About 6 months ago, I wrote a piece about the ‘long rumored’ entrance of Apple into the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid space. As of September 12th, we can now say with certainty that it’s no longer a rumor. The FDA officially approved Apple’s new “Hearing Aid” mode/feature for their AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. Soon, people who have iPhones or iPads running the newest operating system (iOS18) will be able to ‘convert’ their AirPods Pro 2 earbuds into “clinical-grade Hearing Aids” (whatever that means). Though I have no doubt that they will make a difference in many people’s lives, I can say with utmost confidence that they do not have the capabilities of actual prescription hearing aids we dispense in our clinic.
As I wrote then, this is big news, and will continue to make waves. But I also pointed out some important caveats still to be determined. Unfortunately, in a little bit of a ‘hurry up and wait’ scenario, iOS 18.0 apparently still doesn’t have “Hearing Aid Mode”. So those caveats? Still to be determined. Apple has indicated an update later this year will include the necessary software upgrades. From the hardware perspective, since AirPods Pro 2 will be the only model capable of actualizing “Hearing Aid” mode, battery life will be an issue. AirPods Pro 2’s battery life currently can’t support even close to a full day’s use. However, a new generation (‘AirPods Pro 3’?) is rumored to be released sometime in early 2025, which may address this issue.
Apple also announced other hearing health features (described rather grandly as “the world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience”), “active Hearing Protection” and “a scientifically validated Hearing Test”. Along with the ‘passive’ protection afforded by the devices in your ears, “active” protection appears to provide dynamic protection in the different listening modes to help prevent overexposure to loud environmental noise. An example given by Apple is at a concert, where they would actively/dynamically reduce volume, but maintain quality/fidelity. I’m seeing a couple of shows at the Fox in Oakland this month and, assuming the feature is available, I’ll put them to the test. It will also be interesting to hear what Apple claims in relation to the NRR (noise reduction rating) provided in this mode.
The final big addition touted is a “scientifically validated hearing test”. Like other things declared, I will say this is a bit of a reach. Under ideal circumstances, it will only be a basic air conduction threshold test. A diagnostic hearing test is performed in a sound attenuating booth using calibrated headphones, consists of more tests and a physical examination of the ears. While fully acknowledging for most folks this will be a very adequate start to their healthy hearing journey, assuming it approximates results obtained under diagnostic conditions, it’s only one piece of a puzzle with many pieces. The thing I will always caution about is remembering that this “end-to-end hearing health experience” is not a replacement for actual hearing healthcare. OTC hearing aids will really only be for those with typical ‘age related’ mild to moderate hearing loss. Beyond this degree, and for other causes/types, full diagnostic testing and actual “clinical-grade” hearing aids dispensed by Audiologists using best practices will be the gold standard.
I do applaud Apple for looking at this holistically, with the goal of healthy aging. Healthy hearing is intimately associated with healthy aging. Prevention is one aspect of healthy hearing that Apple already includes, but one I wish they encouraged more. Almost as an afterthought it seems, they include information about acceptable noise/sound exposure, and ways to limit and/or warn against overexposure when using the AirPods. An ounce of prevention…
Since none of the new hearing health features are available yet, I can’t honestly speak about them, their effectiveness, accuracy or benefit. Though the title of this piece was “The Time Has Come(-ish)…”, my “functional” review of Apple’s latest foray into healthy hearing will have to wait a little longer.
Till then, please continue to love your community by remembering the humanity of those around you, and please always support our local community businesses!
