Improving Your Hearing
Hearing difficulties can start at any age and can worsen
over time. Hearing loss is a problem for a third of Americans over 65 and for
half of those older than 75. Most fail to take advantage of listening devices
despite recent improvements in appearance, features, and size. The first
hearing aids were clumsy and unsightly, but modern listening devices are
attractive and convenient. The recent launch of a hearing aid feature for
Apple’s AirPod Pro should increase their popularity. Below are tips for
selecting a listening device and resources for using it.
Tips
Alternatives – Apple AirPod Pros are a good choice for listeners with mild impairment, but hearing aids are better for those with severe hearing loss. Hearing aids are less noticeable than AirPods since they mostly hide behind the ear.
Apps – Users can adjust AirPod Pros and hearing aids by touch or by using smartphone apps that control loudness and background noise.
Audiologist – AirPod Pros facilitate self-testing and adjusting for do-it-yourselfers. If you prefer professional assistance, ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist. An audiologist can conduct hearing tests and customize settings.
Batteries—Most hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries that run for over 12 hours and take about 3 hours to recharge. The AirPod Pro recharges in less than an hour and lasts about 6 hours between charges. Rechargeable batteries have a useful life of about 3 years.
Cases—AirPod Pros and hearing aids come with charging cases. AirPod Pros can also be charged by other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. The AirPod carrying case works with Apple’s “Find My” service.
Cost – AirPod Pros cost $249. Hearing Aids can cost about $1,000 to $5,000 depending on features like Bluetooth, Telecoil, and tinnitus masking. Check your health insurance for coverage.
Loss – Hearing aid manufacturers provide protection plans covering at least one loss. Apple’s protection plan covers one loss per year.
Modes – AirPod Pros and hearing aids have settings for conversations, music listening, and noise cancellation.
Symptoms – Hearing loss happens gradually over time, so be mindful of difficulty hearing conversations, trouble hearing in loud places, or having a need to keep televisions on high volume.
Warranties – Listening devices come with warranties of 2 to 3 years. The initial AirPod warranty is 2 years unless extended by purchasing an Apple Protection Plan.
Conclusion
Hearing problems can develop gradually over the years and adversely impact lawyering and socialization. The introduction of a hearing aid feature to Apple AirPods should lead to increased use of hearing devices due to their affordability, features, and simplicity. Determine whether devices can improve your hearing by taking a self-test or scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.
Articles
AirPods as Hearing Aids, CNET, Sept. 9, 2024.
Alternatives – Apple AirPod Pros are a good choice for listeners with mild impairment, but hearing aids are better for those with severe hearing loss. Hearing aids are less noticeable than AirPods since they mostly hide behind the ear.
Apps – Users can adjust AirPod Pros and hearing aids by touch or by using smartphone apps that control loudness and background noise.
Audiologist – AirPod Pros facilitate self-testing and adjusting for do-it-yourselfers. If you prefer professional assistance, ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist. An audiologist can conduct hearing tests and customize settings.
Batteries—Most hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries that run for over 12 hours and take about 3 hours to recharge. The AirPod Pro recharges in less than an hour and lasts about 6 hours between charges. Rechargeable batteries have a useful life of about 3 years.
Cases—AirPod Pros and hearing aids come with charging cases. AirPod Pros can also be charged by other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. The AirPod carrying case works with Apple’s “Find My” service.
Cost – AirPod Pros cost $249. Hearing Aids can cost about $1,000 to $5,000 depending on features like Bluetooth, Telecoil, and tinnitus masking. Check your health insurance for coverage.
Loss – Hearing aid manufacturers provide protection plans covering at least one loss. Apple’s protection plan covers one loss per year.
Modes – AirPod Pros and hearing aids have settings for conversations, music listening, and noise cancellation.
Symptoms – Hearing loss happens gradually over time, so be mindful of difficulty hearing conversations, trouble hearing in loud places, or having a need to keep televisions on high volume.
Warranties – Listening devices come with warranties of 2 to 3 years. The initial AirPod warranty is 2 years unless extended by purchasing an Apple Protection Plan.
Hearing problems can develop gradually over the years and adversely impact lawyering and socialization. The introduction of a hearing aid feature to Apple AirPods should lead to increased use of hearing devices due to their affordability, features, and simplicity. Determine whether devices can improve your hearing by taking a self-test or scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.
AirPods as Hearing Aids, CNET, Sept. 9, 2024.
Best Brands, Consumer Reports, Oct. 23, 2024.
Buying Guide, Consumer Reports, Apr. 24, 2023.
Costco Hearing Aids, Wall Street Journal, Nov. 2, 2024.
Deafness and Hearing Loss, Medical News Today, Apr. 11, 2023.
Costco Hearing Aids, Wall Street Journal, Nov. 2, 2024.
Guide to Ear Disorders and Health, Johns Hopkins Press, June 30, 2017.
Hearing Loss For Dummies, Wiley, Jul 25, 2022.
Action Plan (American Speech-Hearing-Language Association)
FAQ’s (American Association of Audiologists)
Selecting a Device (Audiologists.org)
Hearing Test (National Institutes of Health)
Questionnaire (AARP)
Hearing Tracker (YouTube)
Websites
Americans with Disabilities
Hearing Loss Association of America
National Institute on Deafness and Other Hearing Disorders
Americans with Disabilities
Hearing Loss Association of America
National Institute on Deafness and Other Hearing Disorders
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