A new feature in Apple’s AirPods Pro hearing aid could help people face a problem they’d rather ignore

Some wireless Apple AirPods can be used as hearing aids a new software update is available on Monday. It’s a big step that experts are applauding, even if it only covers a small fraction of the millions of Americans with hearing loss.

About 30 million people—1 in 8 Americans over age 12—have hearing loss in both ears. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, millions of people would benefit from hearing aids, but most have never tried them. Many others have tried them but don’t use them because of cost, poor quality, poor fit, appearance, or other reasons.

Over the past few years, efforts have been made to change this. Two years ago, federal regulations changed to allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aidsa move that many hoped would provide patients with better and cheaper options. And last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved software from Apple that could turn AirPods Pro 2 in hearing aids.

It’s unclear whether the rule change has helped, experts say. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is the creative move that advocates have been hoping 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 the risk of falling

About 15% of Americans report some hearing problems. Most people with hearing loss are over 60, but hearing problems don’t just affect the elderly. One study found men and people living in rural areas are more likely to suffer from hearing loss.

And this was associated with many health consequences outside the ear. Experts say it contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. It increases the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. It was also associated with increased risk of falls — a serious concern for the health of the elderly.

“Everything we do, all our relationships, whether it’s personal or in our work lives, involves listening,” said Barbara Kelly, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “Now we’ve found that the earlier people start paying attention to their hearing health, the better.”

You do not need to see a doctor to get a hearing aid

Before the US Food and Drug Administration changed the rules in 2022, everyone had to see a doctor and get a prescription for a hearing aid to get one. Now they are available without one.

“The hope is that as more of them are sold, the price will come down,” says Elizabeth Stangle, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a big push to get them.”

Even over-the-counter, a decent hearing aid can easily cost you $400 to $500, said Stangl, who studies how well people adjust to using hearing aids. And some of the less expensive options are simply “cheap amps” that lack the personalized level settings and noise-cancelling features that really make hearing aids useful.

How does the Apple AirPods hearing aid feature work?

The hearing aid feature is available with AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It starts with built-in tests to help users determine if they have hearing loss, adjust the feature if they do, and set personalized gain levels.

These headphones retail for $249 on Apple’s website, and sometimes cheaper at other retailers.

While there are many other in-ear devices that can function in the same way, experts agreed that the AirPods app is a good one simply because it can help normalize hearing aids.

“It’s just mainstream,” Kelly said. The ubiquity of AirPods may make people worry about the appearance of a hearing aid more open to their use.

However, there may be some drawbacks. Fit and comfort during extended use can be an issue. And while other hearing aids are designed to last a full day or more, Stangl said the AirPods’ battery life won’t allow that. She also noted that wearing headphones can send a message to others that a person does not want to be disturbed or spoken to.

“But we’re hoping more people will try it and realize, ‘Yes, they do help,'” she said.

Tips for buying over-the-counter hearing aids

Stangl advises people to do a lot of research before buying. She said Facebook and Reddit forums can be particularly helpful for testing devices. Websites Hearing tracker and Kindly there are also reliable reviews and resources for choosing a hearing aid, she said.

The Hearing Loss Association of America and American Academy of Audiology have hearing aid buying guides on their websites. If you’re stuck, see an audiologist.

Look for units that allow you to adjust different heights. For most people with hearing loss, high-pitched sounds are the hardest to hear, so find a device that can adjust the gain at different frequencies.

To avoid the shrill hiss of feedback, buy a device that has a “feedback manager.” The fit is crucial, but be careful: it may not be the most comfortable at first, so take your time.

Can you use FSA or HSA money to buy over-the-counter hearing aids — or even AirPods?

Pretax money stashed away in flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts can be used to buy hearing aids, including over-the-counter hearing aids.

Does this mean you can get a new set of AirPods Pro2 for pre-tax money? Experts say this is a gray area that has yet to be tested, so be careful. You may even need a letter of medical necessity. Before trying, it is better to consult with an accountant.

Your smartphone can help you even without hearing aids

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. The iPhone’s Live Listen feature turns your phone into a microphone amplifier that can transmit the voice of your meeting directly into your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.

In addition to hearing aids, there are many apps and websites that can help. Some apps can vibrate your phone when an alarm goes off or a dog barks. The University of Iowa collects educational resources through its Audio training resource center. Free programs like the World Health Organization’s HearWHO offer hearing screening and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Noise Measurement App allows you to measure whether the noise level is dangerous.

“Most people own smartphones and don’t realize what their phones can do, including that they can serve as a good amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Kathryn Palmer, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. and past president of the American Academy of Audiology. “It made hearing care accessible to many.”

___

The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. AP is solely responsible for all content.