Test reveals that the AirPods Pro can be a cheaper replacement for premium hearing aids
Researchers at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan used 21 patients with mild to moderate hearing loss as subjects for a test of various hearing aids that included the two aforementioned AirPods models. The two AirPods were paired with an iPhone allowing them to use the handset’s microphone for the Live Listen feature. With this feature, the microphone on the iPhone is used to amplify the sound in a room and send it to a pair of AirPods.
The AirPods Pro compare favorably with premium and expensive hearing aids
Those involved in the survey were told to don the AirPods while researchers read short sentences to them. The subjects had to repeat the sentences back to the researchers. What the test showed was that in quiet and noisy environments, the AirPods 2 did not perform as well as hearing aids but were better than wearing nothing at all. As for the AirPods Pro, they were shown to be comparable to premium hearing aids with one exception.
Mr. Cheng also pointed out that because of the “social stigma” of wearing hearing aids, some people with a hearing problem might feel more comfortable wearing AirPods instead. The researchers came to the conclusion that the AirPods Pro could be a cheaper hearing aid alternative for some patients. The researchers say, “Globally, the wireless earphone market is growing rapidly. Some companies are interested in exploring the possibility of designing earbuds with sound amplification features. Our study proves that the idea is plausible.”
75% of Americans with hearing loss won’t wear a hearing aid because it makes them look too old
Science Alert stated that as many as 75% of the U.S. population that suffer from hearing loss won’t wear a hearing aid because they think it makes them look too old. Wearing a pair of AirPods Pro earbuds might actually give others a different opinion of the user. And consider this: by 2060 the number of cases in the United States involving hearing loss is expected to double.
With the AirPods Pro 2 priced at $249, it is a much cheaper option for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss than a $6,000 pair of hearing aids that require the user to visit hearing professionals to get a custom fit and fine-tune the hearing aid. These are not necessary if the AirPods Pro is being used instead. Keep in mind that none of the AirPods models have been evaluated by the FDA as a medical device.
