I have been using hearing aids for over two decades. The hearing prices are ridiculous and the performance is dicey. I recently found that I could use my AirPods as a hearing aid and was pleasantly surprised at its performance. It’s a boon to the hearing impaired community and I’m sure millions will be benefited.
I am using my air pod pro as hearing aid and is just wonderful. I’ve tried a lot hearing aids and none of them worked as well as the AirPod pro. It’s wonderful
It's outrageous how expensive hearing aids are and a lot of times they don't work that well. I hope Apple puts the companies that make expensive hearing aids out of business or at the very least force them to lower their prices. It sickens me how companies take advantage of someone with a hearing disability by charging the consumer way more than what the product is actually worth.
@@dmarcus1260 won't happen. OTC targets the portion of the market that are not currently getting hearing aids. In fact, it is actually increasing the amount of people that are getting Rx hearing aids.
I will admit that I don’t like much Apple as a company but if anyone is going to disrupt the business with the hearing aid it will be them but not only. To me this is the beginning of the end or at least I hope so. Now the other companies in the field producing headphones will jump in- Samsung , Bose ect and in couple years only people with severe hearing loss will be getting the prescription HA and maybe not even them. I was wondering for years why companies like Samsung and Apple don’t disrupt the field…
@@DrCliffAuDTrue! I have had HA’s for the past twenty years, and it took that long to find the great audiologist I work with now. The good and the bad experiences along the way have helped me gain a very good understanding of what works for me. Phonak and now Oticon have been the top brands for me.
@@vlrdmtr Bose is behind the OTC Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose, with a price $999. However, they only treat mild to moderate hearing deficiencies. If Apple decided to introduce a prescriptive hearing aid, it would probably have a high list price, since Apple always charges premium prices for everything it sells. Yet Apple would be highly competitive because it always tries to be the best in the market.
Notice there is no follow up review where he actually test the AirPods using the hearing aid test. Apple did an amazing job with the AirPod Pro 2 and the hearing aid app protects your hearing gives a natural sounding experience. Thank you, Apple.
It's really horrible when doctors and manufacturers charge THOUSANDS of dollars for RX hearing aids. I'm glad companies are trying to make more affordable options for most people that can't afford these expensive hearing aids.
@@Vicki_Benji well, I guess we'll see if what Apple is doing will actually work. So far the only ones who have figured out how to successfully treat hearing loss is the Major Manufacturers with the professional support of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists. Everyone else has not been successful.
I don’t have any level of expectation that Apple AirPods 2 are going to put the hearing aid industry out of business…. That said… what I don’t hear you addressing… is that prescription hearing aids average $5K, or 20 times the cost of the AirPods, and are rarely if ever covered by insurance. In short… there is a reason that people try these devices… even as a preliminary step… When the medical community starts addressing this issue, when they push back on the insurance companies to start covering these devices…. Then and only then will you be in a position to complain about what Apple is doing… Kudos to them (and it kills me to say that) for attempting an affordable solution even if they don’t address all of the requirements… At least they’re trying to address the real problem… which is not about who makes them, but who can afford them…
I think this is awesome and the old pro 2 version works better than my real hearing aids which do not protect my hearing from loud sounds or have Bluetooth streaming because they are too expensive. Also the hearing aids I have now worked as well as the ones the Dr. Office put on my ears to the tune of 4-5 thousand dollars. For some reason, the air pods pro sounds better for me and I love the sound cancellation feature. Also because they are more affordable, I don’t have to have a wire, a mask and eyeglass stems all pressing on my ears making them painful while working. Technology is good but everyone is different and every person does not have the same reasons for hearing loss and may perceive sounds differently. I feel if these help someone to join the fun and hear better then they shouldn’t be pressured into spending over a thousand dollars and up for the top notch technology. I will be buying the newest Apple hearing aids. I have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Just bought Airpods pro 2 to use as hearing aids. The software is not out yet, however the transparency mode already is a godsend! Increaseing clarity and vocal clarity allows me to not have closed caption on movies. It even sounds very natural!
Thanks. Would you please share if Apple AirPods Pro 2 needs the apple phone to do the setup for the hearing aid? Can I use Apple AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aid without Apply phone? Thanks
@@smyrnatennese2711 Since the hearing aid software is not yet out, I can't say with authority. I have an Android phone, but I do have an Apple mini computer. Apple says that will work with the upcoming software.
@@smyrnatennese2711 you need iphone to do initial setup, but after that you dont need to connect it to an iphone. In fact after setting up with an iphone, dont connect the airpods to another bluetooth phone and it will remember the last settings it received from that iphone. You can make them a dedicated "hearing aid" pair.
I have no illusions that a $200+ AirPod is going to replace my $$$$$ hearing aids. But I do appreciate that they can now be programmed to accommodate my individual hearing parameters. Kudos to Apple for recognizing that every individual has an optimal hearing environment and attempting to make their product(s) accordingly. That includes the noise level warnings I get on my phone and Apple watch to the adaptive mode sound level adjustments for ambient noise and the very good noise cancelation mode on the AirPods Pro 2. I also like the transparent mode the automatically adjusts for conversation and music and sound tracks sound better when your hearing profile is incorporated in the device. Both devices have their place and I think that is going to be understood by most consumers either intuitively or through experience.
I'm glad that traditional $$$$ work for you. I believe one thing Apple will do very well is accommodate the folks who have mild hearing loss issues. They are the worlds' wealthiest corporation and investing millions into this. When you call Applecare about hearing aid issues, they have a stand alone Applecare division just for the hearing assistance feature. Yeah, their quite serious about this. Good for them.
Unfortunately, there is no transparency about where this extra money goes. Better components? More clever software and setup? Distribution networks? High paid jobs and excellent margins for the manufacturer? We do not know.
I’m not so sure it is true that AirPods can’t compete with traditional, and much more expensive, hearing aids. As Cliff mentioned, Apple has far, far, far … far more money with which to do R & D. And they can hire the very best people to do the work, assuming they want to. And while Apple doesn’t sell more AirPods annually than the total number of hearing aids that are sold annually, I’ll bet that Apple does outsell any single hearing aid manufacturer. My point is that Apple absolutely has the resources to produce better and cheaper hearing aids in the form of AirPods than any one currently making hearing aids and selling them for tons of money. The only question would be … do they want to spend the time and money? Apparently the answer is yes, at least a little, since they have been doing it already. Also, AI might well be able to tune them as well as an Audiologist in the future. It isn’t completely altruistic either. If Apple were to hit a home run with AirPods as hearing aids, it will work in conjunction with their iPhone, driving more customers to their ecosystem of products. Once people have iPhones they are more likely to buy Macs, etc, etc, etc. The AirPods Pro 2 might not compete with traditional hearing aids now, but I wonder if the AirPods Pro 4’s or 5’s will. When I see how much my dad spends on hearing aids and how poorly they work, I wish Apple all the best in their endeavors.
Seeing someone who's videos are regularly sponsored by hearing aid manufacturers bashing an OTC product that hasn't been released yet not once, but twice in a week, makes me really look forward for its release and its further development. Thanks Cliff!
I also think Apple nailed it with the new software, firmware and now included hearing test for AirPod 2 Pro’s. The test results were nearly identical to the “professional” one given by an audiologist and the resulting sound of the AirPods with the applied EQ curve and decibel adjustments is amazing. Music, TV and dialog and phone calls sound great. A much fuller and richer sound overall than the $6400.00 ReSound Ones I purchased, now wishing I hadn’t. I ultimately think the hearing aid market has been taking advantage of folks for a long, long time. Thank you, Apple.
Thank you, sir, but ... As an experienced HA user who also has Air Pods Pro 2 set up as hearing devices using an older audiogram, i'm inclined to wait and see (hear) what Apple delivers. The Air Pods do not present, for me, the same user experience as the HAs but i have found them useful. When i'm not wearing the HAs the APs do improve sound level presented to my ears and aid in conversation; i don't have to run get the HA's to have a conversation. The APs have added benefit of being far superior in playing music into my ears. Furthermore, APs have been extremely reliable, in the time i've owned them i've been through two sets of receivers, $400.
@@dushyantaswal6528 Howdy. Dr Cliff may not be able to reply and i do not wish you to feel ignored; may i respond? i am a hearing device user, not a doctor or dispenser of HAs. My sense in the matter is, no, this is _not_ a potential good buy for someone who needs help hearing. In my judgment, Apple is showing the AirPods Pro have potential and my hope is that Apple will improve them. However, i have no expectancy Apple will make that so. Over the counter hearing devices are limited by U.S. law as to how much sound is presented in the ears. That limit has the effect of making the APs truly effective for people with mild hearing loss only. Most folks don't seek treatment until they fall into the moderate hearing loss category. Treatment of moderate hearing loss requires amplification of external sounds, signal proccessing to amplify higher frequency sounds more than lower frequency sounds, and is greatly aided by sound proccessing that lessons static noises, buzzing sounds, rumbling sounds, etc. that, as we age, we hear better than the voices and music we wish to hear. The need to do all this and have a skilled person custom tune the HAs to to how the patient's brain proccesses information from the ears is why the devices are $$$$. The AirPods Pro just aren't engineered for all that. But, should you wish to try them, understand the AirPods Pro are for people with mild hearing loss to use them in relative quiet environments. Around the house, for instance. i hope this helps. Best wishes to you.
I tried the Beta firmware that came with iOS 18.1 Beta and I was amazed at how well they worked. The sound is better and listening to streamed conversation is very good. I think it’s going to be a game changer for hearing aid provision. Apple has done a lot to make hearing care better.
do you have hearing loss ?, i have mild and moderate hearing loss and i am considering to buy both i phone and air pods for this only reason and i also have traditional hearing aids basic model , i still cant hear properly people voice in noisy environment
I recently lost most of my hearing and this has really helped me a lot. I hope they’re able to improve it because this is a game changer for my hearing. It’s affordable too.
Dr Cliff, I really appreciate you and the help you're providing everyone with hearing loss and perhaps you're right, but I think your message would resonate more if you did this review after Apple comes out with the update. Making this video before Apple even releases the update seems a little disingenuous.
@@rherteux they didn't upgrade the hardware and unless they COMPLETELY started from scratch with help from a major hearing aid manufacturer, I doubt it will be much different/better than their original feature.
@@DrCliffAuD I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic. What they demo'd at their keynote on Sept 9 looks like something that will make a real difference and I can't imagine Apple would make a big deal out of this if it wasn't a noticeable improvement, we'll see. I'm on their iOS 18.1 beta track so I'm hoping the next beta brings the feature so I can try it out for myself.
@@DrCliffAuDwhy would a hardware upgrade be necessary? Yes the current transparent mode is not nearly as good as my HA’s, but I don’t think this is due to the hardware, apart from the issue of being unvented and therefore requiring digital simulation of venting. They will find a software solution to this and other limitations. I believe they have better mics and drivers than HA’s because they have more real estate, and of course the processor is much, much faster than any HA.
Yep. Watching this video, it is clear that Dr Cliff has some concerns about his business. I have had prescription hearing aids for over 5 years and AirPods Pro 2 for one year. I can honestly say the AirPods are better with the transparency mode conversation boost in an environment where there is significant background noise., I'm really looking forward to the full hearing features when they are approved for use in my country. The added benefit of loud sound reduction is unavailable with my prescription hearing aids.
What exactly is the technical difference between “over the counter” and “clinical grade”? Is it just a measure of protecting some companies or are there actual differences like better components, more microphones, better calibration, better software…?
