I just bought a pair of Airpod Pro 2s, uploaded my most recent audiology test results and turned on the hearing assistance mode. They work! My hearing loss is mild up to 3kHz and drops off rapidly beyond that. The tunability is excellent and totally under my control. I’ll use these situationally probably no more than 4h per day. If battery life becomes an issue I’ll buy a second pair and swap out if the first pair needs recharging. I paid $190 plus $30 for Applecare. That’s $220. At double that they’re cheaper than just about any low end hearing aid. I hadn’t bought hearing aids yet and I doubt I will. My main issue was my wife’s irritation that I couldn’t hear her talking. Now I can hear her talking upstairs and down a hallway. I can hear her 20ft away from me with her back turned to me. That’s good enough. More than good enough.
Thank you for this information. My husband has had hearing tests but not much satisfaction in the “control” that the audiologist wants to take over. We bought these just for the hearing aid just a few days ago. Yours is the first that made it easy to make them work! He is very happy with the results. We did have to upgrade to IOS 18.
I don’t have a hearing issue, but purchased the Air Pod Pro to upgrade from the original. I found the difference to be significant. I visit Starbucks every morning to start my day. However, I like my privacy. My “old” Air Pods were OK…I thought. WOW. Much quieter and my experience is greatly improved.
Man, I’ve never seen anyone think to put some headphones in a dummy and give you a sound quality test like that. Brilliant. I already own them. I’m just trying to share information like this with my father so this is very helpful.
I have been trying this for 3 days, and totally agree with him. An excellent non biased review. The other channel, Dr Cliff or whatever his name is, bashing the product without even trying was so ridiculous. Well done!
I saw the Dr Cliff video a while back, definitely not positive, which caused me to even stop considering the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid option. I’ve stopped going around people because a back and forth conversation is barely possible. It’s simply embarrassing for me. Now that this video popped up, maybe the AirPods Pro 2 should be reconsidered for me. Once my ear doctor found out I can’t afford $5000.00, they were DONE with me. Of course they won’t allow me to have a copy of the hearing test, so I’ve put this off another year. I’m old, limited income. Hard of hearing is horribly limiting. OTC scams are abundant too.
@@cheshiregrin950 wow, I think thats illegal to keep the results from you! Costco is a great option if you can afford $1600 plus the $65 yearly fee for membership. Their hearing test is free if you are a member too. I just got the airpods to try in my car since my hearing aids are too quiet to hear streaming really well with the road noise, and OMG airpods blow my hearing aids away!
Dr. Cliff does not give realistic reviews. All he does is push people to go into an audiologist clinic office and spend their five to $8000 initially I really enjoyed his videos until I began to realize that they were completely biased and he was very anti-over-the-counter products
@@stevenduchesne8839 That was also my observation about Dr. Cliff. At first he was so excited about the AirPods Pro 2 then a few months later, switch sides.
By far the most helpful review videos I have seen in the last couple of days. It's comprehensive, relevant and easy to follow steps. The sound testing from the mannequin was impressive. I could hear the speech clearer (more bright) when simulated the "hearing aid" function of the Airpod 2 Pro. Thank you.
Thx for digestible commentary and instructions. This will be most helpful to my hubby and me when the AirPods are delivered and we’ll know better what to expect.
I've been using the Airpods Pro 2 situationally for a few weeks. My first experience with hearing aids. Definite help in watching TV and conversations with wife. I have a question that I cannot find an answer. Do the Airpods have to be in Transparency mode for the hearing aid function to work?
Very good review. I have been using them for several weeks, even before Apple’s 18.1 release, using Mimi’s test. The sound I am hearing is much better than the recorded sound in your samples. It is a bit tinny but not terrible. I really appreciate your take on “depends on how you use them.”
It needs either an iPhone or iPad for the hearing aid set up. After everything is set, you don't need to be connected to the iPhone/iPad. The settings are stored in the Airpods. I'm an Android user and just bought the Airpods pro 2 and iPad 10th generation and they work wonderfully. Only use the left side of the pods. My right ear barely works since birth so I rely more on my left to properly hear.
Your video was most informative and through, I have a severe hearing loss and pro2 airpods while do perform in clarity I removed the airpods and installed my regular hearing aids and I could not believe how loud I had adjust the speakers on my computer I immeadiately turned them down. Thank you for your video. They are not for the severe hearing loss crowd.
I just got these today. I must say they are impressive, but two things bother me: 1) every time I turn my head I can hear my hair touch them, and 2)I feel like I am speaking into a microphone. Any tips??
Nice review! One of the few by someone with a hearing loss. I have moderate hearing loss in one ear and am deaf in the other. I wear BiCROS hearing aids and was excited to try the new hearing aid feature with AirPods Pro 2. AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature lacks support for single-sided deafness by default. Users can manually enable it for one AirPod by pausing the hearing test and switching AirPods before testing the affected ear. Apple should enable BiCROS capabilities and allow users to enable ANC while wearing one AirPod for single-sided deafness users.
I did the same as you did. I can hear on my left but born almost deaf on the right ear so the test on the right will fail and the hearing aid feature will not pass. Switching them in between tests will make it pass the test and have the hearing aid feature activated. It works for me since I only need it on my left ear.
