Some Apple AirPods wireless headphones can be used as hearing aids with a new software update available Monday. It’s a lofty step that’s been praised by experts, even if it only reaches a small portion of the millions of Americans with hearing loss.
About 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 never try them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Many others have tried it, but don’t use it because of cost, poor quality, poor fit, appearance, or other reasons.
In the past few years, there has been a push to change that. Two years ago, federal rules changed to allow hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter, a move many hoped would bring better and cheaper options to patients. And last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved software from Apple that will turn the AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid.
It’s unclear whether the rules have helped, experts say. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is the kind of creative move you want. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids, and Apple’s new options.
About 15% of Americans report some difficulty hearing. Most people with hearing loss are over 60, but hearing problems don’t just affect the elderly. One study found that men and people living in rural areas were 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 raises the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. It is also associated with an increased risk of falls – a major health problem among the elderly.
“Everything we do, all our relationships, whether it’s personal or in our lives, involves hearing a conversation,” said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “Now we’re finding that the sooner people start paying attention to their hearing health, the better.”
Before the 2022 rule change by the US Food and Drug Administration, everyone had to see a doctor and get a prescription for hearing aids in order to get them. Now, they are available without one.
“The more you sell, the lower the price,” said Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen any rush to get it.”
Even buying over-the-counter, decent hearing aids can easily run $400 to $500, said Stangl, who studies how people can afford hearing aids. And some of the cheaper options are just “cheap amplifiers,” lacking the personal level settings and noise-cancelling features that really help hearing aids.
The hearing aid feature is available with the AirPods Pro 2 model, and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It starts with a built-in test that will help users determine if they have hearing loss, set up the feature if they do, and set a personalized level of amplification.
The headphones sell for $249 on Apple’s website, and sometimes less than other retailers.
While there are many other ear-type devices that work in the same way, experts agree that the addition of AirPods is a good thing, simply because it helps to normalize hearing aids.
“It’s just mainstream,” Kelley said. The availability of AirPods can make people worry about the appearance of hearing aids that are more open to use.
There are also some drawbacks, though. Fit and comfort during prolonged use can be an issue. And while other hearing aids are built to last a day or more, Stangl says the AirPods’ battery life won’t allow it. He also notes that wearing an earpiece can send a message to someone that they don’t want to be bothered or talked to.
“But we hope more people try it and realize, ‘Yes, this helps,'” he said.
Stangl recommends people do a lot of research before buying. He says Facebook and Reddit forums can help especially with vetting devices. The Hearing Tracker and Soundly websites also have reliable reviews and resources for choosing hearing aids, he said.
The Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Academy of Audiology have a guide to buying hearing aids on their website. If you get stuck, consult an audiologist.
Look for devices that allow you to set different tones. Most people with hearing loss have the hardest time hearing higher pitches, so find a device that adjusts the amplification across frequencies.
To avoid the feedback whistle, buy a device with a “feedback manager”. Fit is critical, but be careful: it may not necessarily be the most comfortable, so take your time.
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 these days can convert speech to text, which can make conversations easier. The iPhone’s “Live Listen” feature turns your phone into a magnifying microphone that can blast your dinner date into your ear even when you’re in a crowded restaurant.
There are also many apps and websites that can help you extend your hearing aids. Some apps can vibrate your phone when the alarm goes off or the dog barks. The University of Iowa collects training resources through the Resource Center for Auditory Training. Free apps like the World Health Organization’s “hearWHO” offer hearing tests and the National Institute for Safety and Health’s Sound Level Meter App lets you measure whether sound levels are dangerous.
“The majority of people have a smart phone and don’t realize all that the phone can do, including functioning as a great amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Catherine Palmer, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. and past president of the American Academy of Audiology. “It makes hearing care accessible to many.”
Published – 29 October 2024 08:47 IST
