The recent FDA approval of Apple's AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids has sparked extensive discussion in the tech community, with users sharing personal experiences about hearing health and debating the practical implications of this development. While Apple's move is seen as revolutionary, community feedback reveals a more nuanced picture of both opportunities and challenges.
The Cost Factor: A Game-Changing Proposition
One of the most significant aspects highlighted by the community is the dramatic cost difference. Traditional hearing aids typically cost between $4,000-$6,000, while AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249. As multiple users point out, this means you could buy sixteen pairs of AirPods Pro 2 for the price of one traditional hearing aid set. Even accounting for potential replacements due to loss or damage, the economic advantage is substantial.
Real-World Usage and Limitations
Community experiences reveal several key considerations:
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| The image compares the effectiveness of Adaptive Audio and Active Noise Cancellation modes of the AirPods Pro 2 for hearing protection |
Battery Life Concerns
- AirPods Pro 2 last approximately 6 hours with hearing aid features enabled
- Traditional hearing aids can last 18-20 hours on a single charge
- Some users report using two pairs to manage through a full day
Hearing Loss Severity Matters
- Works well for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Not suitable for severe hearing loss cases
- Most effective for those with hearing loss up to 40-60dB
The Social Stigma Factor
An interesting debate has emerged around social etiquette. While some argue that wearing AirPods during conversations is socially unacceptable, others draw parallels to the evolution of eyeglasses acceptance. The community notes that this could help reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids, particularly among younger users.
Technical Implementation
Users have shared that even before the FDA approval, they were able to use AirPods Pro as hearing aids through:
- Third-party apps like Mimi for hearing tests
- Apple Health integration for audiogram storage
- Headphone Accommodations settings
Concert and Movie Protection
An unexpected use case emerged from the community discussion: using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing protection at concerts and movies. Users report successful experiences with:
- Transparency mode for balanced sound reduction
- Active noise cancellation for stronger protection
- Natural sound preservation compared to traditional earplugs
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| The image showcases the hearing protection features of the AirPods Pro 2, ideal for use in loud environments like concerts and movies |
Price and Availability Considerations
- Base price: $249
- Potential insurance coverage through HSA/FSA (pending confirmation)
- Currently limited to US and Canada for certain features
- Requires iOS device for full functionality
The Future Implications
The community discussion suggests this could be a watershed moment for hearing health, potentially forcing traditional hearing aid manufacturers to:
- Reduce prices
- Improve features
- Increase competition in the OTC hearing aid market
While AirPods Pro 2 may not replace traditional hearing aids for everyone, they represent a significant step toward making hearing assistance more accessible and socially acceptable.
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| The image highlights significant new features introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 that could change the landscape of hearing health |