As far as looking to the future is concerned, I would like to see either OTC or prescription hearing aids that come with not only a self administered hearing test and/or the ability to upload a professionally done audiogram, but also come with an optionally available fitting program for a PC, similar to what a professional fitter uses to program the hearing aids. This wouldn't have to be as extensive as the professional fitting software, but perhaps a "lite" version that allows adding or removing programs such as "Reverberant Room", or "Live Music", etc., along with being able to make frequency response changes on a 12-point or larger scale. A user could do things like changing the dome style, and then go into the software and make the changes to match the new domes without having to make an appointment, have the fitter make changes, then going out for a week or two and discovering they still need adjustments, then going through the whole process again. Give us the option to make these adjustments ourselves, whether it is with OTC or prescription. If we mess it up, a simple one-press button would take them back to the original setup.
There is an option to add sound to mask tinnitus. A little noise goes a long way. I find that just having the more full spectrum of sounds helps with my tinnitus.
Thank you for the great information. I was very curious about how AirPods helped as hearing aids. As someone who has prescription hearing aids (Resound) for high frequency hearing loss, I've had mixed results and haven't found them to be super helpful in noisy situations. I still have difficulty hearing people across from me clearly when I'm in a an environment such as a restaurant. I also struggle to distinguish some of the consonants when people with lower voices speak. They help, but I wish they did a better job. Also, I end up putting my AirPods in when I want to listen to anybody on the phone or music because they just have a better sound quality. Hearing aids tend to be a little bit more tinny sounding and not great for entertainment. For someone like me who needs all day support, AirPods wouldn't be practical. I'd be afraid of them falling out and losing them as well as the shortness of the battery life. I do agree that they can help out situationally. I often wear my AirPods when I'm watching Apple TV because I get the sound directly in my ear and can hear the dialogue much better than when it comes through TV speakers. I'm hoping future technology for prescription hearing aids improves sound quality.
I did have a little bit of an issue with the occlusion effect and talking to softly. Still think the Ambient Noise Reduction and Conversation Boost help me more than my Jabra Enhance 300's. The battery life is less of course on the AirPods. I'm curious how they would compare to the Sony CRE?
I have a pair of regular apple AirPods. They never stay in my ears! How do you get them to stay in your ears? I’ve tried every size of the rubber thingys they offer.
Thanks for such a professional review! But I usually only use only 1 earbud because I find that 2 are uncomfortable (I listen to mostly books or podcasts, not music). Can this model benefit me if I only wear 1 in my left ear (which is my weak ear)?
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss they will help you. I use a background sound of rain through my AirPods that helps my tinnitus in quiet moments. That doesn't mean it would work for you. Tinnitus is personal!
Thanks for the great detail on those devices. All of the sample sounds came across to me somewhat like a voice in a tin can so that was disappointing. My need falls somewhere in the Apple feature range and cost. The Sennheiser at $2k is almost as expensive as professional devices. My audiologist quoted $3800 to $7500 but that's the Bay Area. I may try the Apple system first, we'll see.
I had the same problem. Because I had purchased apple care when I bought my set, I went to Best Buy to ask for help. I thought that maybe I didn’t have them setup correctly. Turned out I had them setup properly so the technician took them and tested the audio performance of them. They failed the testing process and were replaced under AppleCare with a $30 deductible charge.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have two microphones: a dual beamforming microphone and an inward-facing microphone. The noise-canceling microphone is located on top of the bud, which helps it pick up and process ambient sound. The AirPods Pro 2 also have a number of other sensors, including: Skin-detect sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, and Touch control.
Can I use these headphones as a hearing aid without using an iPhone, just by making the necessary settings? What I don't understand is whether they receive sounds from their own microphone, independent of the phone, and amplify them.Does it send it to my ear by raising it?
You need to have an iPhone to do the initial settings. After that, they’re not dependent on the iPhone. Having said that, if you want to tweak the settings from time to time, you would need to have an iPhone or iPad.
The Apple Pro2's are better sounding than any hearing aid I've tested. I agree with the other limits. The audio as a hearing aid is still better then many "prescription" ones that I've used. The 3 trillion man is marching...
An addendum to the above comment I just made. I woke up this morning after having the flu for about a week feeling well and was speaking to a friend of mine with a very soft voice and even with my wife, who does not have a very soft voice, and I found that the hearing aids that I am thinking of bringing in and turning my friends onto to a much better job at amplifying what I was trying to hear that the Apple two pro did. The Apple two pros had a bit of echo and for me to get what I need out of them. I have to print them up all the waywhich probably is not necessary with most folks so that’s the caveat but definitely a good set of hearing aids, which I think I found a better job.
I read a review on Sony cre-e10s and the sound quality etc is better than all other hearing aids. They sound impressive with a battery life of 26 hours.
Thanks for this excellent review. I am comparing these with Jabra Enhance from Costco. I’m still in the 180 day trial phase and really wondering if I should return these $1600 hearing aids and simply use the AirPods.
Try the AirPods in really challenging situations . In my experience they do not perform that well. And you can't wear them all day because of the battery.
I bought hearing aids from Costco and returned them before the 6 month deadline. I could hear across the room but not the person whispering next to me. I wanted more voice clarity but they didn’t help at all. I had the Jabra Enhance also.
Brilliantly presented and informative video. Having watched other RUclips video's regarding Apple's AirPod Pro 2 hearing loss software, I upgraded my Pro 1's to the 2nd generation. I had a hearing test last month I have added my Audiologists results to my Health app as you described, tweaking it where necessary after scanning a photo of my results. The only downside at the moment is Apple have yet to release the hearing software update in the UK... Which is a little frustrating.
