AirPods vs. Hearing Aids: What’s Best for You?

With innovations constantly emerging, the line between consumer tech and medical devices can seem blurred. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now offer features that assist with mild hearing loss, but can they truly replace prescription hearing aids? While AirPods Pro 2 have impressive features at an affordable price, hearing aids still offer a far superior solution for most people with hearing loss.

Can AirPods Replace Hearing Aids?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, with their recent software update, now come with features like Conversation Boost and Live Listen, allowing users to amplify conversations and reduce background noise. They even include a built-in hearing test that adjusts sound levels based on the results. These additions could assist those with mild hearing loss, but they are not a direct substitute for hearing aids. Here’s why:

1. Short battery life- AirPods Pro 2 only last about 4-6 hours when used for hearing enhancement. In contrast, prescription hearing aids are designed for extended use, often lasting days or even weeks on a single charge.

2. No personalized fitting– AirPods Pro 2 are not customized to your specific hearing loss. 

3. Limited amplification– AirPods can help with mild hearing loss but don’t provide enough amplification for moderate to severe hearing loss. Hearing aids offer stronger amplification and more precise sound processing to handle more complex hearing issues.

4. Lack of ongoing support– AirPods don’t come with professional care or long-term adjustments. Prescription hearing aids include ongoing support from an audiologist who can make adjustments and provide maintenance as your hearing changes over time.

5. Not designed for all-day wear– AirPods are not meant to be worn all day and can become uncomfortable after extended use. Prescription hearing aids are designed for long-term comfort, allowing you to wear them throughout the day without discomfort. Some, like Lyric hearing aids, are worn for months at a time, so you have improved hearing all the time. 

6. Require high comfort with iPhone– AirPods Pro 2 depend heavily on integration with an iPhone for many of their features. You need to be comfortable using an iPhone, and you must own one. Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, function independently and are compatible with various devices, making them easier to manage for people who may not be tech-savvy.

While AirPods Pro 2 offer a short-term boost for those with mild hearing issues, they are no match for the personalized and professional care that comes with prescription hearing aids.

How AirPods’ Hearing Test May Help You Realize You Have Hearing Loss

One of the more interesting features of the AirPods Pro 2 is their built-in hearing test. This feature allows users to check their hearing directly through their iPhones. It’s a significant step forward in bringing more awareness to hearing health. Many people with mild hearing loss don’t realize they have an issue until it worsens, so the AirPods hearing test could be a convenient tool for detecting early signs of hearing difficulty.

For some users, this built-in test may be a useful starting point that encourages them to seek professional help. However, it’s important to understand that this feature is no replacement for a comprehensive hearing evaluation conducted by a licensed hearing professional. The AirPods test provides a general sense of your hearing, but it doesn’t consider all the complexities of hearing loss, such as how different environments affect your ability to hear or how your hearing issues impact your quality of life.

Ignoring mild hearing loss won’t make it go away. And the dangers of untreated hearing loss are far-reaching. 

Why Prescription Hearing Aids Are Still the Best Option

If you’re deciding between AirPods vs hearing aids, prescription hearing aids are the clear choice for anyone with moderate to severe hearing loss, or even those with mild hearing loss who want the best, long-term solution. Here are several reasons why:

1. Personalized fit and sound – Prescription hearing aids are custom-fitted and fine-tuned by an audiologist to suit your unique hearing profile. This means they offer the clearest, most comfortable sound possible. AirPods can’t be adjusted this way.
2. Ongoing care from a hearing care provider – Prescription hearing aids come with continuous support from a licensed hearing care provider. Hearing loss can change over time, and audiologists ensure your hearing aids are adjusted as needed. This level of care is essential for managing hearing loss effectively, something AirPods cannot provide.
3. Advanced technology – Modern hearing aids have features that AirPods can’t match. They include strong background noise suppression, advanced feedback management, directional microphones, and more. These features are especially important in noisy or complex listening environments where clarity is essential.
4. Better battery life and reliability – Hearing aids are designed for all-day use. Most models last days, and some can go weeks on a single charge, making them far more practical than AirPods Pro 2, which need recharging after a few hours of use. If you need hearing support throughout the day, hearing aids are the far more reliable option.
5. Discreet design – Many modern hearing aids are designed to fit inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. AirPods, with their iconic white stems, are much more noticeable and may not be ideal for those looking for a discreet solution.

AirPods: A Convenient Tool for Mild Hearing Loss

Despite their limitations, AirPods Pro 2 can still be useful for certain individuals. Their ability to amplify sound and reduce background noise makes them a good option for people with very mild hearing loss who may not yet be ready to invest in prescription hearing aids. Additionally, AirPods’ familiar look and feel may reduce the stigma some people feel about wearing hearing aids, particularly younger adults who already use earbuds for everyday activities.

The fact that AirPods can double as both headphones and hearing aids adds another layer of convenience. AirPods may serve as a temporary solution for users who need mild assistance during conversations or in quiet settings. However, they’re not built for those who require ongoing, comprehensive hearing support.

It’s also worth noting that AirPods require a connection to an iPhone for many features, limiting their independence as a hearing device. Hearing aids, in contrast, work on their own and offer more robust, consistent performance without needing external devices.

The Bottom Line: AirPods vs. Hearing Aids

While Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are an exciting addition to the world of consumer tech, they cannot replace the comprehensive care and advanced technology that prescription hearing aids provide. AirPods may be helpful for those with mild hearing loss or those looking for a short-term solution, but for anyone with more significant hearing issues, prescription hearing aids remain the gold standard.

AirPods’ built-in hearing test might help some people recognize that they have hearing loss, but it’s not a replacement for a full hearing evaluation by an audiologist. Professional guidance and personalized care are essential to truly managing your hearing health.

Ready to Improve Your Hearing?

If your AirPods hearing test shows a loss or you’re struggling to follow conversations in noisy places, the best next step is a professional evaluation. Contact American Hearing + Audiology today to schedule a free hearing evaluation and hearing aid trial. Our team of expert hearing providers will work with you to find the best solution for your unique hearing needs. Don’t wait—take the first step toward better hearing today!