I have Oticon Intents that were fit by a fantastic audiologist that follows the best practices you recommend. I will be purchasing Apple AirPods Pro 2 for one reason. When I exercise, eat alone in a restaurant, or fly on an airplane, I like to listen to audiobooks. My hearing aids suck at this. I cannot hear the audiobook signal in my hearing aids when the external noise level is increased. Even turning the hearing aid volume to 0 does not help because I only have moderate hearing loss. I do not want closed dome or custom molds since I really like to have the remaining hearing I have and then use the hearing aids to give me back the high frequency for voice. My ear canal is really small which precluded the use of the older AirPods Pro. Your first video was great because it told me that the new ones have an even smaller silicone fittings that may solve my problem. So - when I am using the AirPods Pro, it would be really nice to switch them to "hearing aid mode" to have even a little bit of hearing improvement for the few minutes that I need it. Once I am out of those situations I will put my Oticons back in. What I really want to know is when will Apple enable LE Audio in their devices. Any news or rumors? Thanks
Perhaps it is Oticon's (made for iPhone) Bluetooth? My Phonaks stream very well, and while both Oticon and Phonak have great products, ny preference is for Phonak because they use standard/legacy Bluetooth that works extremely well.
@@bob-N4REE The bluetooth is not the issue. In normal environments it works great. Even connects to my Mac, iPad, or phone seamlessly. The problem is when I am in a noisy environment I can't hear music or audiobooks since the hearing aids are not noise cancelling. Those are the situations when AirPods Pro can be great. I would never trade my Oticons for their pods in any other situation.
Bought the AirPods 2 Pro for listening to music and answering phone calls while in the gym and being out and about. Appreciated the fact that one earbud can be used independently while driving which helped immensely while listening to the directions of Google or Apple Maps. But only just a month ago updated the IPhone to IOS 18 which now provides hearing aid functions. MAN… that has been a real eye, or shall we say an ear opener. Despite having moderate hearing loss am now no longer asking people to repeat themselves. Friends and family have noticed a huge change particularly when watching tv where before the volume is now reduced by half. If there is any complaint about using the hearing aid option of the AirPods it would be reducing the battery life by about a third. Is not perfect but am totally satisfied with the improvements to hearing for less than $200.
As a user of HAs for nearly 15 years, I’ve always been disgruntled by the lackluster technology inside of even the top of the line models. Not to mention the exorbitant cost. I greatly welcome more competition in the industry to help move the needle forward. Even if Apple isn’t quite up to snuff yet, I believe if any company can do it, it’s Apple. 10 years ago my ENT expressed similar concerns, and firmly believed the landscape will shift towards the direction of smart phones/accessories within the decade.
I used to go to a private practice audiologist who sold me on the ReSound GN brand. They were extremely expensive, over $5k and didn't work very well with my iPhone. When playing music, it sounded tinny. And the hands-free phone option was horrible. I would always grab my AirPods for both. Now, I go to Costco for my hearing test and hearing aids (Jabra GN). They are made by the same company as ReSound GN but are a third the price and better. I recently purchased the AirPod Pro 2's to give them a try while working on projects and listening to music. I love the noise cancellation feature as it really mutes the lawnmower noise and allows me to listen to my music without having it at full volume. The extra bonus is the hearing aid feature. it works good enough to hear those around me without me having to change back and forth between my AirPods and hearing aids. Maybe they aren't clinical, but they do have a place with us hearing impaired folks. 🙂
Two things that you say confuse me: 1. How can you attack the Apple Hearing platform before it even exists? Do you know that it won't be any different from the AirPods Pro 2 as they are today? 2. You say that the Apple Hearing platform may achieve 10% of the benefit of hearing aids. What, if anything, is your "10%" based on? It will be interesting to look back at your negative review of the Apple Hearing platform once it is actually available in a few weeks.
To be fair the airpods 2 are meant to be headphones for music lover , and being a pair of hearing aids is actually their "side job". they cost only a fraction of an OTC so I think it's not really reasonable to expect them to be a replacement of an OTC. airpods may work as a pair of secondary hearing aids, when you don't want to wear your true hearing aids. and you can enjoy your music at the same time.
I have old hearing aids and AirPods Pro 2 and my hearing are absolutely killing the AirPods in speech clarity and yet my HAs are vastly inferior to the newer models. I do absolutely love the fact that I load my audiogram into my iPhone and listen to music in a very clear sounding manner with AirPods. I just can’t live with them as hearing aids.
Apple has not yet released the hearing aid software for the Airpods Pro 2. At t]present they are just amplifiers, not hearing aids. Wait and see how you like them when they do.
Most people I know who got prescription hearing aides paid a lot for them and are using them, but they aren’t all that happy with them. That’s why I’ve held back on spending in the thousands for prescription hearing aides.
It really pains me to have to say this but I have been wearing hearing aids a long time & before Bluetooth. I have had Signia chargeNGo, Phonak Marvel, KS-10, Paradise and now Luminity. All the top of the line. I also have a Roger device. Using the Apple pro 2 in restaurants, in the car, on planes where I travel 4 times a year I hear speech better then any of my hearing aids. Now I know you will probably say those hearing aids just have not been programmed correctly. Really? Now I will admit the Apple pro 2 do not compensate for my hearing loss but in many situations they are better.
Undoubtedly, my professional Starkey hearing aids outperform the AirPods Pro when used as hearing aids; however, when considering the cost, they do not surpass them by a factor of 24.
Very self-serving video clip. He didn’t tell us where this product falls short. Instead he went on a rant how terrible this thing is. I tried it and love it. In typical Apple fashion, it is seamless, works all the time, and extremely user-friendly moving from Bluetooth listening to hearing conversation around me. It streams music better than any other “ Bluetooth” heating aids I have ever tried. It is not a dedicated HA, but works for me as situational HA. If this is Apple’s first foray into HA, I expect the Apple will eventually dominate. Audiologists jobs and huge mark up on HA devices days are numbered, especially with AI
The think that actually caused me to see an audiologist was my experience with the the apple air pods pro 2 feed through feature. I could not believe how much better I could hear. I now have Oticon aids and am thrilled with the results all because of being prompted by my use of the air pods.
You use a phrase in this video a few times, 'professionally fitted,' and I don't know what that means? Does that mean taking the hearing loss by frequency results from a hearing test and then programming a prescription hearing aid? Also, you repeatedly say the prescription ones are better than over the counter or Air Pods. What makes this so? The electronics in them? Any adaptive algos for the user? The acoustic design of physical devices? Battery life? (Which I know is an issue for Air Pods.) I would appreciate a technical articulation of what makes them so poor.
The hearing aid industry needs to be reformed. The prices of these accessibilty tools are too expensive for what they can technically do. They often don't really function that well and some parts are just outdated. Streaming audio to my HA is so bad. I can't understand it. Sometimes it even doesn't work and I hav to reconnect them to my iPhone. I paid 1600 € per side myself to get them. Directional hearing as claimed is impossible and noise reduction is absence. When sitting in a bar/restaurant I have trouble to hear people in front of me but everything behind me seems crystal clear. HOW? Even if Apples solution isn't perfect, I'd prefer their product for just about 200 $.
I waited for iOS 18.1 to come out then I got the reasonable AirPods to use for now; gad what I was missing all these years- I can hear things again. The test read that I had a moderate hearing loss in both ears. I am 77 and if I live long enough I know that it will only get worse. Once it does, I was told by the VA that because I worked in submarine engine rooms I was guaranteed top of the line hearing aids, but I am in no hurry, and I doubt that they will have the total performance of the Apple AirPods.
I purchased the AirPods 4 ( non sealed on the ear canal) with noise cancellation. I was absolutely surprised at how well it works. Just goes to show how extensive research and very deep pockets can push technology forward. Add Google, Bose and Sennheiser to the equation, wait 5 years and today’s prescription hearing aids are going to look like the old ear trumpet of 100 years ago. It’s the wake call up that the industry has needed for the last decade. True DSPs, memes based microphones and audio drivers have progressed as an astonishing rate but only from massive investment. I hope the prescription industry can keep up. Should get interesting.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their hearing aid capabilities. Apple has already incorporated intelligent features into previous versions of the AirPods Pro, including spatial audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), and adaptive transparency mode. These features use advanced algorithms to adapt to sound environments, and the addition of AI would further enhance the user experience. In the context of hearing aids, AI could be used to adjust the sound in real time, based on ambient sounds and the user’s hearing preferences. Apple could also develop algorithms that can automatically detect specific situations (loud noises, conversations, etc.) and adjust the volume or clarity accordingly. This would significantly improve the AirPods Pro 3’s capabilities as hearing aids, making them more intuitive and effective for people with hearing loss. Additionally, Apple has been working on health and hearing technologies for several years, and recent advances in AI, including chips like the H2, are aligned with this strategy. This suggests that future generations of AirPods Pro will integrate even more intelligence to personalize audio based on the environment and individual hearing needs
I have moderate hearing loss and can’t put out the money at the moment for hearing aids with an audiologist. I’ve ordered the AirPods Pro 2 to see just how much they can help. If i get some help from them for now I’ll be happy. If I do not, then I have a great pair of in ear headphones, which I’ve been wanting anyway. In the case they don’t help, I still have the option to visit and get prescription hearing aids when I have the money. So I feel I’ve not lost anything at this time and have some hope that they can be a band aid for the short term.
Give me your review on this as a hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss as mom suffers from it I am thinking to buy it and also update me after you update the airpods this fall
2 месяца назад
Yorumum türkçe olduğu için kusura bakmayın, Fakat Orta Derece İşitme kaybım var ve bu kulaklıklar benim için neredeyse 5 6 kat para ödemememi sağladılar. Ve süper çalışıyorlar. Şuanda 125 hz ve 8 Khz arasındaki odyo testlerimi sağlık uygulamasına yükledim ve videodaki ayarları yaptıktan sonra, duyma becerilerim süper oldu. Apple çok teşşekkürler. Artık uzakdaki insanlarla konuşmak benim için hiç sorun değil yada yan odadaki konuşmaları anlamak benim için çok kolay. Tam sürümü yayınlanmasını merakla bekliyorum. Umarım airpods pro 3 ile bu teknolojide daha iyileşir. işitme cihazları saniyede 700 kere tanırken bu cihaz 48000 kez sesi tanıyor ve düzeltiyor. Yüksek işitme kayıplarında işe yarayacağını düşünmüyorum. Artık toplantı ve seminerlere gitmek benim için bir korku değil, bilgi kaynağı sebebi oldu. İşitme engelli kardeşlerim bana bu yorum altından ulaşsın. Ve onlara da artık iyi bir duyma sağlayalım.
Hello Doctor Cliff, I am a French student in my final year of audiology, and I would like to focus my thesis on Bluetooth earphones that integrate hearing aid functions, comparing them with traditional hearing aids. I would love to discuss this topic with you and would like to know if there is a brand you would recommend for my study.
One thing to consider - I took the hearing test on the Apple AirPods Pro and it showed I had a moderate hearing loss. This led me to go to an audiologist and work with them to get properly tested/fitted to get hearing aids.
I’m the safety guy at work. Does Apple have a NRR noise reduction rating? I have several employees wearing ear buds for hearing protection but and not thrilled as I’m not sure if there is any actual protection from noise.
Why are there options to pay $3000, $4000 or $5000 for hearing aids that are the same brand? Are they good, better, or best? Why isn’t best the only option? I bought the $3000 ones and I’m really not too happy with them plus I’m wondering what I’m missing out on.
I can't answer your question but if I'd spent that much money to hear, I wouldn't be too happy either. What you're missing out on is $3000! I wish you better luck with the next pair of hearing aids you try. I'm going to try the Apple Air Pods Pro 2 and see if they work for me.
I wish they had a setting for people with single-sided deafness. I wear a CROS hearing aid, with a microphone and transmitter on my deaf side. I would love it if the AirPods could do that! But I know they'll never be as good as the professional CROS device I have.
Good point. I have had one sided hearing since 2019 when I suffered SSHL. My other ear has always had issues, but with a hearing aid, I hear like I used to with my good ear. My deaf ear has a cochlear implant. It would be cool if ear pods could connect with an implant sound processor. What I’d really like to know is would I be better with regular ear pods or the pros ? and would the ear pods make music sound more like I remember? When Ivstream through my HA, the sound comes out at a higher note and confuses my brain. It’s not single sided hearing because before the HA’s I only heard on one side because the other ear was not useful if that makes sense.
2 месяца назад
Ürünün özelliği tek taraflı olarak ayarlanabiliyor, ve sadece tek tarafa kulaklık takarakda bu özellikten faydalanabilirsiniz.