If you haven't updated to IOS 18.1 they will work in the UK as hearing aids. Any old iPhone 12 onwards or iPad with IOS 17 will allow you to set them up.
Thanks for the information Richard but I’m presently running 18.1 on my iPhone 15 Pro Max and my old iPad Pro only updates to 16.0 and not 17.1. So unfortunately it’s still a waiting game until the EU (UK, Northern Ireland, France and Italy) give approval to use the Apple hearing software… Although other EU countries like Portugal, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium and all of Scandinavia are allowed to receive it. As are The Maldives in the Indian Ocean!!! Very bazaar and frustrating really!
If the fittings are not correctly set up, the test will not proceed. You might need to change the ear tips. Sometimes, each ear needs a different size.
I have tried both my prescription hearing aids and the pro 2 ones. The AirPods have a live listen mode that turns up the volume so I hear more . But I can’t make out conversations clearly: My prescription hearing aids are better
I have mild hearing loss with the expensive hearing aids. I play the guitar and I have to take the hearing aides out to hear the guitar frequencies. Does AirPods Pro fix this issue?
If the guitar is electric, you need hearing protection rather than a hearing aid to not damage your hearing further. Luckily the AirPods Pro 2 do both.
My wife lost all her hearing in her left ear from a virus one night a few years ago. We both own the AirPod 2 Pro and wondered if this would be possible (I've tried but think I may have missed something in settings): Would she (through settings) be able to wear both AirPods and any talking on her left side be mixed or heard to the right AirPod? This would be very helpful for her if possible.
I’ve heard that if you set your phone’s region to the USA and update your phone’s software, the feature will be available. I don’t have firsthand experience with this, but it’s worth looking into.
I have setup Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with an iPad and iPhone using iOS 18.1 in Canada but I don’t see the Hearing Test. Does the full OTC work in Canada yet?
I have a moderate hearing loss and tried the Apples for a couple of weeks. My experience totally jibes with this review. The sound was frequently muddy, especially in challenging situations such as conversations in a restaurant, so they were not really that useful. They do not replace even mid level OTC in terms of quality. Thanks to Soundly reviews, I now have Sennheiser All-Clears, and I am really happy with them. If you have only a mild loss and need only an occasional boost like in meetings, the Apples will probably suit you quite well, especially given their price point. Look elsewhere if your needs are greater than that.
The sound samples were uniformly full of high-pitch annoying voices or noises, even when you stated that you were adjusting the air pods to reduce or eliminate ambient noises.
Thanks for the video. I couldn’t figure out why my AirPod 2 would not do hearing. Updated to 18.1.1 per your advice and now I have a hearing test and am using the AirPods for hearing. I bicycle on the roads many hours per week and have never been able to use my hearing aids when cycling as the wind noise and rustling is too much. Would the in the ear Sony help with that ? I tried in the ear at the audiologist and it sounded like I was in a tunnel or my head was plugged up. But maybe I would get used to that ? Thanks and I will check out your website. Dave
As long as you haven’t upgraded to IOS 18.1 it will work for you. IOS 18.1 stops them working in countries like Canada, UK and Australia where they haven’t been approved.
Great job here. I’ve been using the AirPods as an Hearing device since it became available on IOS. Clearly with IOS18.1 it become easier to setup. This is what I prefer using on a professional level, integrantes with my Apple devices. Thumbs up
I have a Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3 which does pretty much a similar amplification as the Airpods, but obviously for Androis users. It has no audiogram option but you do a similar test to check your audio loss. I was wondering if you intend to do the same audio tests (with maniquin) for the galaxy's. In my experience, the airpods dont sound as good as the galaxy's however i am wondering if the reason is the manequin test itself. It would be good a comparison between the two so people can hear the difference between the two. I am thinking of moving to Apple ecosystem however the manequin test was a bit dissapointing.
I am an Android/Samsung user and have the Samsung buds3 pro as well. I bought the apple airpods 2 pro and iPad 10th generation to test them out for hearing aid purposes. Between the 2, apple sounds better in the hearing aid section. Clearer and have more adjustments. Since Apple has the actual hearing test, it sets up more for your hearing needs. The Samsung is louder but not clearer. I use them both since I have to use them for work. I use one until they run out of charge then use another. Airpods last longer, almost 6 hours per charge. The Samsung buds3 pro will last 4 to 4.5 hours per charge if I'm lucky. I'm glad I have them both.
I appreciate your input. Thing is that I have a high hearing loss of 50%, so the louder the better. I will stick with the Samsung's for now then, until I have a chance to actual try them out at no cost (through a friend) before making the investment of changing to Apple iPhone
@@FSWEB2011 I kept them both. I didn't change to iphone. I just use the iPad to set it up but I kept my Samsung phone/watch/buds3 pro for my everyday needs. The airpods pro 2 hearing aid works independently without the iPad as long as you finish the set up.
Which OTC hearing aide performs the best in noisy environments? I think most people would love to know this since this is the biggest problem for all of us. Thanks!
@@richdiorio3650 Good question! Regular model is by far my favorite. The Slim version is actually larger and has a much stiffer wire and a larger piece in the ear. I have a strong preference for the non-slim.
I have Sennheiser All Clears and was a poll worker for weeks during the elections. The Sennheiser handled the difficult environment like champs. Not as good as prescription which I have also had, but for OTC, outstanding.
My basic question that hasn’t been answered in the video or the comments is ‘ Can the AirPods Pro 2 be used as hearing aids and audio earbuds for music and movies at the same time? ‘
Good question and yes they can. You can stream music or media while in "hearing mode". Obviously the outside world will be somewhat masked when you have the devices in that mode since you will be hearing what's around you as well.
