In case you didn’t hear, in September, Apple announced that it was updating the software for its AirPods Pro 2 earbuds to include the option of testing the hearing of users and transforming the earbuds into hearing aids for those who own these earbuds and who have updated software on their iPhones or iPads. Whether or not the addition of this new hearing aid option will convince the millions of adults with hearing loss to try them out remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that a large percentage of those with hearing loss continue to resist or reject the hearing aid options currently on the market, which include both prescription hearing aids and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which are potentially less expensive options. According to a recent study published in JAMA Health Forum, when 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries, with an average age of 77, were surveyed, 90% of those reporting hearing difficulties did not use a hearing aid. This remarkably low use of hearing aids, even among those who may get some insurance coverage through their Medicare Advantage coverage, reflects the continued challenge of getting those who could benefit to try a hearing aid. This is happening despite the fact that we know hearing loss is considered one of the most important modifiable factors when it comes to the risks for dementia, and in the face of new research showing that there is an association between hearing loss and the risk of cognitive impairment (although interestingly, this new study did not find wearing hearing aids reduced this risk, except for patients with depression).

The new Apple earbuds software product also comes online at a time when the over-the-counter market for hearing aids, which became available in 2022, has been disappointing. As reported in a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, there’s been a high rate of return of OTC hearing aids, due to poor quality and lack of sufficient customer service and support. One retailer cited in the article said his return rate was up to 40%. While no one is tracking OTC sales of hearing aids, the Journal article estimates that only 2% of adults with hearing difficulties have purchased OTC hearing aids. Moreover, the costs of many of these OTC devices are not as low as anticipated, at least for hearing aids that are of reasonably high quality. If you’re interested in trying out some of the currently available OTC models and looking for reviews of higher quality models with better customer support, take a look at this new evaluation from the New York Times Wirecutter reviews. And if you’re willing to consider a pair of prescription hearing aids but fearful of the costs of such a product, you may want to read about why those who buy their hearing aids from Costco are so pleased with the quality, cost, and customer support they receive from Costco, which has a 16% share of the US hearing aid market. Apparently, plenty of us go to Costco for the roasted chicken and leave with a pair of hearing aids!

So what about the new Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid option? The reviews have generally been positive though there’s a learning curve to using them and they are not perfect. Generally speaking, for the price of about $249 for the AirPods Pro 2 model (assuming you already have an iPhone or iPad that can handle the necessary updated operating system), the quality of the product is quite good. Time Magazine names them one of the 200 Best Inventions of 2024. Many websites have positively reviewed these “hearing aids”, and included instructions as to how to use them. For some positive reviews and instructions, click here, here, and here. However, these earbuds cannot work as an all-day hearing aid (their battery life is at best 6 hours before needing a charge) and they may take several weeks for you to become comfortable with them (though the Apple return policy is less generous than a typical OTC hearing aid, allowing for only 14 days to return the AirPods Pro 2 if you are unhappy). Many have also commented on the benefit of the new hearing test which Apple also offers without charge to those with the updated software for these earbuds. While there’s a bit to learn to correctly take the hearing test, the results are available almost instantaneously and may be useful in validating the amount of mild to moderate hearing loss you are experiencing. If you are not an Apple user but still want to try to test your hearing online without going to an audiologist, take a look at other online hearing test options here. 

So while the jury is still out on whether those in need of hearing help with flock to these new AirPod Pro 2 earbuds, there’s no dispute that the need is present and the risks of untreated hearing loss are significant.