Apple has made big improvements in adding hearing-related features to their products, especially with the new AirPods Pro 2. These headphones include a feature similar to a hearing aid, which has sparked discussions about how tech companies are helping people with hearing loss. For some users, these features could make a real difference, offering a helpful option for managing hearing challenges. However, while these devices are a step in the right direction, they do not fully meet the needs of most people with hearing loss.
A Step Forward for Some, but Limited for Many
For patients with mild hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 can certainly be helpful. The hearing aid feature improves sound amplification and offers a degree of environmental noise control, which can significantly enhance the listening experience. This could be enough for individuals with early-stage hearing loss who do not require extensive amplification or fine tuning.
However, for many people with hearing loss, these devices are not enough. Hearing loss varies in its difficulty and the specific needs of each patient, and AirPods Pro 2 are not designed to accommodate the full scale of hearing impairments. A major limitation of these earbuds is their inability to produce the necessary signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to meet the needs of those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Why It Matters
The SNR is a critical factor when it comes to hearing aids. It measures the difference between the speech signal and background noise, which is crucial for understanding speech in noisy environments. For people with mild hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2’s improvement of 4.3–5.5 dB in SNR can be adequate. However, individuals with moderate hearing loss need a boost of 6-8 dB to effectively understand speech in everyday situations.
This means that while the AirPods Pro 2 may work well for some, they may not provide the amplification necessary for patients who struggle with more severe hearing loss. The limited SNR boost offered by these devices does not meet the requirements for many users to hear effectively, especially in challenging environments such as loud crowded rooms or outdoor settings.
Limited Customization and Practical Considerations
Another problem is that the AirPods Pro 2 have few options to adjust their fit. They come with a basic set of ear tips, which might not fit everyone well, making them less helpful for people with moderate or severe hearing loss. On the other hand, prescription hearing aids are specially fitted to each person’s ear, giving a better seal and clearer sound.
Battery life is also a significant issue. The AirPods Pro 2 offer a maximum of 6 hours of usage on full charge. For individuals who rely on hearing aids throughout the day, this is not ideal. To get a full day’s worth of use, users would need to stop and recharge the AirPods for about an hour twice daily, interrupting their ability to hear during those charging periods. Some have even discussed buying multiple sets of AirPods to swap them out as the batteries get low, but this is an impractical solution for most. However, the battery life for hearing aids typically lasts between 16 to 20 hours.
A Step in the Right Direction
Despite these limitations, AirPods Pro 2 is a positive development for the hearing industry and for people with hearing challenges. They are a step toward making hearing help more accessible and offer a starting point for individuals who are new to hearing help, but they should not be viewed as a replacement for professional hearing care.
Licensed audiologists and hearing professionals play a significant role in diagnosing hearing loss and recommending the right treatments. They can check a person’s hearing, adjust devices, and give advice on improving hearing. These are services that the AirPods Pro 2 cannot provide.
It is good to see big tech companies like Apple focusing on hearing health. However, for people with hearing loss, visiting a licensed audiologist will still be the best choice.
