Why Apple's AirPods Can't Replace Real Hearing Aids: An Audiologist's Perspective

As an audiologist who has worked with countless patients over the years, I’ve seen many come to me after trying over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids or consumer electronics like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, only to be disappointed by their performance. While Apple’s technology may offer features that seem useful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, these devices are not equipped to deliver the advanced capabilities of prescription hearing aids. Apple’s AirPods, no matter how innovative, will not provide the personalized, medical-grade solutions needed to truly address hearing loss.

Questioning the “Clinical-Grade” Label

Apple’s claim of offering a “clinical-grade” hearing solution raises an important question: What qualifies AirPods as clinical grade? Apple’s hearing test only measures six frequencies, far from the comprehensive hearing evaluations performed in audiology clinics, which involve high-frequency audiometry, inter-octave testing, and bone conduction testing. These professional assessments are conducted in a soundproof booth and ensure that subtle changes in hearing thresholds are detected and treated appropriately.

As Dr. Cliff Olson, a leading audiologist, points out in his video review, the AirPods Pro 2 fail to meet prescriptive targets for amplification, especially above 1000 Hz. Dr. Cliff’s real-ear measurements revealed significant under-amplification of high frequencies, critical for speech clarity. This would lead users to struggle with understanding conversations, particularly in noisy environments, and leaves them under-served by these devices (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0gsTz1sSDE).

Real Ear Verification and Clinical Accuracy

In my clinical practice, real ear verification—where we measure how sound is amplified in the ear canal—is a critical step in customizing hearing aids for each patient. Without this process, there’s no guarantee that the amplification provided by AirPods is accurate. Dr. Cliff also demonstrated that the AirPods Pro 2 missed prescriptive targets in real-ear measurements, meaning the devices would fail to provide sufficient amplification for many wearers.

The Importance of an Otoscopic Examination

Before any hearing aid fitting or treatment, it's crucial to have an otoscopic examination to ensure the ear canal is clear of obstructions and healthy. This examination helps detect conditions like cholesteatomas, earwax blockages, or eardrum perforations that could affect hearing or even cause further damage if left untreated. Without this step, amplification devices like hearing aids—or in this case, Apple’s AirPods—could worsen existing issues or fail to function effectively. A healthy ear canal is vital for accurate hearing aid performance.

Advanced Features in Prescription Hearing Aids

Today’s prescription hearing aids are designed with advanced technology to improve not only the volume but the clarity of speech in various environments. They include:

Directional microphones to focus on the sound in front of the user, reducing background noise.
Adaptive noise reduction that adjusts to changing environments, such as wind or crowd noise.
Speech enhancement algorithms that specifically target and amplify speech frequencies, helping conversations remain clear in noisy places.
Real-time environmental adjustment to adapt to quiet and noisy spaces without manual interference.
Feedback suppression systems to prevent the whistling common in simpler devices.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 lack these sophisticated features and offer limited noise reduction and speech enhancement. Dr. Cliff’s tests showed that while the conversation boost feature worked well for prioritizing speech from the front, the AirPods performed poorly in terms of ambient noise reduction, showing only minor improvements even at the highest setting.

Battery Life Concerns

Another key issue is battery life. Prescription hearing aids are designed for continuous, all-day use, with batteries that can last several days or weeks. However, the AirPods Pro 2 only provide around six hours of battery life, meaning frequent recharging is necessary. This is not practical for individuals with hearing loss who need reliable, uninterrupted access to sound throughout the day.

Why Amplifying All Sounds Doesn’t Work

One common misconception is that simply making all sounds louder will help individuals with hearing loss. In reality, amplifying all sounds equally can make the listening environment overwhelming and reduce the ability to understand speech. Audiologists carefully adjust amplification based on specific frequencies where the patient struggles. For instance, high-frequency sounds, such as consonants, are crucial for understanding speech, and prescription hearing aids target these areas of loss. Apple’s AirPods, however, fail to offer this level of customization, leading to overamplification of unnecessary sounds while under-amplifying key speech frequencies.

The Importance of Bone Conduction Testing

A proper hearing evaluation also includes bone conduction testing, which Apple’s devices cannot replicate. This step helps audiologists distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Without this vital information, any attempt to treat hearing loss is incomplete and potentially ineffective.

Real Hearing Solutions Require Professional Care

Hearing loss is not just about hearing louder; it’s about hearing better. Devices like Apple’s AirPods may offer some temporary relief or serve as an entry point for addressing hearing issues, but they cannot replace the comprehensive care and advanced technology provided by prescription hearing aids. Working with an audiologist means not only receiving a customized device but also ongoing adjustments and expert care, ensuring that hearing aids perform well in all environments, from quiet conversations to noisy crowds.

In summary, while Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 may raise awareness of hearing loss and offer some mild assistance, they fall far short of being a true solution. Prescription hearing aids, which incorporate real-ear measurements, customized amplification, and cutting-edge technology, remain the best way to ensure people with hearing loss receive the full benefits of improved sound clarity and quality of life.

For more information about Peachtree Hearing and our services, please visit peachtreehearing.com or follow us on social media.