Yes. She won’t get anything from your phone if you are not there. You could also turn off your Bluetooth when you are with her. There might also be a way to forget the AirPods from your phone although I haven’t tested this
Great content; I have hearing loss in my right ear, I can hear real low bass only with headphones. I have some hearing aids by PHONAK, the right HA transmits to the left HA. What HA solution would you suggest for my condition? Thank you.
Excellent review! Thank you 🙏 I have a moderate hearing loss and I was really looking forward to this device but for some reason the hearing aid setup not available in Canada. It was advertised that it will be available. Maybe it became a regulatory issue? Who knows ,even Apple can't give me an answer So I am returning it. I will check out the Sony per your suggestion.
@@Pearl2677 Tiu have to upgrade the version of the software from 6. Something to 7. Something I had the same problem. Put the phone next to the iPods for 30 minutes and it will do it automatically
It is a regulatory issue right now as it is in many countries including the UK. If you set them up with an Apple device running an IOS older than 18.1, you can set them up as hearing aids using Headphone Accommodations.
@@HearSoundly I am surprised and disappointed that you cannot adjust the volume using the swipe method on the stems of the earpods themselves. Many OTC over the counter, and most of the prescription hearing aids do have a volume adjustment ON the device that is located at your ear. I find it cumbersome to use the iphone to change the volume. I guess that will be the one thing that will prevent me from using apple air pods.
@@SonicSOGMC Thanks, I found it buried in the menu, here are my steps:: (nov 4th 2024) How to force the volume to be operated by swiping the stems 1.) Settings 2.) Select airpods pro BilLy (Or whatever name you gave them) 3.) then select hearing assistance 4.) Then select adjustments 5.) Then select " Swipe to control amplification" (There is a note here that it should be in transparency mode, for this to work)
AirPods Pro won't replace my prescription hearing aids, especially in complicated situations like parties or restaurants. They are also weak in battery life compared to my prescription devices. Where they really shine is the ability to easily switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency (hearing aid) modes. This is great in several situations, like on an airplane they do a decent job of blocking most of the engine and background noises, but you don't have to take them out to hear the flight crew. The ANC automatically turns off and they switch to transparency when they hear you talking. I regularly use them on my morning walks, and they effectively block the noise of traffic, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, so that I can hear my music or audiobooks at a normal volume. When you need ANC, they beat every hearing aid on the market.
@ PS: I’m learning that “the OTC hearing aid category (which is intended for those with “mild to moderate” hearing loss) is relatively new in the U.S. The FDA approved it in 2022, but many countries, Canada included, do not recognize this class of medical device.”
@@EisenhauerJanice No they don't but if you read my first reply to your post and set them up with an Apple device (iPad or iPhone) running an IOS older than IOS 18,1 you can set them up. I have been using them in the UK since September with no issues. The menus are different and you will need the Mimi app to take a hearing test but they will work and work well. Apple added a geographical lock to 18.1 to comply with FDA requirements.
To me, listening to the video through Bose Hearphones, the Airpods sounded “phasey” like they compete a little depending on the direction of the source and the hearing aids did not but, definitely sounded more nasally. I sure wish Bose still made the Hearphones. Many new and used pairs later they are still awesome “OTC” hearing aids, though far from bulletproof. Much better than the garbage from Olive and NuHeara, IMHO. Great video. When the feature becomes available in Canada I will certainly try it.
I wear behind the ear aids. I like them in general, and after hearing your sample sounds, I don't think I would like AirPods as hearing aids. A genuine hearing aid has tech designed specifically for hearing all ranges of sound.
I thought you needed the new AirPod Pro 2 to use as hearing aides. The AirPods Pro do allow you do use transparency mode but don't work like the new ones.
I have already upgraded my OS to 18.1. I have an iPhone Pro Max 14. When I go to my control center for my airpod pro 2, there is NO HEARING TEST. Very FRUSTRATING! So of course I cannot set up my airpods for hearing aids etc.
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I just bought a pair of Airpod Pro 2s, uploaded my most recent audiology test results and turned on the hearing assistance mode. They work! My hearing loss is mild up to 3kHz and drops off rapidly beyond that. The tunability is excellent and totally under my control. I’ll use these situationally probably no more than 4h per day. If battery life becomes an issue I’ll buy a second pair and swap out if the first pair needs recharging. I paid $190 plus $30 for Applecare. That’s $220. At double that they’re cheaper than just about any low end hearing aid. I hadn’t bought hearing aids yet and I doubt I will. My main issue was my wife’s irritation that I couldn’t hear her talking. Now I can hear her talking upstairs and down a hallway. I can hear her 20ft away from me with her back turned to me. That’s good enough. More than good enough.
i am planing to do same
You sure you want to hear your wife that much? She might give you more tasks around the house to focus on. :)
What happens when you get in your car and the phone normally connects to the media in the vehicle?
Are there devices that can help lower tinnitus?
Thank you for this information. My husband has had hearing tests but not much satisfaction in the “control” that the audiologist wants to take over. We bought these just for the hearing aid just a few days ago. Yours is the first that made it easy to make them work! He is very happy with the results. We did have to upgrade to IOS 18.
Glad to hear it! Hope he enjoys.
I wound up getting the fitting software and Noah bluetooth device to tweak my own aids. Took the training and never looked back!