I'm new to hearing loss and learning. Why can't you just wear one? OTC or prescription. Set it as you are wearing both, but only wear one. Just wondering.
@@andrewwang8719I’m in the same situation. I tried using one in my weak ear for one on one conversation but it didn’t seem to work for me. I feel like if I could adjust via an EQ I could tailor it to work.
@@andrewwang8719 I’ve had nerve damage in one ear and have been a single sided hearing person without hearing aids most of my life. When I got my first set of hearing aids suddenly I coild hear out of both ears. That is until I suffered SSHL two years later. So I’m used to it. I lost the hearing in what was my better ear. Now without at least an HA in my now better ear, HOH. I have a cochlear implant in one ear and use an HA in the other so I’m kinda bCk to hearing in both ears. However when home I prefer to use the HA only. So you could do just an HA in one ear and use an Air Pod. As I said earlier my main issue is music sound a little different from what I remember. Like anote or two higher and then my brain has to adjust to the melody of the higher pitch to get it to sound normal again to me.
I've had Oticon More 3s for almost 3 years. I have been very pleased with them except for 2 hours a week. I lead 2 choir rehearsals every week. When I sing, everything gets distorted. I worked for 6-8 weeks with my audiologist to minimize this using the Music Program. If I really sing out, I need to reduce the volume 2 clicks in the Music Program. When I stop singing, the volume is to low for me to hear clearly questions from the group. I am capable of producing >90dB while singing (my apple watch often says so!). Do you think that the ipods pro 2s would be able to get me through rehearsals better than the Oticon More 3s? Or should I try another hearing aid that can handle the very wide dynamic range I need during rehearsals? I had hoped to get 6 years out of the More 3s.
You sir are part of the reason people are losing faith in “experts” you obviously have your own agenda. My wife paid thousands for hearing aids and complained daily of the tinny sound and poor music audio she also finds it difficult to both hear and be heard on the phone. These were fitted by hearing aid professional. I did a simple third party audio test which I’ve uploaded a profile to her AirPods and she finds then preferable to her expensive hearing aids in most cases. I expect this to be even better when the official app comes out.
Had the same result testing Signia Pure &Go versus AirPod Pro2s. The difference was shocking. Better performance, durability and price with AirPod pro2s. ($4600 vs $249)
I bought iPhone headphones from Dubai and did a hearing test, but unfortunately the hearing aid option did not appear on the phone.. I live in the Middle East..Im very dissapointed😢i dont know whats the prblem .
Personally I don’t think there is anyway OTC aids will work for someone that needs specialized care. OTC will most likely never replace the care a great audiologist can provide.
Im struggling to understand why this video is posted. He clearly says it is based on Apple AirPod hearing BEFORE the iOS update was available for testing. We now have the update and better jeering aid capabilities on the AirPods 2
All I wanted was an eq to give me more high end when using noise cancelling on a plane. I have very good hearing aids but they do not have noise cancelling. So I bought the version 2 and then found out that the hearing aid capability of airpods 2 (as limited as they might be) are not authorized in Canada.
I have the airpods pro. While they certainly sound different and amplify some high frequency, here is the test: can you tell the difference between a spoken "s" and "f"? Words like six and fix. Another one: low volume sounds: can you hear an approaching car from a distance? With my airpods pro, I can't hear a car coming until it's very close and then suddenly the sound of the car "turns on". I don't run with them anymore.
Dr Cliff, I hear a lot about the improvement of audio listening. Would this help the improvement of listening to someone in person in a crowded area or isolating voices compared to background noises?
My son recently bought these for my mom, his grandma, to try to help with her hearing. She’s been through the gamut of many hearing aides. She’s almost 93 and bed bound. It feels pointless to me to go through all it would take to get to an audiologist and pay thousands for heating aids that she may not wear very long. That being said, she’s been wearing otc hearing aides for the last two plus years and it’s time for a replacement they tell me. I’m still trying to figure out how to make the air pods plus 2 work as a hearing aid. It’s a high learning curve for me.
This next video released by Dr. Cliff really clarifies the hearing aid situation with the new firmwear/software upgrade of the older already but still latest Apple AirPod Pro 2 device. Yes, it’s not a hardwear update but software update of the latest 2022 released AirPod Pro 2 model that will provide with upgraded HA features that made APPro 2 a FDA-approved OTC hearing aids category. And this is very good news itself that Apple took care of the next step using their already a couple of years old latest AirPod Pro 2. So, now Dr. Cliff took care of clarifying and helping to address the public confusion what really Apple did. Thank you Dr. Cliff for your important effort to represent correctly from audiologist point of view what customer will have with AirPod Pro 2 devices. 😊 I have Resound Omnia 9 HA, but excited of the AirPod Pro 2 hearing aids capabilities, but still passed my APPro 2 to my daughter to use for hearing protection along with helping as OTC HA for certain hearing amplification and noise cancelation application. I can report that APPro 2 noise cancelation is really great resting on the long-haul plain travel eliminating almost 100% the noise.
I have meniere’s so use mine to protect against loud noises and they do help in crowded/noisy spaces. I bought both on sale. I’m looking forward to the update.
Ok iOS 18 been out for like a week already so where’s your (actual) DEVICE REVIEW PLEASE YOUR ARE THE BEST I APPRECIATE YOU! Maybe with real ear measurements, I think you call it please
@@Justme-wu5nw iOS 18 as far as I know is available on the newer iPhones. My phone is an XR and now considered ancient. The latest update is iOS 17.7. Iordered the new iPhone Plus. Was to receive last Wednesday, but the package is missing at a local UPS facility, so I’m still waiting.
When is the firmware update that implements the OTC hearing aid coming out? All audiologists should know how to fit these with real ear measurements etc.
Unfortunately the cost of our services would be as much at the Airpods - but without verification you have no idea what type of frequency response or gain your ear is receiving, which is why REM is done for all prescription hearing aids.
This is a good product for people who already use hearing aids. I’ve found it to be the highest fidelity music I’ve ever experienced, and in Spatial Audio. I literally cried. Therefore, I want it it be even more amazing, and would pay my audiologist $250 to fit them.
HI, Cliff! Great video. I am an Air Pods Pro 2 user, and use them for listening to tunes while I work out at the gym. It seems to me that the crux of the issue is whether Apple is able to improve the functionality of the device to start to materially address the issues of the significantly hearing impaired. I suspect that if they try to do that, they will have to upgrade the hardware and software and come out with a new model. Does this make sense to you?
Conversely, it would be advantageous for professional hearing aids to integrate advanced features similar to those of the AirPods Pro. It would indeed be pleasant if my prescription hearing aids could stream music with high-quality sound. The addition of active noise cancellation would also be a desirable feature.
@@allanmartin1876 Amen! I constantly find myself switching from my Starkey Evolvs to my AirPods whenever I want to listen to any audio stream. HA providers talk the "stream audio" game but the quality is nowhere near acceptable. Not even talking about Bluetooth connectivity...
Dr. Cliff, I agree with everything you said. But I think you missed some good points: First, the AirPod Pro 2’s battery life is only 5 hours on average which can’t compete with my prescription HA’s that last all day. They charge fast but I don’t want to be without my HA’s for 30+ minutes while charging. Plus I don’t always want to carry around the charging case either. Second, many social situations don’t allow you to walk around with AirPods in your ears, people would consider it rude and think you’re listening to something else. Even though we can do this with Bluetooth HA’s, people can’t see them and if they can will assume they are just HA’s. Third, when I use my AirPod pros currently I’m always fiddling with the equalizer etc. to try to adjust for my type of hearing loss and can never get it even close. When Apple comes out with their update this fall and after I have used the apple hearing test (or load in your Dr’s prescription) the output sound will now adjust for my type of hearing loss (at least something close to it) and it will adjust across all of my Apple devices I use the AirPod Pro 2’s on. That one is a big plus for me.
Your first 2 points are right on! In the amplifying mode the Airpods may only get about 4 hours of battery life. Walking around in Airpods all day is also not comfortable or practical - and YES others will think you are being rude. Thank you for pointing this out.
Battery life is kind of a moot point when you look at $200 or really $199 commonly. People could have two or three pairs with them at that point. As for the issue of looks it’s pro and con of the hearing aid. If you wear AirPod Pro 2 and go into a public place people might think you are being kind of rude but they don’t think you need a hearing aid. That is a big deal for younger people with mild or moderate hearing loss as people try to avoid looking like they are wearing one.
@@TheCowthulu All good points, everyone has different circumstances. As for me, the simplicity of not carrying around 3 AirPods Pro's is a big one. No one can even tell I wear hearing aids, most are shocked when I tell them. I wear Oticon One's. I still feel that AirPods will never replace hearing aids in most situations. I can't see a young person wearing them when they are doing a job interview or other important things like that. It's not socially acceptable quite yet. Maybe in time though.
I could imagine using air pod pros as a backup device. Sometimes I need to change my hearing aids before I am ready. I could use the AirPods in this case. They would be helpful when my hearing aids need to be repaired too.
Yes, the AirPods have their own microphone and speaker so you don't need them to connect to your phone after initial setup. Initially, though, you'll need to pair your AirPods with your iPhone so the most recent phone software (iOS 18.0.1) can test your hearing and create your audiogram then, finally, optimize the AirPods to your particular audiogram. I don't own a pair yet but plan on ordering a pair to see if they'll improve my mild hearing loss.
Dr. Cliff, do you have any idea if this is more of a hardware issue or a software issue in terms of the AirPods not measuring up to prescription hearing aids? Thanks.
for a first move into the market and not top level expectations .... what do you expect for the price. they are great IMO. Secondly what do you know about the H2 clip compared to top model chips. Are the current AirPods weaknesses due to hardware [H2 still not up to it] or immature software?
I have a few questions question is this: Does Apple hearing aids have AuraCast? Can it Apple hearing aids be used as a CROS/BiCross? Can Apple hearing aid set be separated for people who need only one hearing aid?
I think it‘s necessary to differentiate between the different tasks. A classic HA is used more or less the whole day. I wouldn’t use the AirPods Pro 2 for this. But I have a certain loss on one ear and what I need is a correction of volume and frequency on this side for the use as Bluetooth speakers. In this case I don’t believe that the AirPods Pro 2 are a bad choice.
The brilliant thing they do and also their fundamental limitation in terms of sound quality is that they use digital processing to create the illusion of an open fit. They will get better with that over time, and quite a bit of AI.
In 2017 I paid 1500 CAN for a piece of trash sold as hearing aids. When I complained, they said that I had to understand that the hearing aids were a miracle of micro technology, and I needed to learn how to adjust my hearing to the hearing aids. Horrible experience. Of course, they kept my data and maybe they sold it because once in a while I receive phone calls or emails from companies selling super miniaturized technology. I don't care if I have to wear a helmet, I just want to hear.
Doctor Cliff, please test if the new Apple Watch can be connected to Bluetooth LE Audio and stream Music (without iPhone nearby) directly to my Oticon Intent. Thank you!
I bought the AirPods Pro 2 and took the hearing test with the last public beta of iOS 18.1. My old hearing aid was better, period. The App2 make music sound much better than when I listen to music through speakers while wearing my hearing aid. I was always bummed about using any AirPods because I had to remove my hearing aid to wear both AirPods and store my hearing aid in its case, in my pocket. I was paranoid that I would lose my hearing aid. Well, I lost my hearing aid. I think it was in my pocket, wrapped up in a cloth, because I had forgotten the case. and it came out when I was shuffling through my pocket. So the AirPods Pro 2 are my "go to" hearing aids until I buy a new set. I think my insurance will pay for it, but until then, please speak slowly and clearly into my left ear.
