AirPods 3 Waterproof, More Expensive, Fall Release
Viva Allor
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
In this article, we delve into the latest features, compare AirPods with current OTC hearing aids, and discuss how this innovation could bridge the hearing support gap for both younger and older generations.
Apple currently offers four AirPod models: AirPods 2nd generation, AirPods 3rd generation, AirPods Pro 2nd generation, and AirPods Max, an over-the-ear style headphone. When discussing the use of AirPods as hearing aid substitutes, we are generally referring to AirPods Pro (second generation), which was released in September 2022 and is the newest model.
Apple has advanced its AirPods to be used as an OTC hearing aid alternative for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. These innovative features transform the popular earbuds from an audio accessory to an assistive hearing device. Below are features of the Apple AirPods that can be used for those with mild to moderate hearing loss to improve their hearing.
AirPods Pro now come with active noise cancellation, which helps reduce background noise and can be helpful in loud environments. AirPods can also be set to Transparency Mode, which lets users hear the ambient sounds around them, providing a safer, more aware listening experience. You may want this feature while driving or walking on a busy street because it allows you to hear sounds (which may otherwise have been muted background noise) coming from all directions.
Apple AirPods now offer amplified audio, making them more suitable for those with hearing impairments. The AirPods can be configured to amplify softer sounds while reducing loud background noise, providing a more balanced auditory experience.
Users can customize their AirPod sound profiles to match their hearing needs by using the Mimi app by Apple to conduct an at-home hearing test. The test includes listening to a range of tones at various frequencies and volumes. Based on your responses to these tones, the app then configures a custom audio setup for you, tailoring the audio output of the AirPods to match your specific hearing needs. If you already had your hearing checked, you can also upload your audiogram results through your phone settings.
The AirPods maintain seamless integration with other Apple devices using Bluetooth 5.0, including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. This allows users to control their AirPod settings, like volume and audio input, from any of these devices.
One of the standout new features will be the ability to measure body temperature from inside the ear canal with your Airpods. This update represents a melding of personal audio and health technology, which could significantly increase the appeal of AirPods for many consumers.
With audio processing features that, on the surface, seem comparable to those in traditional hearing aids, there have been suggestions in the tech world that AirPods Pro can be alternatives to hearing aids to help people with hearing loss hear better.
Hearing loss is a significant public health issue affecting millions of people across America. Approximately 20% of Americans, close to 48 million people, have hearing loss. [7]Hearing Loss Basics. HLAA website Found on the internet at -help/hearing-loss-basics. Understanding the prevalence of hearing loss within different demographics can help in developing targeted interventions and treatments.
Geographical patterns of hearing loss in the United States can be influenced by a variety of factors, including access to health care, noise pollution levels, and occupational hazards. Urban areas with higher noise pollution often see a higher prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss. One study found nine out of 10 adults in New York City regularly exceeded the recommended U.S. EPA safe noise limit. [9]Neitzel, Rischard L., et al. Exposures to Transit and Other Sources of Noise Among New York City Residents. Environ Sci Technol. Jan. 3, 2012. Found on the internet at Also, regions with a high concentration of industries known for high noise levels (construction, mining, manufacturing) may also see elevated rates of hearing loss.
These statistics underscore the widespread nature of hearing loss and the need for continued focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment. They also highlight the potential for assistive technologies, like the Apple AirPods, to play a part in addressing the issue of hearing loss.
The use of Apple AirPods as a potential hearing aid solution comes with both opportunities and challenges when considering the older adult population. While the technology presents exciting possibilities, there are several accessibility and adoption concerns.
Anyone not familiar with Bluetooth technology and the use of smartphones could potentially have a steep learning curve when first using AirPods. Learning how to pair devices, manage settings, and troubleshoot common issues may be daunting. To address this, Apple could include intuitive in-app guides, user manuals written in plain language, or in-person workshops and classes designed for older adults.
