The release of Apple’s iOS 18 has stirred significant conversation within the hearing aid industry. With the updated features of the Apple AirPods Pro 2, including an in-app hearing test and basic amplification capabilities, many individuals are beginning to reconsider how they approach their hearing health.
While Apple’s advancements certainly bring attention to the need for hearing assistance, it is essential to understand how these earbuds compare to traditional prescription hearing devices.
Apple AirPods Pro 2: A Consumer Option
Apple has made significant strides in normalizing hearing healthcare, especially after their viral commercial around the holidays in 2024.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have gained recognition not only for superb sound quality, but also for incorporating features that resemble those found in hearing aids.
These earbuds provide various audio enhancements, such as:
1. Active Noise Cancellation:
This feature minimizes background noise, allowing you to concentrate on your audio content without interruptions.
2. Transparency Mode:
This setting enhances your awareness of your surroundings while still delivering your audio, which can prove useful in situations where you need to blend listening with situational awareness.
3. In-App Hearing Test:
Test your hearing at home with the built-in test, which can help you see at a glance whether you might benefit from hearing healthcare.
Despite these improvements, Apple’s in-app hearing test is quite basic. It primarily conducts a pure-tone audiometry test, which only assesses hearing loss at a fundamental level.
The AirPods Pro 2 may serve as a helpful tool for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, but they are not a catch-all solution, especially for those with complex hearing issues.
Prescription Hearing Aids: The Medical Approach
When it comes to addressing your hearing health, prescription hearing aids and professional hearing care offer a range of benefits.
1. Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations:
With professional audiology services, you receive a detailed hearing assessment that goes beyond basic testing.
2. Customized Fittings:
Prescription hearing aids are designed to match your unique hearing profile, ensuring optimal amplification where it’s needed most.
3. Advanced Technology:
Equipped with sophisticated features, such as automatic sound adjustments, feedback cancellation, and directional microphones, prescription hearing devices can adapt to complex listening environments.
Ongoing Support: With your hearing aids, you receive professional, ongoing care that ensures your devices continue to meet your changing needs over time. Regular checkups, adjustments, and our ongoing support ensure you have the best hearing experience possible.
Key Differences to Consider
The AirPods Pro 2 are primarily consumer electronics aimed at music and media enjoyment—enhanced with limited hearing features. In contrast, prescription hearing aids are tailored medical devices focused on improving hearing for those with diagnosed conditions.
Prescription hearing devices offer advanced customization based on your specific audiometric profile, while AirPods Pro 2 only provide basic sound enhancement with minimal customizations.
Hearing aids come with the backing of professional fitting and ongoing adjustments. In contrast, AirPods Pro 2 require user self-configuration, increasing the possibility of mismanagement.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If your focus is on enjoying high-quality music with the added benefit of minor sound amplification, the AirPods Pro 2 may suit you well.
However, if you’re experiencing hearing loss and require a personalized approach, prescription hearing devices, coupled with expert care, remain the most effective and comprehensive solution.
If you took Apple’s in-app hearing test and found hearing loss to be present, why not book a comprehensive hearing test to find out more about your hearing health?
Request a callback to get started with our team today or give us a call at (346) 482-4100.