I have Phonak Audéo P90-13Ts that I use in concert with RogerOn Microphones. The major deficiency is I sweat a great deal and can’t use these hearing aids during workouts. They quickly short out. The model with this large battery is important because I need to maximize battery life. Three of my workouts each week are with a trainer. Much of what the trainer tells me I don’t hear when not wearing hearing aids. Sign language of a sort , developed over three years gets us by. I have just bought the pro 2 & tuned them to my prescription from my audiologist. First trial in a training session will be tomorrow. I’ll be thrilled if I can hear her. That set of hearing aids are in the forth year of use. Often I use two RogerOns. Not having them is an awful thought. I do have breakage problems with the wire that connects the molded earpiece to the guts of the hearing aid, also with tabs on earpiece. All of this provided by the Veterans Administration.
I have tried many of the high end hearing aid products and although I saw some benefit in hearing they did not do not come close to their claims when it comes to group conversations or in a public environment such as a restaurant or club. But the biggest disappointment was streaming quality was worse than $20 dollar earbuds. When walking outside, I lost service constantly when my phone was in my pocket, the sound quality was horrendous, and wind noise was irritating. That was from numerous brands and models of $3000+ name brand hearing aids. When they can come up to the same level of streaming quality as a $50 pair of earbuds and make a bigger difference for my hearing in the situations most needed than I would be happy to buy them. But after trying numerous audiologists, numerous brands and models, and many adjustments, I have become skeptical.
I love conversation boot mode of airpod pro 2. Problem of conventional hearing aids are not able to identify and boot conversation from others, I don’t know how apple did it but wish them further enhance that function. My hearing losses are left side -65db , right side-55db, a hopeless situation, but airpod pro 2 provided improved hearing experience.
What I don’t get is how they can work as active earplugs, but the AirPod pros don’t. If they both have active noise cancelling, I’d think it’d be about the same. I did try it with the originals at a show and the music sounded way better that way, but my ears were ringing more than usual after that (I have had tinnitus for 35 years).
I remember a video you made about the AirPods Pro 2 around two years ago. In that video, you seemed more optimistic about their performance compared to your current opinion. I recall you mentioning that for the price, the AirPods Pro 2 were good for what they were, but not the quality of a true hearing aid. It seems like your opinion has changed, which is surprising. I hope you get the chance to test the new updated version of the AirPods Pro 2. I'll be interested in hearing your review. But, until the cost of traditional hearing aids comes down, I'll probably continue using over-the-counter options. If my lifestyle changes, I may consider true hearing aids again.
About hearing advisor, when they test hearing aids, are hearing aids one-side ear or two-side ears? They open the score, but I don't know their criteria.
The only thing the iPods are good for is when I need to charge my Phonak . They provide a slight boost in sound to get me through. I would never wear them outside the house as aids.
I recently bought a pair of these pro 2 essentially for the hearing aid feature. The reason I did is it’s a whole lot easier to justify $200 versus $2,000 + for professional hearing aids. Do I expect them to perform as well as professionally fit (from a good audiologist)? Absolutely not. But it’s the difference between an off the rack suit and a tailored suit. The tailored suit is going to fit you so much better, be more comfortable and better looking. But those aren’t cheap. And the price difference is hard to swallow for the casual suit wearer. It’s the same with hearing aids. So, I’ll try them and see. If I end up using the earpod pros, then maybe investing $2,000 or more for significantly better hearing aids is a good investment for me. Prior to the pandemic I had visited an audiologist with the plan of getting some hearing aids. But when covid struck good hearing seemed less important. Anyway I appreciate your honest reviews of these products. Thank you. 🙏🏼
The workings of our inner ear is extremely intricate, delicate, and tiny. We can’t go in and fix the trouble spots like a heart or a knee. But I imagine there’s some research on how we might be able to in the future.
I think this would be great for someone with a mild hearing loss but when you have a severe high loss in the high frequencies (which a lot of patients seem to have) they won’t be THAT beneficial. Also, patients with a profound loss forget it. But I am interested to see. Maybe I am wrong and apple will have some amazing update and ruin the hearing care industry as we know it. Only time will tell.
I do have 2800 € prescription hearing aids bought just few months ago. Happy with them but they are no good for listening to music and not for phone calls via Bluetooth. Form music and videos I use Focal Bathys. I am looking forward testing the Apple Pro 2 AirPods. If I can use them for certain situations (music on flights, video calls, phone calls) and they do the same or better sound improvement I get from my Bathys and Mimi I am happy to spend 240 € on them 🙂😎
Thank you Doctor Cliff - I appreciate your straight-forward explanation. I am still looking forward to acquiring some AirPods Pro 2 because a) I already have a good iphone with iOS 18... and therefore my incremental cost is only the $250.. b) I have no extended medical coverage.. and I live in Canada and others tell me professional hearing aids are $5,000 here. c) my hearing loss is low to mid, not severe.. and the mimi app accurately described my experience "you have no problem in normal conversations but struggle to hear words in group conversations". so I am hopeful of getting a little help for a price I can afford. The last feature is that they are multi-functional - they will work to help my hearing but also function for multiple devices and multiple uses.
I've been thru 3 sets of prescription aids and am unhappy. They always crank up the high end frequencies such that female voices are painful while the mid tones of male voices are insufficient. What I really need is for Apple to make a "graphic equalizer" function so that I can tune the entire range in real time out in the real world. (anyone remember the car radio equalizer?) I know several other "old guys" that are not getting what they want out of their aids. With our ageing population I think Apple has a real opportunity to increase sales here with a 'fine tuning app'.
Even if they don't work that well for hearing, you still have a great ear bud for listening to music and podcast. I will not spend thousands of dollars ever 4 or 5 years on hearing aids
You just said you set them up with not the right app you set them up with a different app because the software wasn’t upgraded to 18 so how do you know if they really work
i damaged my hearing 2 months ago. Got a pair of these and then got an official hearing test and report. The results were very close. The fact is these things are dam good. Not only that but after i got my official hearing test chart i entered the results and it worked very good. I would highly recommend them and i'm a new user.
I really like your channel. But are not hearing aids like eye glasses. A few company’s price fixing the product. I use my Apple AirPods when home. They work great to help me when using my iPhone, iPad and Mac. When I go out I use my prescription hearing aids. That makes for a nice balance. Why have you not considered that?
I paid $5000 ($6000 w/insurance) for my “clinical grade” hearing aids….Starkey. Previous to that I’d tried Audien otc. Terribly disappointed with the “clinical grade” hearing aids. No way are they worth what I paid for them (still paying for them).
Desperately trying to justify his existence. AirPods Pro 2 will not be good enough for everyone, but I have found that they are good enough for me (moderate hearing loss) and even provide functions and features that expensive hearing aids do not support. I would not expect someone like this to provide a fair review.
Live sound is not practical because it has a 1.5 ms response time. I like having these in addition to hearing aids, but not a replacement. I'll have to get IOS 18 loaded to really try out the other features i guess.
No, just to set it up to your needs and preferences, afterwards they will automatically use these settings when you enter transparency mode even if not connected to a device (at least that`s the way it worked until now...)
The AirPods are a game changer, he clearly realises the impact they will have, hence publishing the old tests. lets face it for a non-intended use. I strongly suspect that when the Apple update comes it will be the game changer.
Good video. AirPods are a GREAT 1ST STEP! - I have two issues with going to an audiologist: TRUST & COST. I hear of hearing aids can cost upwards of $3,000 for mild hearing issues. And I have not had anyone tell me they love their audiologist. So buying an AirPods Pro 2 was almost a free way to take a step toward addressing the problem since I wanted some (AirPods anyway). AirPods got me to do a Mimi app test. (I am sure that an app can't do as well as a test by an audiologist.) Now I have a better understanding of my situation. I don't expect AirPods Pro 2 to solve my issue completely!! I am just looking for a first step.--- As for trusting an audiologist I give your video a positive but mixed review. You come across as very sincere give you 9.5 and you point out how Apple has helped. But then you seem like you are sick of people saying Apple is going to destroy your industry. (Yes, I have love/hate relationship with Apple for 40 years.) Ok. I get that that. --- You got into a low level rant about Apple/AirPods which your peers may appreciate but it was not as helpful, as it could have been, when I am trying to decide if I can trust a audiologist. SUMMARY: I am more likely to trust an audiologist because of your video but....
Hearing Aid business sells $1200-$5000 hearing aids. Their market, profits, and jobs are at risk. Most people dont have insurance so its often 100% out of pocket. The Apple Airpod Pro 2 is nothing more than fair. It does not replace a good hearing aid but at $250 it makes better hearing affordable for many.
I think we will need to see how the test goes for accuracy vs a clinical test. It’s also going to be interesting to see if it detects more severe hearing loss beyond its capability if it recommends a clinical test and clinical hearing aid. The thing I consider is the fact that millions of people own AirPod Pro 2 already so it’s an easy to try feature to see hearing improvement based on the test. Especially if I can turn it on and off to hear the difference and depending on the results I might schedule a hearing exam. Overall my hope would be that it changes the development of the AirPod Pro 3. I do think a lot of owners of AirPods are more likely to take the test at home.
I have very mild hearing loss. I've had many test. Some said there was no problem and other test were not positive. My problem is the sounds that doesn't bother many people make it difficult for me to hear others speech. I've tried other OTC hearing aids which only amplified the sound. With Apple now having OTC rating the control of background sounds was enough for me to hear conversations with air conditioners, wind and other sounds that people take for granted are easier for me to hear now. With the AirPod Pro being classified as OTC if I'm pulled over by the police I can fight the ticket since when I roll my window down I can understand the officer instead of trying to hear him by reading his lips. If I had $4000 hearing aids that would be overlooked. 😊
Thank you, I bought the pro2 for 2 reasons; my present AirPod batteries are toast and would last 30 minutes, and I have a hard time hearing in different environments and wanted to dabble into the hearing aid market. I’ve yet to get the pro2 working even remotely to call them helpful in a crowd, but I’m learning. They are great Bluetooth ear buds so it’s not wasted money. While true prescription aids would be a real out of pocket burden, not impossible, but I must know exactly what I’m getting myself into. This was a good investment as I learn the terminology and science behind my (our, as my wife will also benefit) needs. So we probably will be investing in prescription hearing aids. I appreciate your honesty input and will follow more of your articles. Thanks again.
Hey Dr. thanks for the video, I have the AP 2 and for me they work just fine. I have medium hearing loss and have used a few others than AP2 and will admit the high dollar ones do work a lot better but for the money and all the other things they do I think the AP2 do just fine. My right ear drum is 3/4 gone and do need to boots the volume on that side but other than that they are at least making it so i can hear something. Just dont buy them thinking they will fix hearing loss.
I have been using hearing aids for over two decades. The hearing prices are ridiculous and the performance is dicey.
I recently found that I could use my AirPods as a hearing aid and was pleasantly surprised at its performance.
It’s a boon to the hearing impaired community and I’m sure millions will be benefited.
SAME
In Brazil, Apple Airpods are very cheap comparing to the hearing aid mafia devices.
That was well said. They are a mafia.
I am using my air pod pro as hearing aid and is just wonderful. I’ve tried a lot hearing aids and none of them worked as well as the AirPod pro. It’s wonderful
It's outrageous how expensive hearing aids are and a lot of times they don't work that well. I hope Apple puts the companies that make expensive hearing aids out of business or at the very least force them to lower their prices. It sickens me how companies take advantage of someone with a hearing disability by charging the consumer way more than what the product is actually worth.
@@dmarcus1260 won't happen. OTC targets the portion of the market that are not currently getting hearing aids. In fact, it is actually increasing the amount of people that are getting Rx hearing aids.
I will admit that I don’t like much Apple as a company but if anyone is going to disrupt the business with the hearing aid it will be them but not only. To me this is the beginning of the end or at least I hope so. Now the other companies in the field producing headphones will jump in- Samsung , Bose ect and in couple years only people with severe hearing loss will be getting the prescription HA and maybe not even them. I was wondering for years why companies like Samsung and Apple don’t disrupt the field…
@@DrCliffAuDTrue! I have had HA’s for the past twenty years, and it took that long to find the great audiologist I work with now. The good and the bad experiences along the way have helped me gain a very good understanding of what works for me. Phonak and now Oticon have been the top brands for me.