I don’t have a hearing issue, but purchased the Air Pod Pro to upgrade from the original. I found the difference to be significant. I visit Starbucks every morning to start my day. However, I like my privacy. My “old” Air Pods were OK…I thought. WOW. Much quieter and my experience is greatly improved.
Man, I’ve never seen anyone think to put some headphones in a dummy and give you a sound quality test like that. Brilliant. I already own them. I’m just trying to share information like this with my father so this is very helpful.
I have been trying this for 3 days, and totally agree with him. An excellent non biased review. The other channel, Dr Cliff or whatever his name is, bashing the product without even trying was so ridiculous. Well done!
I saw the Dr Cliff video a while back, definitely not positive, which caused me to even stop considering the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid option. I’ve stopped going around people because a back and forth conversation is barely possible. It’s simply embarrassing for me. Now that this video popped up, maybe the AirPods Pro 2 should be reconsidered for me. Once my ear doctor found out I can’t afford $5000.00, they were DONE with me. Of course they won’t allow me to have a copy of the hearing test, so I’ve put this off another year. I’m old, limited income. Hard of hearing is horribly limiting. OTC scams are abundant too.
@@cheshiregrin950 wow, I think thats illegal to keep the results from you! Costco is a great option if you can afford $1600 plus the $65 yearly fee for membership. Their hearing test is free if you are a member too. I just got the airpods to try in my car since my hearing aids are too quiet to hear streaming really well with the road noise, and OMG airpods blow my hearing aids away!
Dr. Cliff does not give realistic reviews. All he does is push people to go into an audiologist clinic office and spend their five to $8000 initially I really enjoyed his videos until I began to realize that they were completely biased and he was very anti-over-the-counter products
Doesn't HIPAA enable you to get your test results?? That's ridiculous! 😤
@@cheshiregrin950
@@stevenduchesne8839 That was also my observation about Dr. Cliff. At first he was so excited about the AirPods Pro 2 then a few months later, switch sides.
By far the most helpful review videos I have seen in the last couple of days. It's comprehensive, relevant and easy to follow steps. The sound testing from the mannequin was impressive. I could hear the speech clearer (more bright) when simulated the "hearing aid" function of the Airpod 2 Pro. Thank you.
Thx for digestible commentary and instructions. This will be most helpful to my hubby and me when the AirPods are delivered and we’ll know better what to expect.
Why aren’t other videos so clear and easy to understand! Thank you!
Dude! Awesome video, thank you for helping me with my mom‘s hearing.
I've been using the Airpods Pro 2 situationally for a few weeks. My first experience with hearing aids. Definite help in watching TV and conversations with wife. I have a question that I cannot find an answer. Do the Airpods have to be in Transparency mode for the hearing aid function to work?
I really want to try these Air Pods. My prescription hearing aids do not filter ambient noise. It’s super annoying. This would be a huge improvement.
Just wondering if you have to use both AirPods or can you use it just in the bad ear?
@@frankjspencejr Just the bad ear but I think you’ll need to take the hearing test with both in.
Thanks. I just bought a pair of Air pods Pro 2, Your video was very helpful to me in getting the hearing Assist function set up. Thanks!
Thank you for the excellent information. I just saw an audiologist and thanks to you, I was able to scan the audiogram. : )
One feature of the Apple device I like a lot is hearing protection, the “limiter” function. Are there other OTC aids that have hearing protection?
Very good review. I have been using them for several weeks, even before Apple’s 18.1 release, using Mimi’s test. The sound I am hearing is much better than the recorded sound in your samples. It is a bit tinny but not terrible. I really appreciate your take on “depends on how you use them.”
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing!
Very comprehensive and helpful! Thanks
Do they work with your iPad and iPhone? Do the devices have to be on for the air pods to work as hearing aid and listening devices?
No.Only if you want to change settings.
It needs either an iPhone or iPad for the hearing aid set up. After everything is set, you don't need to be connected to the iPhone/iPad. The settings are stored in the Airpods. I'm an Android user and just bought the Airpods pro 2 and iPad 10th generation and they work wonderfully. Only use the left side of the pods. My right ear barely works since birth so I rely more on my left to properly hear.
Your video was most informative and through, I have a severe hearing loss and pro2 airpods while do perform in clarity I removed the airpods and installed my regular hearing aids and I could not
believe how loud I had adjust the speakers on my computer I immeadiately turned them down. Thank you for your video. They are not for the severe hearing loss crowd.
Amazing presentation!!! I have discovered even MORE features through this video. Thank you SO much for this!!!
Can one access the hearing aid test, BEFORE buying the AirPod?
I just got these today. I must say they are impressive, but two things bother me: 1) every time I turn my head I can hear my hair touch them, and 2)I feel like I am speaking into a microphone. Any tips??
Nice review! One of the few by someone with a hearing loss.
I have moderate hearing loss in one ear and am deaf in the other. I wear BiCROS hearing aids and was excited to try the new hearing aid feature with AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature lacks support for single-sided deafness by default. Users can manually enable it for one AirPod by pausing the hearing test and switching AirPods before testing the affected ear. Apple should enable BiCROS capabilities and allow users to enable ANC while wearing one AirPod for single-sided deafness users.
I did the same as you did. I can hear on my left but born almost deaf on the right ear so the test on the right will fail and the hearing aid feature will not pass. Switching them in between tests will make it pass the test and have the hearing aid feature activated. It works for me since I only need it on my left ear.
Thank you for posting this informative review. I've seen a few reviews on the APP2 hearing aid features, and this is by far the most useful.