Ergonomics is another important factor. Some older adults may find the AirPods uncomfortable or challenging to handle, especially those with arthritis or reduced fine motor skills. Apple might consider designing versions of these devices that are more suited to the needs of older adults, with easy-to-grab shapes or optional larger sizes. While some find earbuds, like AirPods, comfortable to wear, others might prefer a smaller, lighter, completely-in-canal-style hearing aid. AirPods Pro do come with four different ear tip sizes for a more comfortable fit.
While AirPods may be more affordable than traditional hearing aids, the cost could still be a barrier for some older adults, especially those on fixed or limited incomes. Additionally, the need for a compatible device, like an iPhone or iPad, to take full advantage of AirPod features adds to the cost. A current iPhone 14 starts at $799, and iPads start at $449.
The technology packed into AirPods and their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem can be enticing for tech-savvy older adults. Features like Live Listen, personalized sound settings, noise cancellation, and Transparency Mode, can significantly improve the listening experience.
Apple has consistently prioritized accessibility in its products, and AirPods are no exception. The range of accessibility settings allows users to customize their AirPods to meet their specific needs. You are able to adjust audio frequencies, enable Transparency Mode, turn on alarm notifications, and text in real time during phone calls. With the addition of these types of features aimed at supporting those with hearing loss, AirPods could be an accessible tool for older adults with varying degrees of hearing loss.
For young adults with mild hearing loss, traditional hearing aids can often feel stigmatizing or out of touch with their lifestyle and needs. AirPods and similar technologies might be the key to closing this gap, providing a solution more aligned with the expectations and habits of younger generations.
As mentioned earlier, using AirPods can help reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss. Young adults, who are typically even more concerned about fitting in and not standing out, may feel more comfortable using AirPods, which are widely used by their peers for music and communication, rather than traditional hearing aids.
AirPods fit seamlessly into the digital lifestyle of many young adults. They provide an integrated experience with smartphones and other digital devices, which is critical for those who rely heavily on technology in their daily lives. From listening to music, attending online classes, or making video calls, AirPods can be a versatile tool beyond just hearing support.
As AirPods continue to evolve, future features could be even more beneficial for young adults with hearing loss. For instance, spatial audio could provide an improved experience in noisy environments, like schools or social gatherings, and additional health tracking features could help users monitor and understand their hearing health better over time.
The use of AirPods as hearing aids could be a game-changer for the four out of five Americans who experience hearing loss but do not use hearing aids. [13]Hearing Loss Facts and Statistics. HLAA. Found on the internet at -content/uploads/HLAA_HearingLoss_Facts_Statistics.pdf By addressing key barriers, such as stigma, accessibility, and cost, AirPods could potentially help close the gap between the number of people who need hearing support and those who actually receive it.
Most helped: Urban areas and technologically advanced regions could be most helped, given the higher concentration of tech-savvy populations and the availability of Apple stores or other electronics outlets. Areas with higher noise pollution, and thus higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss, might also benefit significantly. States such as California, New York, and Texas, with their large urban centers, fall into this category.
Least helped: Rural areas or regions with lower income levels might not see the same level of benefit due to potential barriers, such as cost, lack of accessibility to devices, or a lack of reliable internet for device functionality. Moreover, older populations with less exposure to advanced technology might face a steeper learning curve to using such devices, although the adoption of new technologies is growing for adults over 65. [14]Faverio, Michelle. Share of Those 65 and Older Who Are Tech Users has Grown in the Past Decade. Pew Research Center. Jan. 13, 2022. Found on the internet at -reads/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade.
AirPods may serve as a stepping stone to the 80% of people who could benefit from hearing aids but do not use them. [13]Hearing Loss Facts and Statistics. HLAA. Found on the internet at -content/uploads/HLAA_HearingLoss_Facts_Statistics.pdf With more than 100 million people currently using AirPods, they have clearly already been widely accepted into our culture. [15]Ferjan, Mataja. Interesting AirPods Facts 2023: AirPods Revenue, Release Date, Units Sold. Headphones Addict. Feb. 21, 2023. Found on the internet at -facts-revenue. Those who own AirPods already have access to many hearing tools they might not know about.
7fc3f7cf58