@@vlrdmtr Bose is behind the OTC Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose, with a price $999. However, they only treat mild to moderate hearing deficiencies. If Apple decided to introduce a prescriptive hearing aid, it would probably have a high list price, since Apple always charges premium prices for everything it sells. Yet Apple would be highly competitive because it always tries to be the best in the market.
@@DrCliffAuD why do my AirPods pro 1 sound better on streaming audio than my “clinical” hearing aids?
Notice there is no follow up review where he actually test the AirPods using the hearing aid test. Apple did an amazing job with the AirPod Pro 2 and the hearing aid app protects your hearing gives a natural sounding experience. Thank you, Apple.
It's really horrible when doctors and manufacturers charge THOUSANDS of dollars for RX hearing aids. I'm glad companies are trying to make more affordable options for most people that can't afford these expensive hearing aids.
@@Vicki_Benji well, I guess we'll see if what Apple is doing will actually work. So far the only ones who have figured out how to successfully treat hearing loss is the Major Manufacturers with the professional support of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists. Everyone else has not been successful.
@@DrCliffAuD I agree because most people need more affordable options.
I don’t have any level of expectation that Apple AirPods 2 are going to put the hearing aid industry out of business…. That said… what I don’t hear you addressing… is that prescription hearing aids average $5K, or 20 times the cost of the AirPods, and are rarely if ever covered by insurance. In short… there is a reason that people try these devices… even as a preliminary step… When the medical community starts addressing this issue, when they push back on the insurance companies to start covering these devices…. Then and only then will you be in a position to complain about what Apple is doing… Kudos to them (and it kills me to say that) for attempting an affordable solution even if they don’t address all of the requirements… At least they’re trying to address the real problem… which is not about who makes them, but who can afford them…
I mean, he doesnt because thats not what the video is about.
If he wants to speak about that, its on a different video😅
I think this is awesome and the old pro 2 version works better than my real hearing aids which do not protect my hearing from loud sounds or have Bluetooth streaming because they are too expensive. Also the hearing aids I have now worked as well as the ones the Dr. Office put on my ears to the tune of 4-5 thousand dollars. For some reason, the air pods pro sounds better for me and I love the sound cancellation feature. Also because they are more affordable, I don’t have to have a wire, a mask and eyeglass stems all pressing on my ears making them painful while working. Technology is good but everyone is different and every person does not have the same reasons for hearing loss and may perceive sounds differently. I feel if these help someone to join the fun and hear better then they shouldn’t be pressured into spending over a thousand dollars and up for the top notch technology. I will be buying the newest Apple hearing aids. I have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Just bought Airpods pro 2 to use as hearing aids. The software is not out yet, however the transparency mode already is a godsend! Increaseing clarity and vocal clarity allows me to not have closed caption on movies. It even sounds very natural!
Thanks. Would you please share if Apple AirPods Pro 2 needs the apple phone to do the setup for the hearing aid? Can I use Apple AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aid without Apply phone? Thanks
@@smyrnatennese2711 Since the hearing aid software is not yet out, I can't say with authority. I have an Android phone, but I do have an Apple mini computer. Apple says that will work with the upcoming software.
@@smyrnatennese2711Yes you can, use a friend’s apple phone to set it up, once it’s set up you don’t need the phone anymore.
@@smyrnatennese2711 you need iphone to do initial setup, but after that you dont need to connect it to an iphone. In fact after setting up with an iphone, dont connect the airpods to another bluetooth phone and it will remember the last settings it received from that iphone. You can make them a dedicated "hearing aid" pair.
This is the real world info I came for...scoial media and comments are a godsend
I have no illusions that a $200+ AirPod is going to replace my $$$$$ hearing aids. But I do appreciate that they can now be programmed to accommodate my individual hearing parameters. Kudos to Apple for recognizing that every individual has an optimal hearing environment and attempting to make their product(s) accordingly. That includes the noise level warnings I get on my phone and Apple watch to the adaptive mode sound level adjustments for ambient noise and the very good noise cancelation mode on the AirPods Pro 2. I also like the transparent mode the automatically adjusts for conversation and music and sound tracks sound better when your hearing profile is incorporated in the device. Both devices have their place and I think that is going to be understood by most consumers either intuitively or through experience.
I'm glad that traditional $$$$ work for you. I believe one thing Apple will do very well is accommodate the folks who have mild hearing loss issues. They are the worlds' wealthiest corporation and investing millions into this. When you call Applecare about hearing aid issues, they have a stand alone Applecare division just for the hearing assistance feature. Yeah, their quite serious about this. Good for them.
Unfortunately, there is no transparency about where this extra money goes. Better components? More clever software and setup? Distribution networks? High paid jobs and excellent margins for the manufacturer? We do not know.
I’m not so sure it is true that AirPods can’t compete with traditional, and much more expensive, hearing aids. As Cliff mentioned, Apple has far, far, far … far more money with which to do R & D. And they can hire the very best people to do the work, assuming they want to. And while Apple doesn’t sell more AirPods annually than the total number of hearing aids that are sold annually, I’ll bet that Apple does outsell any single hearing aid manufacturer.
My point is that Apple absolutely has the resources to produce better and cheaper hearing aids in the form of AirPods than any one currently making hearing aids and selling them for tons of money. The only question would be … do they want to spend the time and money? Apparently the answer is yes, at least a little, since they have been doing it already. Also, AI might well be able to tune them as well as an Audiologist in the future.
It isn’t completely altruistic either. If Apple were to hit a home run with AirPods as hearing aids, it will work in conjunction with their iPhone, driving more customers to their ecosystem of products. Once people have iPhones they are more likely to buy Macs, etc, etc, etc.
The AirPods Pro 2 might not compete with traditional hearing aids now, but I wonder if the AirPods Pro 4’s or 5’s will. When I see how much my dad spends on hearing aids and how poorly they work, I wish Apple all the best in their endeavors.
Seeing someone who's videos are regularly sponsored by hearing aid manufacturers bashing an OTC product that hasn't been released yet not once, but twice in a week, makes me really look forward for its release and its further development. Thanks Cliff!
I also think Apple nailed it with the new software, firmware and now included hearing test for AirPod 2 Pro’s. The test results were nearly identical to the “professional” one given by an audiologist and the resulting sound of the AirPods with the applied EQ curve and decibel adjustments is amazing. Music, TV and dialog and phone calls sound great. A much fuller and richer sound overall than the $6400.00 ReSound Ones I purchased, now wishing I hadn’t. I ultimately think the hearing aid market has been taking advantage of folks for a long, long time. Thank you, Apple.
Thank you, sir, but ...
As an experienced HA user who also has Air Pods Pro 2 set up as hearing devices using an older audiogram, i'm inclined to wait and see (hear) what Apple delivers. The Air Pods do not present, for me, the same user experience as the HAs but i have found them useful. When i'm not wearing the HAs the APs do improve sound level presented to my ears and aid in conversation; i don't have to run get the HA's to have a conversation. The APs have added benefit of being far superior in playing music into my ears. Furthermore, APs have been extremely reliable, in the time i've owned them i've been through two sets of receivers, $400.
Would it be a good buy for someone who has not used HA previously? Considering the regular HA devices themselves are very costly.
@@dushyantaswal6528 Howdy. Dr Cliff may not be able to reply and i do not wish you to feel ignored; may i respond?
i am a hearing device user, not a doctor or dispenser of HAs. My sense in the matter is, no, this is _not_ a potential good buy for someone who needs help hearing. In my judgment, Apple is showing the AirPods Pro have potential and my hope is that Apple will improve them. However, i have no expectancy Apple will make that so. Over the counter hearing devices are limited by U.S. law as to how much sound is presented in the ears. That limit has the effect of making the APs truly effective for people with mild hearing loss only.
Most folks don't seek treatment until they fall into the moderate hearing loss category. Treatment of moderate hearing loss requires amplification of external sounds, signal proccessing to amplify higher frequency sounds more than lower frequency sounds, and is greatly aided by sound proccessing that lessons static noises, buzzing sounds, rumbling sounds, etc. that, as we age, we hear better than the voices and music we wish to hear. The need to do all this and have a skilled person custom tune the HAs to to how the patient's brain proccesses information from the ears is why the devices are $$$$.
The AirPods Pro just aren't engineered for all that.
But, should you wish to try them, understand the AirPods Pro are for people with mild hearing loss to use them in relative quiet environments. Around the house, for instance.
i hope this helps. Best wishes to you.
@@lowellwhite8810 Thanks a lot for this descriptive response. Appreciate it. 🙏
I tried the Beta firmware that came with iOS 18.1 Beta and I was amazed at how well they worked. The sound is better and listening to streamed conversation is very good. I think it’s going to be a game changer for hearing aid provision. Apple has done a lot to make hearing care better.
do you have hearing loss ?, i have mild and moderate hearing loss and i am considering to buy both i phone and air pods for this only reason and i also have traditional hearing aids basic model , i still cant hear properly people voice in noisy environment
I recently lost most of my hearing and this has really helped me a lot. I hope they’re able to improve it because this is a game changer for my hearing. It’s affordable too.
Dr Cliff, I really appreciate you and the help you're providing everyone with hearing loss and perhaps you're right, but I think your message would resonate more if you did this review after Apple comes out with the update. Making this video before Apple even releases the update seems a little disingenuous.
I thought so too....
@@rherteux they didn't upgrade the hardware and unless they COMPLETELY started from scratch with help from a major hearing aid manufacturer, I doubt it will be much different/better than their original feature.
@@DrCliffAuD I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic. What they demo'd at their keynote on Sept 9 looks like something that will make a real difference and I can't imagine Apple would make a big deal out of this if it wasn't a noticeable improvement, we'll see. I'm on their iOS 18.1 beta track so I'm hoping the next beta brings the feature so I can try it out for myself.
@@DrCliffAuDisn't their h2 chip samples audio 48000 per sec unlike hearing aid which sample less like 700 or so?
@@DrCliffAuDwhy would a hardware upgrade be necessary? Yes the current transparent mode is not nearly as good as my HA’s, but I don’t think this is due to the hardware, apart from the issue of being unvented and therefore requiring digital simulation of venting. They will find a software solution to this and other limitations. I believe they have better mics and drivers than HA’s because they have more real estate, and of course the processor is much, much faster than any HA.
Tim Apple got these guys shaking in their boots
Yep. Watching this video, it is clear that Dr Cliff has some concerns about his business. I have had prescription hearing aids for over 5 years and AirPods Pro 2 for one year. I can honestly say the AirPods are better with the transparency mode conversation boost in an environment where there is significant background noise., I'm really looking forward to the full hearing features when they are approved for use in my country. The added benefit of loud sound reduction is unavailable with my prescription hearing aids.
What exactly is the technical difference between “over the counter” and “clinical grade”? Is it just a measure of protecting some companies or are there actual differences like better components, more microphones, better calibration, better software…?
I have Oticon Intents that were fit by a fantastic audiologist that follows the best practices you recommend. I will be purchasing Apple AirPods Pro 2 for one reason. When I exercise, eat alone in a restaurant, or fly on an airplane, I like to listen to audiobooks. My hearing aids suck at this. I cannot hear the audiobook signal in my hearing aids when the external noise level is increased. Even turning the hearing aid volume to 0 does not help because I only have moderate hearing loss. I do not want closed dome or custom molds since I really like to have the remaining hearing I have and then use the hearing aids to give me back the high frequency for voice. My ear canal is really small which precluded the use of the older AirPods Pro. Your first video was great because it told me that the new ones have an even smaller silicone fittings that may solve my problem. So - when I am using the AirPods Pro, it would be really nice to switch them to "hearing aid mode" to have even a little bit of hearing improvement for the few minutes that I need it. Once I am out of those situations I will put my Oticons back in.
What I really want to know is when will Apple enable LE Audio in their devices. Any news or rumors? Thanks
Well said. $250 Airpods pro are addressing more of the situations that hearing aids don't. ty
I agree with you on hearing aids not having a good sound when streaming music. Mine also suck for that!
