AirPods vs. Hearing Aids: Which Is Right for Your Hearing Needs?

It can be difficult to differentiate between consumer tech and medical-grade devices as technology advances. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have introduced features that may assist those with mild hearing loss, but can they truly replace prescription hearing aids? Let’s examine the differences between these two options so you can choose the best solution for your hearing needs.

Can AirPods Really Replace Hearing Aids?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 include features like Conversation Boost and Live Listen, which amplify conversations and filter out background noise. They also offer a built-in hearing test that adjusts sound based on the results. While these features may help those with mild hearing challenges, AirPods are not designed to fully replace hearing aids. Here’s why:

• Limited Battery Life: AirPods Pro 2 typically last 4-6 hours with hearing enhancement features activated, while prescription hearing aids are designed to operate for days or even weeks on one charge.
• No Tailored Fit: AirPods aren’t customized to your unique hearing needs, unlike hearing aids, which are fitted and adjusted for your specific level of hearing loss.
• Restricted Amplification: AirPods work well for mild hearing issues but lack the power needed for moderate to severe hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids offer more precise amplification and sound processing to address a broader range of hearing difficulties.
• No Professional Support: With AirPods, there’s no ongoing professional guidance or adjustments. Prescription hearing aids come with continuous support from audiologists who fine-tune your devices as your hearing changes.

Learn what to expect in the comprehensive hearing evaluation process. 

AirPods’ Hearing Test: Useful, But Not Comprehensive

The built-in hearing test in the AirPods Pro 2 may help you identify potential hearing problems. This self-check feature brings more attention to hearing health, which is beneficial, especially for those who may not realize they have mild hearing loss. However, this test only provides a general overview and lacks the depth of a professional evaluation. A licensed audiologist considers factors such as background noise, environment, and overall lifestyle, making a comprehensive hearing test essential.

 

Why Prescription Hearing Aids Are Usually the Better Option

 

When considering AirPods versus prescription hearing aids, the advantages of professional hearing devices become clear. For those seeking a long-term solution to hearing loss, prescription hearing aids provide unmatched customization, advanced technology, and ongoing support. Here’s why prescription hearing aids remain the best option:

Tailored Fit for Maximum Comfort and Clarity

Prescription hearing aids are custom-designed to match your hearing profile. Unlike AirPods, which are mass-produced with a one-size-fits-all design, hearing aids are fitted and programmed based on your unique hearing needs. This customization ensures you receive the clearest sound possible, enhancing your ability to hear speech, music, and ambient sounds with precision. The tailored fit also provides superior comfort, allowing for extended wear without discomfort—something that AirPods, designed for short-term use, can’t offer.

Continuous Support from Hearing Professionals

One of the most significant benefits of prescription hearing aids is the ongoing care and support licensed audiologists provide. Your hearing can change over time, and hearing aids require adjustments to ensure they continue to perform at their best. With prescription hearing aids, you’re not just getting a device—you’re receiving professional care that includes regular checkups, fine-tuning, and troubleshooting when necessary. This level of personalized service simply isn’t available with AirPods, which don’t come with any long-term support.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Better Hearing in Any Environment

Modern prescription hearing aids have state-of-the-art features that far surpass those of AirPods. These features include:

• Noise reduction: Filters out background noise, making focusing on conversations in busy environments easier.
• Directional microphones: Focus on sounds in front of you, such as speech, while minimizing distractions from other directions.
• Feedback suppression: Eliminates the high-pitched feedback often associated with older or low-quality devices, providing a more seamless listening experience.

These technologies allow hearing aids to excel in complex and noisy environments where AirPods would struggle. Whether you’re in a crowded restaurant, at a family gathering, or in a busy office, hearing aids help you hear more clearly and comfortably.

Discover the innovative features of the newest hearing aids, like the Phonak Audeo Infinio models. 

Long-Lasting Battery Life for All-Day Use

Another crucial advantage of prescription hearing aids is their impressive battery life. Most models are built for all-day use, with rechargeable options that can last days or even weeks on a single charge. This extended battery life allows you to rely on your hearing aids throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging. In contrast, AirPods Pro 2 offer only 4-6 hours of use with hearing enhancement features activated, making them impractical for those who need consistent hearing support.

Discreet, Comfortable Design for Everyday Wear

Prescription hearing aids have advanced far beyond the bulky devices of the past. Today’s hearing aids are sleek, discreet, and designed to blend seamlessly into your lifestyle. Many models fit entirely within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible to others. In contrast, AirPods’ white stems and recognizable design are more noticeable and may not appeal to those seeking a discreet hearing solution.

AirPods: A Convenient, Short-Term Option for Mild Hearing Loss

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offer some useful features for individuals with mild hearing difficulties, but they are not designed for long-term or more severe hearing loss. The AirPods’ ability to amplify sound in certain situations—like boosting conversations or reducing background noise—can be helpful for those who need occasional assistance. However, they lack the durability, customization, and effectiveness of prescription hearing aids, making them a temporary solution rather than a comprehensive one.

The Most Helpful Feature

One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the built-in hearing test. This feature allows users to check their hearing health directly through their iPhone, which can be a valuable tool for people who may not realize they have hearing loss. This hearing test can act as a wake-up call for individuals in the early stages of hearing difficulty, encouraging them to act proactively about their hearing health. Discovering a problem through this feature may prompt users to seek a full evaluation from an audiologist, ensuring they get the professional care they need.

While this self-administered hearing test can bring awareness to potential issues, it is not a replacement for a thorough evaluation by a hearing professional. AirPods can provide general insights into your hearing, but they don’t account for the complex factors involved in hearing loss, such as how it affects your ability to hear in noisy environments or your overall quality of life. Despite this limitation, the feature is a useful stepping stone for those who might otherwise ignore early signs of hearing trouble.

Convenience

In terms of convenience, AirPods offer a familiar, user-friendly design that many people are already comfortable with. For those not ready to invest in hearing aids, AirPods may provide short-term assistance. They can work for mild hearing loss, especially in quiet settings or during one-on-one conversations. However, their white stems are more noticeable compared to many modern hearing aids, which are designed to be nearly invisible. For individuals who prefer a more effective option, hearing aids remain the better choice.

 

The Verdict: Why Professional Hearing Aids Are the Best Choice

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 may offer a temporary solution for mild hearing issues. However, they fall short when compared to prescription hearing aids. Hearing aids provide more tailored care, longer battery life, and ongoing professional support. They are the ideal choice for anyone with hearing loss.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, the next step is a professional evaluation. At Stanford Hearing, our expert hearing care providers in Sioux Falls, Buffalo, and Madison are ready to help you find the perfect hearing solution. Schedule a free evaluation at our hearing center in Sioux Falls, Buffalo, or Madison today to get started on your journey to better hearing.