Some Apple AirPods wireless headphones can be used as hearing aids a new software update available Monday. It’s a high-profile move that experts are applauding, even if it reaches only a small portion of the millions of Americans with hearing loss.
An estimated 30 million people – 1 in 8 Americans over the age of 12 – have hearing loss in both ears. Millions would benefit from hearing aids, but most have never tried them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Countless others have tried them but don’t use them because of cost, poor quality, poor fit, how they look, or other reasons.
In recent years there have been attempts to change this. Two years ago, federal rules changed allow hearing aids to be sold without a prescriptiona move that many hoped would bring better and cheaper options for patients. And last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved software from Apple that would change AirPods Pro 2 in hearing aids.
It is still unclear whether the changed rule has helped, experts say. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is the kind of creative move proponents had hoped for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids, and Apple’s new option.
Hearing loss can contribute to isolation, dementia and even fall risk
About 15% of Americans report some hearing problems. Most people with hearing loss are over 60 years old, but hearing problems don’t just affect the elderly. One study found that men and people living in rural areas are more likely to have hearing loss.
And it has been linked to many health effects beyond the ear. It contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline, experts say. It increases the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. It’s also linked to an increased risk of falls – a major health problem among older adults.
“Everything we do and all our relationships, whether personal or in our work, involves hearing conversations,” says Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “We are now discovering that the sooner people can start paying attention to their hearing health, the better.”
You don’t have to go to a doctor to get a hearing aid
Before the 2022 rule change by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, everyone had to go to a doctor and get a hearing aid prescription to get one. Now they are available without.
“As more are sold, hopefully the price will come down,” said Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a big rush to get them.”
Even if you buy a decent hearing aid over the counter, it can easily run you $400 to $500, says Stangl, who studies how well people adapt to hearing aid use. And some of the cheaper options are really just ‘cheap amplifiers’, lacking the personal level settings and noise cancellation features that make hearing aids really useful.
How does the hearing aid function of Apple AirPods work?
The hearing aid feature is available on AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It starts with built-in tests that allow users to determine if they have hearing loss, set the feature if so, and set personalized gain levels.
The headphones sell for $249 on Apple’s website, and sometimes less at other retailers.
While there are many other earbud-type devices that can function similarly, experts agreed that the addition of AirPods is a good one simply because of the way it can help normalize hearing aids.
“It’s just mainstream,” Kelley said. The ubiquity of AirPods could make people concerned about the appearance of hearing aids and more open to using them.
However, there may be some disadvantages. Fit and comfort during extended use can be an issue. And while other hearing aids are built to last a full day or more, Stangl says the AirPods’ battery life doesn’t allow for that. She also noted that wearing earplugs can send a message to others that the person does not want to be disturbed or spoken to.
“But we hope more people will try it and realize, ‘Yes, these do help,’” she said.
Tips for Buying OTC Hearing Aids
Stangl suggests that people do a lot of research before purchasing anything. She said Facebook and Reddit forums can be especially helpful in vetting devices. The websites Hearing tracker And Solid also have reliable reviews and resources for selecting a hearing aid, she said.
The Hearing Loss Association of America And American Academy of Audiology have guides on their websites for purchasing a hearing aid. If you’re stuck, see an audiologist.
Look for devices that allow you to adjust different pitches. Most people with hearing loss have the hardest time hearing higher tones, so look for a device that can adjust the gain across different frequencies.
To avoid the piercing whistle of feedback, buy a device with a ‘feedback manager’. The fit is critical, but be careful: it doesn’t have to be the most comfortable at first, so take your time.
Can you use your FSA or HSA money to buy OTC hearing aids – or even AirPods?
Pre-tax money stashed away in flexible spending accounts or healthcare savings accounts can be used to purchase hearing aids, including those sold over the counter.
Does this mean you can score a new set of AirPods Pro2 with pre-tax money? Experts say it’s a gray area that hasn’t been tested yet, so be on the lookout. You may even need a certificate of medical necessity. Before you try it, it’s best to contact an accountant.
Even without hearing aids, your smartphone can help you
Even if you can’t afford the latest and greatest technology, your smartphone can be a tool to protect and improve your hearing.
Most phones can now convert speech to text, which can make conversations easier. iPhone’s ‘Live Listen’ feature turns your phone into an amplifying microphone that can beam your dinner party’s voice straight to your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.
There are also many apps and websites that can help beyond hearing aids. Some apps can vibrate your phone when an alarm goes off or the dog barks. The University of Iowa collects training funds through her Auditory Training Information Center. Free apps like the World Health Organization’s “hearWHO” offer hearing tests and… Sound level meter app from the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work This allows you to measure whether sound levels are dangerous.
“The majority of people own smartphones and don’t realize what their phones can do, including functioning as a good amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Catherine Palmer, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. and former president of the American Academy of Audiology. “This has made hearing care accessible to many.”
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.