Perhaps it is Oticon's (made for iPhone) Bluetooth? My Phonaks stream very well, and while both Oticon and Phonak have great products, ny preference is for Phonak because they use standard/legacy Bluetooth that works extremely well.
@@bob-N4REE The bluetooth is not the issue. In normal environments it works great. Even connects to my Mac, iPad, or phone seamlessly. The problem is when I am in a noisy environment I can't hear music or audiobooks since the hearing aids are not noise cancelling. Those are the situations when AirPods Pro can be great. I would never trade my Oticons for their pods in any other situation.
Thank you! I have a similar issue with my Signia. Listening streamed audio is possible, but it's painful. It makes my head ache.
Bought the AirPods 2 Pro for listening to music and answering phone calls while in the gym and being out and about. Appreciated the fact that one earbud can be used independently while driving which helped immensely while listening to the directions of Google or Apple Maps. But only just a month ago updated the IPhone to IOS 18 which now provides hearing aid functions. MAN… that has been a real eye, or shall we say an ear opener. Despite having moderate hearing loss am now no longer asking people to repeat themselves. Friends and family have noticed a huge change particularly when watching tv where before the volume is now reduced by half. If there is any complaint about using the hearing aid option of the AirPods it would be reducing the battery life by about a third. Is not perfect but am totally satisfied with the improvements to hearing for less than $200.
As a user of HAs for nearly 15 years, I’ve always been disgruntled by the lackluster technology inside of even the top of the line models. Not to mention the exorbitant cost. I greatly welcome more competition in the industry to help move the needle forward. Even if Apple isn’t quite up to snuff yet, I believe if any company can do it, it’s Apple. 10 years ago my ENT expressed similar concerns, and firmly believed the landscape will shift towards the direction of smart phones/accessories within the decade.
AirPods are more durable and far less expensive to replace. Great for Mild to Moderate hearing loss
Im beta testing the hearing aid feature right now. And so far im loving it. The test determined my left ear was bad vs my right.
I used to go to a private practice audiologist who sold me on the ReSound GN brand. They were extremely expensive, over $5k and didn't work very well with my iPhone. When playing music, it sounded tinny. And the hands-free phone option was horrible. I would always grab my AirPods for both. Now, I go to Costco for my hearing test and hearing aids (Jabra GN). They are made by the same company as ReSound GN but are a third the price and better. I recently purchased the AirPod Pro 2's to give them a try while working on projects and listening to music. I love the noise cancellation feature as it really mutes the lawnmower noise and allows me to listen to my music without having it at full volume. The extra bonus is the hearing aid feature. it works good enough to hear those around me without me having to change back and forth between my AirPods and hearing aids. Maybe they aren't clinical, but they do have a place with us hearing impaired folks. 🙂
Two things that you say confuse me: 1. How can you attack the Apple Hearing platform before it even exists? Do you know that it won't be any different from the AirPods Pro 2 as they are today? 2. You say that the Apple Hearing platform may achieve 10% of the benefit of hearing aids. What, if anything, is your "10%" based on? It will be interesting to look back at your negative review of the Apple Hearing platform once it is actually available in a few weeks.
To be fair the airpods 2 are meant to be headphones for music lover , and being a pair of hearing aids is actually their "side job". they cost only a fraction of an OTC so I think it's not really reasonable to expect them to be a replacement of an OTC. airpods may work as a pair of secondary hearing aids, when you don't want to wear your true hearing aids. and you can enjoy your music at the same time.
I have old hearing aids and AirPods Pro 2 and my hearing are absolutely killing the AirPods in speech clarity and yet my HAs are vastly inferior to the newer models. I do absolutely love the fact that I load my audiogram into my iPhone and listen to music in a very clear sounding manner with AirPods. I just can’t live with them as hearing aids.
Apple has not yet released the hearing aid software for the Airpods Pro 2.
At t]present they are just amplifiers, not hearing aids.
Wait and see how you like them when they do.
@@ray-tz6bu what is coming out is a hearing test that you will load in your phone. You are not getting 4000$ hearing aids out of an AirPod.
Most people I know who got prescription hearing aides paid a lot for them and are using them, but they aren’t all that happy with them. That’s why I’ve held back on spending in the thousands for prescription hearing aides.
It really pains me to have to say this but I have been wearing hearing aids a long time & before Bluetooth. I have had Signia chargeNGo, Phonak Marvel, KS-10, Paradise and now Luminity. All the top of the line. I also have a Roger device. Using the Apple pro 2 in restaurants, in the car, on planes where I travel 4 times a year I hear speech better then any of my hearing aids. Now I know you will probably say those hearing aids just have not been programmed correctly. Really? Now I will admit the Apple pro 2 do not compensate for my hearing loss but in many situations they are better.
Undoubtedly, my professional Starkey hearing aids outperform the AirPods Pro when used as hearing aids; however, when considering the cost, they do not surpass them by a factor of 24.
Very self-serving video clip. He didn’t tell us where this product falls short. Instead he went on a rant how terrible this thing is. I tried it and love it. In typical Apple fashion, it is seamless, works all the time, and extremely user-friendly moving from Bluetooth listening to hearing conversation around me. It streams music better than any other “ Bluetooth” heating aids I have ever tried. It is not a dedicated HA, but works for me as situational HA. If this is Apple’s first foray into HA, I expect the Apple will eventually dominate. Audiologists jobs and huge mark up on HA devices days are numbered, especially with AI
Sad, that software companies have to make this available because hearing aids cost so MUCH!
The think that actually caused me to see an audiologist was my experience with the the apple air pods pro 2 feed through feature. I could not believe how much better I could hear. I now have Oticon aids and am thrilled with the results all because of being prompted by my use of the air pods.
You use a phrase in this video a few times, 'professionally fitted,' and I don't know what that means? Does that mean taking the hearing loss by frequency results from a hearing test and then programming a prescription hearing aid? Also, you repeatedly say the prescription ones are better than over the counter or Air Pods. What makes this so? The electronics in them? Any adaptive algos for the user? The acoustic design of physical devices? Battery life? (Which I know is an issue for Air Pods.) I would appreciate a technical articulation of what makes them so poor.
The hearing aid industry needs to be reformed. The prices of these accessibilty tools are too expensive for what they can technically do. They often don't really function that well and some parts are just outdated. Streaming audio to my HA is so bad. I can't understand it. Sometimes it even doesn't work and I hav to reconnect them to my iPhone. I paid 1600 € per side myself to get them. Directional hearing as claimed is impossible and noise reduction is absence. When sitting in a bar/restaurant I have trouble to hear people in front of me but everything behind me seems crystal clear. HOW? Even if Apples solution isn't perfect, I'd prefer their product for just about 200 $.
I waited for iOS 18.1 to come out then I got the reasonable AirPods to use for now; gad what I was missing all these years- I can hear things again. The test read that I had a moderate hearing loss in both ears. I am 77 and if I live long enough I know that it will only get worse. Once it does, I was told by the VA that because I worked in submarine engine rooms I was guaranteed top of the line hearing aids, but I am in no hurry, and I doubt that they will have the total performance of the Apple AirPods.
I purchased the AirPods 4 ( non sealed on the ear canal) with noise cancellation. I was absolutely surprised at how well it works. Just goes to show how extensive research and very deep pockets can push technology forward. Add Google, Bose and Sennheiser to the equation, wait 5 years and today’s prescription hearing aids are going to look like the old ear trumpet of 100 years ago. It’s the wake call up that the industry has needed for the last decade. True DSPs, memes based microphones and audio drivers have progressed as an astonishing rate but only from massive investment. I hope the prescription industry can keep up. Should get interesting.
I appreciate your insightful remarks!
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their hearing aid capabilities. Apple has already incorporated intelligent features into previous versions of the AirPods Pro, including spatial audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), and adaptive transparency mode. These features use advanced algorithms to adapt to sound environments, and the addition of AI would further enhance the user experience.
In the context of hearing aids, AI could be used to adjust the sound in real time, based on ambient sounds and the user’s hearing preferences. Apple could also develop algorithms that can automatically detect specific situations (loud noises, conversations, etc.) and adjust the volume or clarity accordingly. This would significantly improve the AirPods Pro 3’s capabilities as hearing aids, making them more intuitive and effective for people with hearing loss.
Additionally, Apple has been working on health and hearing technologies for several years, and recent advances in AI, including chips like the H2, are aligned with this strategy. This suggests that future generations of AirPods Pro will integrate even more intelligence to personalize audio based on the environment and individual hearing needs
I have moderate hearing loss and can’t put out the money at the moment for hearing aids with an audiologist. I’ve ordered the AirPods Pro 2 to see just how much they can help. If i get some help from them for now I’ll be happy. If I do not, then I have a great pair of in ear headphones, which I’ve been wanting anyway. In the case they don’t help, I still have the option to visit and get prescription hearing aids when I have the money. So I feel I’ve not lost anything at this time and have some hope that they can be a band aid for the short term.
Give me your review on this as a hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss as mom suffers from it I am thinking to buy it and also update me after you update the airpods this fall
Yorumum türkçe olduğu için kusura bakmayın, Fakat Orta Derece İşitme kaybım var ve bu kulaklıklar benim için neredeyse 5 6 kat para ödemememi sağladılar. Ve süper çalışıyorlar. Şuanda 125 hz ve 8 Khz arasındaki odyo testlerimi sağlık uygulamasına yükledim ve videodaki ayarları yaptıktan sonra, duyma becerilerim süper oldu. Apple çok teşşekkürler. Artık uzakdaki insanlarla konuşmak benim için hiç sorun değil yada yan odadaki konuşmaları anlamak benim için çok kolay. Tam sürümü yayınlanmasını merakla bekliyorum. Umarım airpods pro 3 ile bu teknolojide daha iyileşir. işitme cihazları saniyede 700 kere tanırken bu cihaz 48000 kez sesi tanıyor ve düzeltiyor. Yüksek işitme kayıplarında işe yarayacağını düşünmüyorum. Artık toplantı ve seminerlere gitmek benim için bir korku değil, bilgi kaynağı sebebi oldu. İşitme engelli kardeşlerim bana bu yorum altından ulaşsın. Ve onlara da artık iyi bir duyma sağlayalım.
Translate?
@@pa1kumarbhukya tabi kullanabilirsin...
Hello Doctor Cliff, I am a French student in my final year of audiology, and I would like to focus my thesis on Bluetooth earphones that integrate hearing aid functions, comparing them with traditional hearing aids. I would love to discuss this topic with you and would like to know if there is a brand you would recommend for my study.
One thing to consider - I took the hearing test on the Apple AirPods Pro and it showed I had a moderate hearing loss. This led me to go to an audiologist and work with them to get properly tested/fitted to get hearing aids.
I’m the safety guy at work. Does Apple have a NRR noise reduction rating? I have several employees wearing ear buds for hearing protection but and not thrilled as I’m not sure if there is any actual protection from noise.
Why are there options to pay $3000, $4000 or $5000 for hearing aids that are the same brand? Are they good, better, or best? Why isn’t best the only option? I bought the $3000 ones and I’m really not too happy with them plus I’m wondering what I’m missing out on.
I can't answer your question but if I'd spent that much money to hear, I wouldn't be too happy either. What you're missing out on is $3000! I wish you better luck with the next pair of hearing aids you try. I'm going to try the Apple Air Pods Pro 2 and see if they work for me.
I wish they had a setting for people with single-sided deafness. I wear a CROS hearing aid, with a microphone and transmitter on my deaf side. I would love it if the AirPods could do that! But I know they'll never be as good as the professional CROS device I have.
Good point. I have had one sided hearing since 2019 when I suffered SSHL. My other ear has always had issues, but with a hearing aid, I hear like I used to with my good ear. My deaf ear has a cochlear implant. It would be cool if ear pods could connect with an implant sound processor. What I’d really like to know is would I be better with regular ear pods or the pros ? and would the ear pods make music sound more like I remember? When Ivstream through my HA, the sound comes out at a higher note and confuses my brain. It’s not single sided hearing because before the HA’s I only heard on one side because the other ear was not useful if that makes sense.