You are incredibly easy to listen to. Thank you!!
As far as looking to the future is concerned, I would like to see either OTC or prescription hearing aids that come with not only a self administered hearing test and/or the ability to upload a professionally done audiogram, but also come with an optionally available fitting program for a PC, similar to what a professional fitter uses to program the hearing aids. This wouldn't have to be as extensive as the professional fitting software, but perhaps a "lite" version that allows adding or removing programs such as "Reverberant Room", or "Live Music", etc., along with being able to make frequency response changes on a 12-point or larger scale.
A user could do things like changing the dome style, and then go into the software and make the changes to match the new domes without having to make an appointment, have the fitter make changes, then going out for a week or two and discovering they still need adjustments, then going through the whole process again. Give us the option to make these adjustments ourselves, whether it is with OTC or prescription. If we mess it up, a simple one-press button would take them back to the original setup.
Do they help with tinnitus?
There is an option to add sound to mask tinnitus. A little noise goes a long way. I find that just having the more full spectrum of sounds helps with my tinnitus.
Thanks
Thank you for the great information. I was very curious about how AirPods helped as hearing aids. As someone who has prescription hearing aids (Resound) for high frequency hearing loss, I've had mixed results and haven't found them to be super helpful in noisy situations. I still have difficulty hearing people across from me clearly when I'm in a an environment such as a restaurant. I also struggle to distinguish some of the consonants when people with lower voices speak. They help, but I wish they did a better job. Also, I end up putting my AirPods in when I want to listen to anybody on the phone or music because they just have a better sound quality. Hearing aids tend to be a little bit more tinny sounding and not great for entertainment. For someone like me who needs all day support, AirPods wouldn't be practical. I'd be afraid of them falling out and losing them as well as the shortness of the battery life. I do agree that they can help out situationally. I often wear my AirPods when I'm watching Apple TV because I get the sound directly in my ear and can hear the dialogue much better than when it comes through TV speakers. I'm hoping future technology for prescription hearing aids improves sound quality.
Buying a second pair will solve the battery life problem. They only take an hour to charge.
I did have a little bit of an issue with the occlusion effect and talking to softly. Still think the Ambient Noise Reduction and Conversation Boost help me more than my Jabra Enhance 300's. The battery life is less of course on the AirPods. I'm curious how they would compare to the Sony CRE?
I have a pair of regular apple AirPods. They never stay in my ears! How do you get them to stay in your ears? I’ve tried every size of the rubber thingys they offer.
Thanks for such a professional review! But I usually only use only 1 earbud because I find that 2 are uncomfortable (I listen to mostly books or podcasts, not music). Can this model benefit me if I only wear 1 in my left ear (which is my weak ear)?
You should be able to use the device in just one ear although the test may require you to complete both ears initially.
@ Oh yes, I understand that I need both for testing. Thank you sooo much for quick answer!!
I’m hearing to much of my own voice and breathing. What do I need to adjust. Thanks for the help.
I use airpods as hearing aids, they work great, no app needed, I have an iphone 14, which automatically controls the Airpods, including the volume.
I have tinnitus and some hearing loss, would these work?
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss they will help you. I use a background sound of rain through my AirPods that helps my tinnitus in quiet moments. That doesn't mean it would work for you. Tinnitus is personal!
Having been through all that I just found out that the new features do not work in the UK as they have not been approved. DOh!
Thanks for the great detail on those devices. All of the sample sounds came across to me somewhat like a voice in a tin can so that was disappointing. My need falls somewhere in the Apple feature range and cost. The Sennheiser at $2k is almost as expensive as professional devices. My audiologist quoted $3800 to $7500 but that's the Bay Area. I may try the Apple system first, we'll see.
Very pleased However when I try adjustments there no differences
I had the same problem. Because I had purchased apple care when I bought my set, I went to Best Buy to ask for help. I thought that maybe I didn’t have them setup correctly.
Turned out I had them setup properly so the technician took them and tested the audio performance of them. They failed the testing process and were replaced under AppleCare with a $30 deductible charge.
Where is the mic to capture the conversation? In the AirPod or phone?
Great question. In the AirPods
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have two microphones: a dual beamforming microphone and an inward-facing microphone. The noise-canceling microphone is located on top of the bud, which helps it pick up and process ambient sound.
The AirPods Pro 2 also have a number of other sensors, including: Skin-detect sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, and Touch control.
I’m hearing a chirp in my left ear while using my new iPod Pro 2. Did I click the wrong setting?
Great video!
Can I use these headphones as a hearing aid without using an iPhone, just by making the necessary settings? What I don't understand is whether they receive sounds from their own microphone, independent of the phone, and amplify them.Does it send it to my ear by raising it?
You need to have an iPhone to do the initial settings. After that, they’re not dependent on the iPhone. Having said that, if you want to tweak the settings from time to time, you would need to have an iPhone or iPad.
The Apple Pro2's are better sounding than any hearing aid I've tested. I agree with the other limits. The audio as a hearing aid is still better then many "prescription" ones that I've used. The 3 trillion man is marching...
An addendum to the above comment I just made. I woke up this morning after having the flu for about a week feeling well and was speaking to a friend of mine with a very soft voice and even with my wife, who does not have a very soft voice, and I found that the hearing aids that I am thinking of bringing in and turning my friends onto to a much better job at amplifying what I was trying to hear that the Apple two pro did. The Apple two pros had a bit of echo and for me to get what I need out of them. I have to print them up all the waywhich probably is not necessary with most folks so that’s the caveat but definitely a good set of hearing aids, which I think I found a better job.
