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

Some Apple AirPods wireless headphones can be used as hearing aids new software update available from Monday. It’s a high-profile move that is being praised by experts, even if it only reaches a small fraction of the millions of Americans with hearing loss.

An estimated 30 million people – 1 in 8 Americans over the age of 12 – have hearing loss in both ears. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, millions of people would benefit from hearing aids, but most of them have never tried them. Countless others have tried them but didn’t use them due to cost, poor quality, poor fit, appearance, or other reasons.

There have been calls to change this for several years. Two years ago, federal regulations changed enable the sale of hearing aids without a prescriptionwhich many hoped would provide patients with better and cheaper options. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Apple’s software that was about to change AirPods Pro 2 in hearing aids.

Experts say it’s not yet clear whether the rule change has helped. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is as creative a move as tech advocates were hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids and the new Apple option.

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

About 15% of Americans report some hearing problems. Most people with hearing loss are over the age of 60, but hearing problems do not only affect older people. One study found that men and people living in rural areas were at greater risk of hearing loss.

It has been linked to many health effects beyond the ear. Experts say it contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. It increases the risk of dementia and remodels the brain. It has also been linked to increased risk of falls — a serious health problem among older people.

“Everything we do, all of our relationships, both personal and professional, involve hearing conversation,” said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “What we’re finding now is that the sooner people start paying attention to their hearing health, the better.”

You don’t have to visit a doctor to get a hearing aid

Before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration changed regulations in 2022, everyone had to go to a doctor and get a prescription for a hearing aid to get one. Now they are available without it.

“Hopefully as more and more of them become available, the price will come down,” Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen much of a rush to get them.”

Even when purchased over the counter, a decent hearing aid can easily cost $400 to $500, said Stangl, who studies how well people adapt to using hearing aids. Some of the cheaper options are actually “cheap amplifiers” that lack the personalized level settings and noise-cancelling features that really make hearing aids helpful.

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 starts with built-in tests that help users determine if they have hearing loss, configure the feature if so, and set personalized amplification levels.

The headphones can be purchased on Apple’s website for $249, and sometimes cheaper at other retailers.

While there are many other in-ear devices that can work in the same way, experts agreed that the addition of AirPods is a good solution simply because of the way it can help normalize hearing aids.

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

However, there may be some disadvantages. Fit and comfort during long-term use can be an issue. And while other hearing aids are built to last a full day or longer, Stangl said the battery life of AirPods doesn’t allow for that. She also noted that wearing earbuds can send a signal to others that a person does not want to be disturbed or talked to.

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

Tips for purchasing OTC hearing aids

Stangl suggests that people do a lot of research before making a purchase. She said forums on Facebook and Reddit can be especially helpful in checking devices. Websites Hearing tracking AND Tightly they also have credible reviews and resources to help you choose a hearing aid, she said.

The American Hearing Loss Association AND American Academy of Audiology their websites provide guidance on purchasing a hearing aid. If you get stuck, consult an audiologist.

Look for devices that allow you to adjust different pitches. Most people with hearing loss have difficulty hearing higher tones, so find a device that can adjust the gain at different frequencies.

To avoid the piercing feedback whistle, purchase a device with a “feedback manager.” Fit is key, but be careful: it may not necessarily be the most comfortable initially, so take your time.

Can you use FSA or HSA money to buy OTC hearing aids — or even AirPods?

Pre-tax money held in flexible spending or savings accounts can be used to purchase hearing aids, including those sold over the counter.

Does this mean you can buy a new set of AirPods Pro2 with pre-tax money? Experts say it’s a gray area that hasn’t been tested yet, so caution should be exercised. You may even need a letter stating medical necessity. It’s best to consult with an accountant before you try 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 it easier to have conversations. iPhone’s “Live Listen” feature turns your phone into an amplified microphone that can broadcast your date’s voice straight into your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.

There are also many apps and websites that can help with more than just hearing aids. Some apps may vibrate your phone if an alarm goes off or your dog barks. The University of Iowa collects training resources through its platforms Aural Training Resource Center. Free apps like the World Health Organization’s “hearWHO” offer hearing tests and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Sound Level Meter Application allows you to measure whether the noise level is dangerous.

“Most people own smartphones and don’t realize all the capabilities their phone has to offer, including functioning as a good amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Catherine Palmer, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and former president American Academy of Audiology. “This has made hearing care accessible to many people.”

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