Ürünün özelliği tek taraflı olarak ayarlanabiliyor, ve sadece tek tarafa kulaklık takarakda bu özellikten faydalanabilirsiniz.
I'm new to hearing loss and learning. Why can't you just wear one? OTC or prescription. Set it as you are wearing both, but only wear one. Just wondering.
@@andrewwang8719I’m in the same situation. I tried using one in my weak ear for one on one conversation but it didn’t seem to work for me. I feel like if I could adjust via an EQ I could tailor it to work.
@@andrewwang8719 I’ve had nerve damage in one ear and have been a single sided hearing person without hearing aids most of my life. When I got my first set of hearing aids suddenly I coild hear out of both ears. That is until I suffered SSHL two years later. So I’m used to it. I lost the hearing in what was my better ear. Now without at least an HA in my now better ear, HOH. I have a cochlear implant in one ear and use an HA in the other so I’m kinda bCk to hearing in both ears. However when home I prefer to use the HA only. So you could do just an HA in one ear and use an Air Pod. As I said earlier my main issue is music sound a little different from what I remember. Like anote or two higher and then my brain has to adjust to the melody of the higher pitch to get it to sound normal again to me.
I've had Oticon More 3s for almost 3 years. I have been very pleased with them except for 2 hours a week. I lead 2 choir rehearsals every week. When I sing, everything gets distorted. I worked for 6-8 weeks with my audiologist to minimize this using the Music Program. If I really sing out, I need to reduce the volume 2 clicks in the Music Program. When I stop singing, the volume is to low for me to hear clearly questions from the group. I am capable of producing >90dB while singing (my apple watch often says so!). Do you think that the ipods pro 2s would be able to get me through rehearsals better than the Oticon More 3s? Or should I try another hearing aid that can handle the very wide dynamic range I need during rehearsals? I had hoped to get 6 years out of the More 3s.
You sir are part of the reason people are losing faith in “experts” you obviously have your own agenda. My wife paid thousands for hearing aids and complained daily of the tinny sound and poor music audio she also finds it difficult to both hear and be heard on the phone. These were fitted by hearing aid professional. I did a simple third party audio test which I’ve uploaded a profile to her AirPods and she finds then preferable to her expensive hearing aids in most cases. I expect this to be even better when the official app comes out.
Had the same result testing Signia Pure &Go versus AirPod Pro2s. The difference was shocking. Better performance, durability and price with AirPod pro2s. ($4600 vs $249)
I bought iPhone headphones from Dubai and did a hearing test, but unfortunately the hearing aid option did not appear on the phone.. I live in the Middle East..Im very dissapointed😢i dont know whats the prblem .
Personally I don’t think there is anyway OTC aids will work for someone that needs specialized care. OTC will most likely never replace the care a great audiologist can provide.
Im struggling to understand why this video is posted. He clearly says it is based on Apple AirPod hearing BEFORE the iOS update was available for testing. We now have the update and better jeering aid capabilities on the AirPods 2
All I wanted was an eq to give me more high end when using noise cancelling on a plane. I have very good hearing aids but they do not have noise cancelling. So I bought the version 2 and then found out that the hearing aid capability of airpods 2 (as limited as they might be) are not authorized in Canada.
I have the airpods pro. While they certainly sound different and amplify some high frequency, here is the test: can you tell the difference between a spoken "s" and "f"? Words like six and fix. Another one: low volume sounds: can you hear an approaching car from a distance? With my airpods pro, I can't hear a car coming until it's very close and then suddenly the sound of the car "turns on". I don't run with them anymore.
Dr Cliff, I hear a lot about the improvement of audio listening. Would this help the improvement of listening to someone in person in a crowded area or isolating voices compared to background noises?
My son recently bought these for my mom, his grandma, to try to help with her hearing. She’s been through the gamut of many hearing aides. She’s almost 93 and bed bound. It feels pointless to me to go through all it would take to get to an audiologist and pay thousands for heating aids that she may not wear very long. That being said, she’s been wearing otc hearing aides for the last two plus years and it’s time for a replacement they tell me. I’m still trying to figure out how to make the air pods plus 2 work as a hearing aid. It’s a high learning curve for me.
@@carriurquhart2838 yikes. I doubt she has only a mild to moderate hearing loss at that age.
Very informative. On a different note has anyone experienced headaches when using AirPods Pro 2 or pressure in the ear when noise cancellation is on?
This next video released by Dr. Cliff really clarifies the hearing aid situation with the new firmwear/software upgrade of the older already but still latest Apple AirPod Pro 2 device. Yes, it’s not a hardwear update but software update of the latest 2022 released AirPod Pro 2 model that will provide with upgraded HA features that made APPro 2 a FDA-approved OTC hearing aids category.
And this is very good news itself that Apple took care of the next step using their already a couple of years old latest AirPod Pro 2. So, now Dr. Cliff took care of clarifying and helping to address the public confusion what really Apple did. Thank you Dr. Cliff for your important effort to represent correctly from audiologist point of view what customer will have with AirPod Pro 2 devices. 😊
I have Resound Omnia 9 HA, but excited of the AirPod Pro 2 hearing aids capabilities, but still passed my APPro 2 to my daughter to use for hearing protection along with helping as OTC HA for certain hearing amplification and noise cancelation application. I can report that APPro 2 noise cancelation is really great resting on the long-haul plain travel eliminating almost 100% the noise.
I have meniere’s so use mine to protect against loud noises and they do help in crowded/noisy spaces. I bought both on sale. I’m looking forward to the update.
Ok iOS 18 been out for like a week already so where’s your (actual) DEVICE REVIEW PLEASE YOUR ARE THE BEST I APPRECIATE YOU! Maybe with real ear measurements, I think you call it please
It’s a specific update for the AirPods. Expected in October 2024.
@@Justme-wu5nw iOS 18 as far as I know is available on the newer iPhones. My phone is an XR and now considered ancient. The latest update is iOS 17.7. Iordered the new iPhone Plus. Was to receive last Wednesday, but the package is missing at a local UPS facility, so I’m still waiting.
When is the firmware update that implements the OTC hearing aid coming out? All audiologists should know how to fit these with real ear measurements etc.
Unfortunately the cost of our services would be as much at the Airpods - but without verification you have no idea what type of frequency response or gain your ear is receiving, which is why REM is done for all prescription hearing aids.
This is a good product for people who already use hearing aids. I’ve found it to be the highest fidelity music I’ve ever experienced, and in Spatial Audio. I literally cried. Therefore, I want it it be even more amazing, and would pay my audiologist $250 to fit them.
HI, Cliff! Great video. I am an Air Pods Pro 2 user, and use them for listening to tunes while I work out at the gym. It seems to me that the crux of the issue is whether Apple is able to improve the functionality of the device to start to materially address the issues of the significantly hearing impaired. I suspect that if they try to do that, they will have to upgrade the hardware and software and come out with a new model. Does this make sense to you?
Conversely, it would be advantageous for professional hearing aids to integrate advanced features similar to those of the AirPods Pro. It would indeed be pleasant if my prescription hearing aids could stream music with high-quality sound. The addition of active noise cancellation would also be a desirable feature.
@@allanmartin1876 Amen! I constantly find myself switching from my Starkey Evolvs to my AirPods whenever I want to listen to any audio stream. HA providers talk the "stream audio" game but the quality is nowhere near acceptable. Not even talking about Bluetooth connectivity...
Dr. Cliff, I agree with everything you said. But I think you missed some good points:
First, the AirPod Pro 2’s battery life is only 5 hours on average which can’t compete with my prescription HA’s that last all day. They charge fast but I don’t want to be without my HA’s for 30+ minutes while charging. Plus I don’t always want to carry around the charging case either.
Second, many social situations don’t allow you to walk around with AirPods in your ears, people would consider it rude and think you’re listening to something else. Even though we can do this with Bluetooth HA’s, people can’t see them and if they can will assume they are just HA’s.
Third, when I use my AirPod pros currently I’m always fiddling with the equalizer etc. to try to adjust for my type of hearing loss and can never get it even close. When Apple comes out with their update this fall and after I have used the apple hearing test (or load in your Dr’s prescription) the output sound will now adjust for my type of hearing loss (at least something close to it) and it will adjust across all of my Apple devices I use the AirPod Pro 2’s on. That one is a big plus for me.
Your first 2 points are right on! In the amplifying mode the Airpods may only get about 4 hours of battery life. Walking around in Airpods all day is also not comfortable or practical - and YES others will think you are being rude. Thank you for pointing this out.
Battery life is kind of a moot point when you look at $200 or really $199 commonly. People could have two or three pairs with them at that point.
As for the issue of looks it’s pro and con of the hearing aid. If you wear AirPod Pro 2 and go into a public place people might think you are being kind of rude but they don’t think you need a hearing aid. That is a big deal for younger people with mild or moderate hearing loss as people try to avoid looking like they are wearing one.
@@TheCowthulu All good points, everyone has different circumstances. As for me, the simplicity of not carrying around 3 AirPods Pro's is a big one. No one can even tell I wear hearing aids, most are shocked when I tell them. I wear Oticon One's. I still feel that AirPods will never replace hearing aids in most situations. I can't see a young person wearing them when they are doing a job interview or other important things like that. It's not socially acceptable quite yet. Maybe in time though.
I could imagine using air pod pros as a backup device. Sometimes I need to change my hearing aids before I am ready. I could use the AirPods in this case. They would be helpful when my hearing aids need to be repaired too.
I still don't understand. How does Airpod work as a hearing aid on its own without being connected to the phone? With its own microphone and speaker?
Yes, the AirPods have their own microphone and speaker so you don't need them to connect to your phone after initial setup. Initially, though, you'll need to pair your AirPods with your iPhone so the most recent phone software (iOS 18.0.1) can test your hearing and create your audiogram then, finally, optimize the AirPods to your particular audiogram. I don't own a pair yet but plan on ordering a pair to see if they'll improve my mild hearing loss.
Dr. Cliff, do you have any idea if this is more of a hardware issue or a software issue in terms of the AirPods not measuring up to prescription hearing aids? Thanks.
for a first move into the market and not top level expectations .... what do you expect for the price. they are great IMO. Secondly what do you know about the H2 clip compared to top model chips. Are the current AirPods weaknesses due to hardware [H2 still not up to it] or immature software?
I have a few questions question is this: Does Apple hearing aids have AuraCast? Can it Apple hearing aids be used as a CROS/BiCross? Can Apple hearing aid set be separated for people who need only one hearing aid?
I think it‘s necessary to differentiate between the different tasks. A classic HA is used more or less the whole day. I wouldn’t use the AirPods Pro 2 for this. But I have a certain loss on one ear and what I need is a correction of volume and frequency on this side for the use as Bluetooth speakers. In this case I don’t believe that the AirPods Pro 2 are a bad choice.
The brilliant thing they do and also their fundamental limitation in terms of sound quality is that they use digital processing to create the illusion of an open fit. They will get better with that over time, and quite a bit of AI.
In 2017 I paid 1500 CAN for a piece of trash sold as hearing aids. When I complained, they said that I had to understand that the hearing aids were a miracle of micro technology, and I needed to learn how to adjust my hearing to the hearing aids.
Horrible experience.
Of course, they kept my data and maybe they sold it because once in a while I receive phone calls or emails from companies selling super miniaturized technology.
I don't care if I have to wear a helmet, I just want to hear.
My 11k resound hearing aid does not even have a portable case with built in battery.
Doctor Cliff, please test if the new Apple Watch can be connected to Bluetooth LE Audio and stream Music (without iPhone nearby) directly to my Oticon Intent. Thank you!
Will this technology upgrade only be available in a newer AirPod hardware release or will it be available for earlier versions as well?
AFAIK, it is only for the current model AirPod Pro 2's, no support for other models is yet planned.
@@grahampearce2405 OK - thanks.
