I remember when I first realized I couldn’t hear well. It was just asking my partner to repeat herself a few times, but then I found out I had moderate high-frequency hearing loss from years spent close to loud noises. My audiologist suggested hearing aids, but I was stunned by the price tag of $7,000! Thankfully, I found a more affordable option at Costco: the Jabra Enhance Pro 20s for $1,600. Getting used to them took a month, but it was worth it.
Now, there’s a new choice: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 at $249. They aim to help the nearly 29 million Americans who struggle with hearing loss but might avoid traditional aids due to cost or stigma. The earlier version, AirPods Pro 2, received FDA approval as over-the-counter hearing aids last year. I had the chance to try the new ones when a friend gifted me a pair.
As for hearing loss in the U.S., around 50 million people have some degree of it. Shockingly, only 16% of adults aged 20 to 69 who could benefit from hearing aids ever use them. This can lead to isolation or financial struggles, as adults with untreated hearing loss are 58% more likely to be unemployed and earn about 25% less when they are working. Moreover, untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia, as reported by the 2020 Lancet Commission.
To understand your hearing loss, Apple’s AirPods let you take a quick self-test or input results from a professional audiogram. I compared my clinical results from 18 months ago to what Apple’s app suggested. My test showed mild to moderately-severe sensorineural hearing loss, and the app mirrored those findings but with slight variation in severity. Dr. David Zapala, president of the American Academy of Audiology, mentioned that while AirPods can’t replace professional audiograms, they provide surprising precision for consumer-grade technology.
Switching between my Jabra aids and AirPods, I noticed some differences. The Jabras handled crowded settings well, but the AirPods sometimes struggled, amplifying the wrong voices. They excel at music, providing a rich experience that my Jabras lacked. Each device has a unique approach to sound, impacting clarity and comfort.
In terms of cost, my affordable Jabras included professional support, while the AirPods rely solely on algorithms for adjustments. This means that if they don’t work for you right away, there’s no expert guidance available.
So, who should choose what? AirPods Pro are great if you have mild hearing loss, need occasional assistance, or want a test run before investing more. But for moderate to severe loss, all-day use, or expert support, traditional hearing aids are better.
AirPods Pro offer an attractive entry-level option for those hesitant about hearing aids, breaking stigma around hearing loss. They can significantly improve your daily life.
Dr. Zapala emphasizes the value in trying them out: “It’s a low-risk option to see if these devices might help.” After all, they can make conversations with loved ones clearer and make those missed jokes at dinners a thing of the past.
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