Apple’s AirPods Pro are known for excellent sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and sleek design. But recently, they’ve sparked an unexpected conversation—can they help improve hearing?
With features like Live Listen and the newly FDA-authorized hearing aid software, Apple is positioning its earbuds as tools for more than just music lovers.
If you’re curious about whether your AirPods can enhance hearing, this post breaks it down.
What Is Live Listen?
Live Listen is one of the most talked-about features of the AirPods Pro. Using your iPhone as a microphone, Live Listen amplifies nearby sounds and reduces background noise.
Imagine being in a noisy restaurant and struggling to catch every word of a conversation. With Live Listen enabled, your AirPods rest comfortably in your ears while your iPhone picks up the speaker’s words, making it easier for you to follow along.
That said, Live Listen is not the same as a professional hearing aid. It’s more of a situational tool to reduce environmental noise rather than a full-fledged solution for hearing impairments.
FDA-Authorized Hearing Aid Software
On September 12, 2024, the FDA took a groundbreaking step by authorizing Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature (HAF). This over-the-counter software allows compatible AirPods Pro to function as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing impairments.
What’s unique about this software is its ability to personalize. Using your iPhone, the Hearing Aid Feature lets you:
- Adjust volume, tone, and balance.
- Customize settings to your specific hearing needs via the iOS HealthKit.
- Conduct a self-fitting process, offering similar benefits to professionally fitted hearing aids, according to clinical studies.
This breakthrough has made hearing support more accessible than ever, giving millions an affordable and effective option.
Limitations of AirPods for Hearing
While AirPods Pro offer some helpful features for improving hearing, it’s important to recognize their limitations.
Not a Replacement for Hearing Aids:
AirPods Pro aren’t made to handle specific types of hearing loss. Unlike professional hearing aids that are custom-fitted and adjusted by audiologists, AirPods are more about general sound amplification.Medical Advice Is Still Essential:
If you suspect hearing loss, don’t rely only on earbuds to solve the problem. Untreated hearing issues can lead to serious health consequences, including cognitive decline and emotional stress. An audiologist can assess your hearing loss and recommend the right solutions.
What Does This Mean for Everyday Users?
AirPods Pro are changing the game by doubling as a hearing support tool. Apple is shining a light on hearing health, addressing an important public issue. However, it’s important to note that while they make hearing assistance more accessible, they aren’t the perfect solution for everyone.
For occasional amplification in noisy environments, AirPods Pro—with features like Live Listen—can make a noticeable difference.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a hearing condition, the FDA-cleared Hearing Aid Feature and personalized adjustments offer an easy way to start improving your hearing health. That said, for more severe or complicated hearing issues, it’s still important to see an audiologist.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s AirPods Pro represent an exciting step forward in integrating hearing technology into everyday devices. With features designed to enhance hearing and reduce background noise, they offer a unique bridge between consumer audio products and medical-grade hearing aids.