@@idstandard Is english your first language, I got lost twice in your addendum.
I read a review on Sony cre-e10s and the sound quality etc is better than all other hearing aids. They sound impressive with a battery life of 26 hours.
@@iowawilliam same
Can we use this without iPhone after things are setup
Yep!
Yes. I used an iPad to set them up.
Thanks for this excellent review. I am comparing these with Jabra Enhance from Costco. I’m still in the 180 day trial phase and really wondering if I should return these $1600 hearing aids and simply use the AirPods.
Try the AirPods in really challenging situations . In my experience they do not perform that well. And you can't wear them all day because of the battery.
@@pantherred To address the battery problem buy a second pair of AirPods. I have used mine in really challenging situations and they worked well.
I bought hearing aids from Costco and returned them before the 6 month deadline. I could hear across the room but not the person whispering next to me. I wanted more voice clarity but they didn’t help at all. I had the Jabra Enhance also.
Brilliantly presented and informative video. Having watched other RUclips video's regarding Apple's AirPod Pro 2 hearing loss software, I upgraded my Pro 1's to the 2nd generation. I had a hearing test last month I have added my Audiologists results to my Health app as you described, tweaking it where necessary after scanning a photo of my results. The only downside at the moment is Apple have yet to release the hearing software update in the UK... Which is a little frustrating.
If you haven't updated to IOS 18.1 they will work in the UK as hearing aids. Any old iPhone 12 onwards or iPad with IOS 17 will allow you to set them up.
Thanks for the information Richard but I’m presently running 18.1 on my iPhone 15 Pro Max and my old iPad Pro only updates to 16.0 and not 17.1. So unfortunately it’s still a waiting game until the EU (UK, Northern Ireland, France and Italy) give approval to use the Apple hearing software… Although other EU countries like Portugal, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium and all of Scandinavia are allowed to receive it. As are The Maldives in the Indian Ocean!!! Very bazaar and frustrating really!
Can you tell me when the new sennheiser all-day clear are available
Hi there is not a new product on the horizon to our knowledge. Sennheiser All Day Clear is for sale and currently our favorite on the market
www.soundly.com/product/sennheiser-all-day-clear
You skipped having to run the airpods diagnostics before the hearing test. Not working well for me, still trying to get it to work.
If the fittings are not correctly set up, the test will not proceed. You might need to change the ear tips. Sometimes, each ear needs a different size.
@@TheMidnight74 I returned them.
I have tried both my prescription hearing aids and the pro 2 ones. The AirPods have a live listen mode that turns up the volume so I hear more . But I can’t make out conversations clearly: My prescription hearing aids are better
I have mild hearing loss with the expensive hearing aids. I play the guitar and I have to take the hearing aides out to hear the guitar frequencies. Does AirPods Pro fix this issue?
If the guitar is electric, you need hearing protection rather than a hearing aid to not damage your hearing further. Luckily the AirPods Pro 2 do both.
Outstanding video,
My wife lost all her hearing in her left ear from a virus one night a few years ago. We both own the AirPod 2 Pro and wondered if this would be possible (I've tried but think I may have missed something in settings): Would she (through settings) be able to wear both AirPods and any talking on her left side be mixed or heard to the right AirPod? This would be very helpful for her if possible.
I am finding this and all other videos don’t address the problem with fitting properly
That is my major problem.
Trying the hearing test. Keeps saying to adjust the AirPods . Have tried several times
Use different tips. Sometimes you need a different size for each ear.
Still not available for me in the UK
I’ve heard that if you set your phone’s region to the USA and update your phone’s software, the feature will be available. I don’t have firsthand experience with this, but it’s worth looking into.
I have setup Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with an iPad and iPhone using iOS 18.1 in Canada but I don’t see the Hearing Test. Does the full OTC work in Canada yet?
I’m also in Canada and was just coming to ask the same question. I just received my pro2s a few days ago.
i have the same question too
They haven’t been approved by the Canadian authorities in Canada. Set them up with an Apple device with and older IOS than 18.1 and they will work.
Do you have to shut off the hearing aid function to use regular AirPods?
you can listen to music while also in "hearing aid" mode. Obviously the music will drown out some outside sound and vice versa.
I have a moderate hearing loss and tried the Apples for a couple of weeks. My experience totally jibes with this review. The sound was frequently muddy, especially in challenging situations such as conversations in a restaurant, so they were not really that useful. They do not replace even mid level OTC in terms of quality. Thanks to Soundly reviews, I now have Sennheiser All-Clears, and I am really happy with them. If you have only a mild loss and need only an occasional boost like in meetings, the Apples will probably suit you quite well, especially given their price point. Look elsewhere if your needs are greater than that.
I don't seem to have the hearing test on my phone. is there a way to download it? or do I need to delete my airpods and start over?
make sure you have airpods pro 2 not just airpods pro. I found this to be my issue.
Make sure it is updated to the latest firmware, both the iPhone and Airpods pro 2
The sound samples were uniformly full of high-pitch annoying voices or noises, even when you stated that you were adjusting the air pods to reduce or eliminate ambient noises.
I just wondering the white head prototype behind the host is testing Hearing Aid device or not? If Yes, Where could I buy it?
Is this feature only available in US ?
Thanks for the video. I couldn’t figure out why my AirPod 2 would not do hearing. Updated to 18.1.1 per your advice and now I have a hearing test and am using the AirPods for hearing.
