2—with their new hearing aid feature—will negatively impact the hearing aid business?” 

My response was an emphatic (meaning I used lots of emojis) “NO.”    

In fact, I think quite the opposite. I believe the awareness that Apple is bringing to the importance of hearing healthcare is wonderful and will help to break down the social stigma that has been associated with seeking help for hearing loss.  

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 has two great features. The first is that individuals will be able to test their hearing (in what appears to be a fairly reliable manner) in the comfort of their homes. This first step is often the one that many people are hesitant to take. National data suggests that people wait seven years from the time they first notice hearing loss to when they seek help. I am optimistic that this test-from-home feature will shorten that timeframe. This will allow someone to determine if they are a candidate for amplification. I think this feature will have a lot of spouses saying, “I told you so,” and will hopefully spark the next step, which is treating hearing loss.  

Apple AirPods Pro 2’s second great feature is they have a hearing aid application that amplifies the frequencies you need (based on the hearing test). This hearing aid feature will, in essence, allow a person to hear, first hand, the benefits of amplification.   

To me, these are all amazing positives. However, the Apple AirPods Pro2 do have some limitations. For starters, have you worn AirPods? They are not the most comfortable fit. Great for a short walk while listening to music, but wearing them for extended periods for basic communication may not be ideal. Also, AirPods have a distinct look—which is appropriate when at the gym or on public transportation but may not be appropriate in a church setting, a work meeting or your doctor’s office—all places in which people often want to hear better.   

In addition, the use of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features requires you be technologically savvy (able to navigate the application on your smart phone for starters) a skill some seniors or other vulnerable populations may not be able to handle.  

Most limiting is that the battery life is only about four hours. This may be fine for a specific listening situation, but not for all-day use.   

It must also be noted that Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature is only intended for adults (not children) with mild-moderate hearing loss.  

The AirPods have a distinct advantage with the affordable price point.  They retail for $250, and it is a product you may have purchased anyway. Due to this, I am optimistic that individuals will test their hearing and, if needed, activate the hearing aid feature on their AirPods Pro 2 so they can get a feel for how much better it is to be able to hear!    

This will be great for the hearing healthcare field. I believe individuals will realize the benefits to hearing better and will want to do so in a more convenient manner. They may be more likely to seek out prescription hearing aid which have several advantages over the Apple AirPods Pro 2.  

• Prescription hearing aids are discreet and comfortable to wear all day long. 

• Prescription hearing aids can stream from your phone or any electronic device you use.  

• Prescription hearing aids can be rechargeable (and the charge lasts all day!)  or powered by disposable batteries based on preference.  

• Most importantly, prescription hearing aids come with the assistance of a hearing healthcare professional who will not only help fine-tune the hearing aids to your loss and provide strategies to ensure you become a successful hearing aid user, they are also trained to identify if hearing loss is a result of a treatable medical condition and connect you to any needed medical professionals. For example—no one wants to wear hearing aids—if their issue is easily resolved by having wax removed.   

Of course, the cost of prescription hearing aids are higher than the Apple AirPods Pro 2. However, many individuals (particularly those with Medicare Advantage health plans and Medicaid) have some hearing aid coverage available to them. At Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center we accept many insurance plans where individuals can obtain prescription hearing aids for low or no cost.  

I am also fortunate to work at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, an agency that is committed to making hearing healthcare accessible to all.  We provide hearing aids at a reduced fee for those who do not have insurance coverage and who qualify financially.  

In short, I let my brother know that I am thrilled that Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are making hearing healthcare a mainstream conversation and I hope that many people take advantage of the opportunity to hear what amplification sounds like!  I am confident that when they realize how great it is to hear well—they will be excited to try prescription hearing aids!   

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, please call 216-231-8787 or visit www.chsc.org.