A new feature in Apple’s AirPods Pro hearing aid could help people solve a problem they’d rather ignore

TO DEVI SHASTRIAssociated Press

Some wireless Apple AirPods can be used as hearing aids with a new software update coming in October. It’s a high-profile move applauded by experts, even if it only affects a small portion of the millions of Americans with hearing loss.

An estimated 30 million people—one in eight Americans over the age of 12—suffer from hearing loss in both ears. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, millions of people would benefit from hearing aids, but most have never tried them. Countless other people have tried them but not used them due to cost, poor quality, poor fit, appearance or other reasons.

Over the past few years there have been attempts to change this. Two years ago, federal regulations changed to allow hearing aids to be sold without a prescription. Many hoped the move would provide patients with better and cheaper options. And last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved software from Apple that will turn AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids.

It’s unclear whether the rule change has helped, experts say. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is exactly the creative step advocates were hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids, and Apple’s new option.

Hearing loss can contribute to isolation, dementia and even the risk of falling.

About 15% of Americans report some hearing problems. Most people with hearing loss are over 60 years of age, but hearing problems don’t just affect older people. One study found that men and people living in rural areas were more likely to experience hearing loss.

And it’s associated with many health consequences beyond the ear. Experts say this contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. This increases the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. It is also associated with an increased risk of falls, which is a major health concern for older adults.

“Everything we do, every relationship we have, whether personal or work, involves listening to a conversation,” said Barbara Kelly, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “What we’re finding now is that the sooner people pay attention to their hearing health, the better.”

You don’t need to see a doctor to get a hearing aid

Before the FDA changed regulations in 2022, everyone had to see a doctor and get a hearing aid prescription to get one. They are now available without it.

“As more of them sell, we hope the price will come down,” said Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a big rush to get them.”

According to Stangl, who studies how well people adapt to hearing aids, even purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid can easily cost you $400 to $500. And some of the less expensive options are really just “cheap amplifiers” that lack the individual level settings and noise-canceling features that truly make hearing aids useful.

How does the Apple AirPods hearing aid feature work?

The hearing aid feature is available on AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It all starts with built-in tests that help users determine if they have hearing loss, adjust the feature if they do, and set customized gain levels.

On the Apple website, the headphones sell for $249, and are sometimes cheaper in other stores.

While there are plenty of other headphone-type devices that can function in the same way, experts agreed that the AirPods addition is a good one simply because it can help normalize the performance of hearing aids.

“It’s just mainstream,” Kelly said. The ubiquity of AirPods may make people concerned about the appearance of hearing aids and make them more open to using them.

Although there may be some disadvantages. Fit and comfort can be an issue with prolonged use. And while other hearing aids are designed to last a full day or more, Stangl said the AirPods’ battery life doesn’t allow for that. She also noted that wearing headphones can signal to others that a person does not want to be disturbed or talked to.

“But we hope more people try it and realize, ‘Yes, this really helps,'” she said.

Tips for purchasing over-the-counter hearing aids

Stangl encourages people to research a product carefully before purchasing. She said Facebook and Reddit forums can be especially helpful when reviewing devices. The websites Hearing Tracker and Soundly also have reliable reviews and resources for choosing a hearing aid, she said.

The American Hearing Loss Association and the American Academy of Audiology have hearing aid buying guides on their websites. If you get stuck, see an audiologist.

Look for devices that allow you to adjust the pitch of the sound. Most people with hearing loss have the hardest time hearing high-pitched sounds, so look for a device that can adjust the gain by frequency.

To avoid the high-pitched feedback whine, buy a device that has a “feedback manager.” Fit is critical, but be careful: it may not necessarily be the most comfortable to begin with, so take your time.

Can you use FSA or HSA money to buy over-the-counter hearing aids or even AirPods?

Pre-tax money stashed in flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts can be used to purchase hearing aids, including over-the-counter ones.

Does this mean you can buy a new set of AirPods Pro2 with pre-tax money? Experts say this is a gray area that hasn’t been tested yet, so be careful. You may even need a letter of medical necessity. It’s best to consult an accountant before trying this.

Your smartphone can help you even without hearing aids

Even if you can’t afford the latest and greatest technology, your smartphone can be a tool to protect and improve your hearing.

Most phones can now convert speech to text, making communication easier. Live Listen on iPhone turns your phone into an amplified microphone that can send the other person’s voice directly into your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.