I bought the AirPods Pro 2 and took the hearing test with the last public beta of iOS 18.1. My old hearing aid was better, period. The App2 make music sound much better than when I listen to music through speakers while wearing my hearing aid. I was always bummed about using any AirPods because I had to remove my hearing aid to wear both AirPods and store my hearing aid in its case, in my pocket. I was paranoid that I would lose my hearing aid. Well, I lost my hearing aid. I think it was in my pocket, wrapped up in a cloth, because I had forgotten the case. and it came out when I was shuffling through my pocket. So the AirPods Pro 2 are my "go to" hearing aids until I buy a new set. I think my insurance will pay for it, but until then, please speak slowly and clearly into my left ear.
I have Phonak Audéo P90-13Ts that I use in concert with RogerOn
Microphones. The major deficiency is I sweat a great deal and can’t use these hearing aids during workouts. They quickly short out. The model with this large battery is important because I need to maximize battery life. Three of my workouts each week are with a trainer. Much of what the trainer tells me I don’t hear when not wearing hearing aids. Sign language of a sort , developed over three years gets us by. I have just bought the pro 2 & tuned them to my prescription from my audiologist. First trial in a training session will be tomorrow. I’ll be thrilled if I can hear her. That set of hearing aids are in the forth year of use. Often I use two RogerOns. Not having them is an awful thought. I do have breakage problems with the wire that connects the molded earpiece to the guts of the hearing aid, also with tabs on earpiece. All of this provided by the Veterans Administration.
I have tried many of the high end hearing aid products and although I saw some benefit in hearing they did not do not come close to their claims when it comes to group conversations or in a public environment such as a restaurant or club. But the biggest disappointment was streaming quality was worse than $20 dollar earbuds. When walking outside, I lost service constantly when my phone was in my pocket, the sound quality was horrendous, and wind noise was irritating. That was from numerous brands and models of $3000+ name brand hearing aids. When they can come up to the same level of streaming quality as a $50 pair of earbuds and make a bigger difference for my hearing in the situations most needed than I would be happy to buy them. But after trying numerous audiologists, numerous brands and models, and many adjustments, I have become skeptical.
I love conversation boot mode of airpod pro 2. Problem of conventional hearing aids are not able to identify and boot conversation from others, I don’t know how apple did it but wish them further enhance that function. My hearing losses are left side -65db , right side-55db, a hopeless situation, but airpod pro 2 provided improved hearing experience.
Moderate hearing loss can use this air pord pro 2? They can hear claerly
What I don’t get is how they can work as active earplugs, but the AirPod pros don’t. If they both have active noise cancelling, I’d think it’d be about the same. I did try it with the originals at a show and the music sounded way better that way, but my ears were ringing more than usual after that (I have had tinnitus for 35 years).
I remember a video you made about the AirPods Pro 2 around two years ago. In that video, you seemed more optimistic about their performance compared to your current opinion. I recall you mentioning that for the price, the AirPods Pro 2 were good for what they were, but not the quality of a true hearing aid. It seems like your opinion has changed, which is surprising. I hope you get the chance to test the new updated version of the AirPods Pro 2. I'll be interested in hearing your review. But, until the cost of traditional hearing aids comes down, I'll probably continue using over-the-counter options. If my lifestyle changes, I may consider true hearing aids again.
About hearing advisor, when they test hearing aids, are hearing aids one-side ear or two-side ears? They open the score, but I don't know their criteria.
The only thing the iPods are good for is when I need to charge my Phonak . They provide a slight boost in sound to get me through. I would never wear them outside the house as aids.
I recently bought a pair of these pro 2 essentially for the hearing aid feature. The reason I did is it’s a whole lot easier to justify $200 versus $2,000 + for professional hearing aids. Do I expect them to perform as well as professionally fit (from a good audiologist)? Absolutely not. But it’s the difference between an off the rack suit and a tailored suit. The tailored suit is going to fit you so much better, be more comfortable and better looking. But those aren’t cheap. And the price difference is hard to swallow for the casual suit wearer.
It’s the same with hearing aids. So, I’ll try them and see. If I end up using the earpod pros, then maybe investing $2,000 or more for significantly better hearing aids is a good investment for me.
Prior to the pandemic I had visited an audiologist with the plan of getting some hearing aids. But when covid struck good hearing seemed less important.
Anyway I appreciate your honest reviews of these products. Thank you. 🙏🏼
Quick question- why is are there no significant scientific research on how to cure hearing loss?
The workings of our inner ear is extremely intricate, delicate, and tiny. We can’t go in and fix the trouble spots like a heart or a knee. But I imagine there’s some research on how we might be able to in the future.
I think this would be great for someone with a mild hearing loss but when you have a severe high loss in the high frequencies (which a lot of patients seem to have) they won’t be THAT beneficial. Also, patients with a profound loss forget it. But I am interested to see. Maybe I am wrong and apple will have some amazing update and ruin the hearing care industry as we know it. Only time will tell.
I do have 2800 € prescription hearing aids bought just few months ago. Happy with them but they are no good for listening to music and not for phone calls via Bluetooth. Form music and videos I use Focal Bathys. I am looking forward testing the Apple Pro 2 AirPods. If I can use them for certain situations (music on flights, video calls, phone calls) and they do the same or better sound improvement I get from my Bathys and Mimi I am happy to spend 240 € on them 🙂😎
Thank you Doctor Cliff - I appreciate your straight-forward explanation. I am still looking forward to acquiring some AirPods Pro 2 because a) I already have a good iphone with iOS 18... and therefore my incremental cost is only the $250.. b) I have no extended medical coverage.. and I live in Canada and others tell me professional hearing aids are $5,000 here. c) my hearing loss is low to mid, not severe.. and the mimi app accurately described my experience "you have no problem in normal conversations but struggle to hear words in group conversations". so I am hopeful of getting a little help for a price I can afford. The last feature is that they are multi-functional - they will work to help my hearing but also function for multiple devices and multiple uses.
I've been thru 3 sets of prescription aids and am unhappy. They always crank up the high end frequencies such that female voices are painful while the mid tones of male voices are insufficient. What I really need is for Apple to make a "graphic equalizer" function so that I can tune the entire range in real time out in the real world. (anyone remember the car radio equalizer?) I know several other "old guys" that are not getting what they want out of their aids. With our ageing population I think Apple has a real opportunity to increase sales here with a 'fine tuning app'.
Even if they don't work that well for hearing, you still have a great ear bud for listening to music and podcast. I will not spend thousands of dollars ever 4 or 5 years on hearing aids
You just said you set them up with not the right app you set them up with a different app because the software wasn’t upgraded to 18 so how do you know if they really work
i damaged my hearing 2 months ago. Got a pair of these and then got an official hearing test and report. The results were very close. The fact is these things are dam good. Not only that but after i got my official hearing test chart i entered the results and it worked very good. I would highly recommend them and i'm a new user.
I just hear a businessman understanding his business soon is gone and now bashing the competition before they even launched their product. Desperate.
I really like your channel. But are not hearing aids like eye glasses. A few company’s price fixing the product. I use my Apple AirPods when home. They work great to help me when using my iPhone, iPad and Mac. When I go out I use my prescription hearing aids. That makes for a nice balance. Why have you not considered that?
I paid $5000 ($6000 w/insurance) for my “clinical grade” hearing aids….Starkey. Previous to that I’d tried Audien otc. Terribly disappointed with the “clinical grade” hearing aids. No way are they worth what I paid for them (still paying for them).
Did you get them from a provider who follows Best Practices? If not, that is the reason you hate them.
@ of course, from the head of Audiology at a local university.
@@tryintobesoquiet that means nothing. Are they following 100% Best Practices? Many university clinics don't.
Desperately trying to justify his existence. AirPods Pro 2 will not be good enough for everyone, but I have found that they are good enough for me (moderate hearing loss) and even provide functions and features that expensive hearing aids do not support.
I would not expect someone like this to provide a fair review.
Live sound is not practical because it has a 1.5 ms response time. I like having these in addition to hearing aids, but not a replacement. I'll have to get IOS 18 loaded to really try out the other features i guess.
The cost of prescription hearing aids are anywhere from $2000 to $8000 compare to $250-$325 Airpod Pro 2.
Do the airpods need to be connected to your iphone or ipad for it to act has a hearing aid?
No, just to set it up to your needs and preferences, afterwards they will automatically use these settings when you enter transparency mode even if not connected to a device (at least that`s the way it worked until now...)
@@DN-gt3zs Thank you!
Dr. Cliff, that test was done back on 2022. I wouldn’t base current performance or feedback on such if I were you.
The AirPods are a game changer, he clearly realises the impact they will have, hence publishing the old tests. lets face it for a non-intended use. I strongly suspect that when the Apple update comes it will be the game changer.
Good video. AirPods are a GREAT 1ST STEP! - I have two issues with going to an audiologist: TRUST & COST. I hear of hearing aids can cost upwards of $3,000 for mild hearing issues. And I have not had anyone tell me they love their audiologist. So buying an AirPods Pro 2 was almost a free way to take a step toward addressing the problem since I wanted some (AirPods anyway). AirPods got me to do a Mimi app test. (I am sure that an app can't do as well as a test by an audiologist.) Now I have a better understanding of my situation. I don't expect AirPods Pro 2 to solve my issue completely!! I am just looking for a first step.--- As for trusting an audiologist I give your video a positive but mixed review. You come across as very sincere give you 9.5 and you point out how Apple has helped. But then you seem like you are sick of people saying Apple is going to destroy your industry. (Yes, I have love/hate relationship with Apple for 40 years.) Ok. I get that that. --- You got into a low level rant about Apple/AirPods which your peers may appreciate but it was not as helpful, as it could have been, when I am trying to decide if I can trust a audiologist. SUMMARY: I am more likely to trust an audiologist because of your video but....
Hearing Aid business sells $1200-$5000 hearing aids. Their market, profits, and jobs are at risk. Most people dont have insurance so its often 100% out of pocket. The Apple Airpod Pro 2 is nothing more than fair. It does not replace a good hearing aid but at $250 it makes better hearing affordable for many.
I think we will need to see how the test goes for accuracy vs a clinical test. It’s also going to be interesting to see if it detects more severe hearing loss beyond its capability if it recommends a clinical test and clinical hearing aid.
The thing I consider is the fact that millions of people own AirPod Pro 2 already so it’s an easy to try feature to see hearing improvement based on the test. Especially if I can turn it on and off to hear the difference and depending on the results I might schedule a hearing exam.
Overall my hope would be that it changes the development of the AirPod Pro 3. I do think a lot of owners of AirPods are more likely to take the test at home.
This guy is suffering badly. Dude, the market will decide if these work or not, we don’t need you ranting endlessly.
I have very mild hearing loss. I've had many test. Some said there was no problem and other test were not positive. My problem is the sounds that doesn't bother many people make it difficult for me to hear others speech. I've tried other OTC hearing aids which only amplified the sound. With Apple now having OTC rating the control of background sounds was enough for me to hear conversations with air conditioners, wind and other sounds that people take for granted are easier for me to hear now. With the AirPod Pro being classified as OTC if I'm pulled over by the police I can fight the ticket since when I roll my window down I can understand the officer instead of trying to hear him by reading his lips. If I had $4000 hearing aids that would be overlooked. 😊
Thank you,
I bought the pro2 for 2 reasons; my present AirPod batteries are toast and would last 30 minutes, and I have a hard time hearing in different environments and wanted to dabble into the hearing aid market. I’ve yet to get the pro2 working even remotely to call them helpful in a crowd, but I’m learning. They are great Bluetooth ear buds so it’s not wasted money. While true prescription aids would be a real out of pocket burden, not impossible, but I must know exactly what I’m getting myself into. This was a good investment as I learn the terminology and science behind my (our, as my wife will also benefit) needs. So we probably will be investing in prescription hearing aids.
I appreciate your honesty input and will follow more of your articles.
Thanks again.
Hey Dr. thanks for the video, I have the AP 2 and for me they work just fine. I have medium hearing loss and have used a few others than AP2 and will admit the high dollar ones do work a lot better but for the money and all the other things they do I think the AP2 do just fine. My right ear drum is 3/4 gone and do need to boots the volume on that side but other than that they are at least making it so i can hear something. Just dont buy them thinking they will fix hearing loss.