I bicycle on the roads many hours per week and have never been able to use my hearing aids when cycling as the wind noise and rustling is too much.
Would the in the ear Sony help with that ?
I tried in the ear at the audiologist and it sounded like I was in a tunnel or my head was plugged up. But maybe I would get used to that ?
Thanks and I will check out your website.
Dave
Is the option activated for United Kingdom users
As long as you haven’t upgraded to IOS 18.1 it will work for you. IOS 18.1 stops them working in countries like Canada, UK and Australia where they haven’t been approved.
My son has one ear with mild loss (between 26 to 29 dbs) and the other one with moderate loss (39 to 42 dbs). Is it a fit for him?
Yes. If he gets on with them.
When will this be available in the UK?
Mine works fine except I'm getting a periodic chip sound (about every 30 seconds) Any suggestions?
Update. It seems that the beep comes if the pods aren’’t seated in your ears correctly.
Is not available yet for me :( iOS 18.1 and AirPods Pro 2
Are you in the U.S or abroad? We have hear reports that this isn't available abroad yet.
@@HearSoundlyI am not from the US and this feature is not available to me either :c
Me either. In New York
Such a helpful video
Great job here. I’ve been using the AirPods as an Hearing device since it became available on IOS. Clearly with IOS18.1 it become easier to setup. This is what I prefer using on a professional level, integrantes with my Apple devices. Thumbs up
I have a Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3 which does pretty much a similar amplification as the Airpods, but obviously for Androis users. It has no audiogram option but you do a similar test to check your audio loss.
I was wondering if you intend to do the same audio tests (with maniquin) for the galaxy's.
In my experience, the airpods dont sound as good as the galaxy's however i am wondering if the reason is the manequin test itself.
It would be good a comparison between the two so people can hear the difference between the two.
I am thinking of moving to Apple ecosystem however the manequin test was a bit dissapointing.
I am an Android/Samsung user and have the Samsung buds3 pro as well. I bought the apple airpods 2 pro and iPad 10th generation to test them out for hearing aid purposes.
Between the 2, apple sounds better in the hearing aid section. Clearer and have more adjustments. Since Apple has the actual hearing test, it sets up more for your hearing needs.
The Samsung is louder but not clearer. I use them both since I have to use them for work. I use one until they run out of charge then use another.
Airpods last longer, almost 6 hours per charge. The Samsung buds3 pro will last 4 to 4.5 hours per charge if I'm lucky. I'm glad I have them both.
I appreciate your input. Thing is that I have a high hearing loss of 50%, so the louder the better.
I will stick with the Samsung's for now then, until I have a chance to actual try them out at no cost (through a friend) before making the investment of changing to Apple iPhone
@@FSWEB2011 I kept them both. I didn't change to iphone. I just use the iPad to set it up but I kept my Samsung phone/watch/buds3 pro for my everyday needs. The airpods pro 2 hearing aid works independently without the iPad as long as you finish the set up.
Which OTC hearing aide performs the best in noisy environments? I think most people would love to know this since this is the biggest problem for all of us. Thanks!
My pick would be Sennheiser All Day Clear at the moment.
@@HearSoundly Thanks! What’s the difference between the slim and regular model? Thanks
@@richdiorio3650 Good question! Regular model is by far my favorite. The Slim version is actually larger and has a much stiffer wire and a larger piece in the ear. I have a strong preference for the non-slim.
I have Sennheiser All Clears and was a poll worker for weeks during the elections. The Sennheiser handled the difficult environment like champs. Not as good as prescription which I have also had, but for OTC, outstanding.
nor available in canada
Not available in UK region by the looks of it. Someone please correct me if im wrong.
My basic question that hasn’t been answered in the video or the comments is ‘ Can the AirPods Pro 2 be used as hearing aids and audio earbuds for music and movies at the same time? ‘
Good question and yes they can. You can stream music or media while in "hearing mode". Obviously the outside world will be somewhat masked when you have the devices in that mode since you will be hearing what's around you as well.
Could I set a pair up for my Mom on my iPhone and not have her get my phone calls or video etc.
Yes. She won’t get anything from your phone if you are not there. You could also turn off your Bluetooth when you are with her. There might also be a way to forget the AirPods from your phone although I haven’t tested this
Not available in Canada 🇨🇦
Great content; I have hearing loss in my right ear, I can hear real low bass only with headphones. I have some hearing aids by PHONAK, the right HA transmits to the left HA. What HA solution would you suggest for my condition? Thank you.
Excellent review! Thank you 🙏 I have a moderate hearing loss and I was really looking forward to this device but for some reason the hearing aid setup not available in Canada. It was advertised that it will be available. Maybe it became a regulatory issue? Who knows ,even Apple can't give me an answer So I am returning it. I will check out the Sony per your suggestion.
@@Pearl2677 Tiu have to upgrade the version of the software from 6. Something to 7. Something I had the same problem. Put the phone next to the iPods for 30 minutes and it will do it automatically
It is a regulatory issue right now as it is in many countries including the UK. If you set them up with an Apple device running an IOS older than 18.1, you can set them up as hearing aids using Headphone Accommodations.
These Apple AirPods do not have the hearing aid facility turned on in the UK. They are not even trying to do so.
Can the volume be controlled by your finger swipe on the stalks, or must you do it on the iphone.
Great question. Yes you can! you can manage this in the settings section!
@@HearSoundly I am surprised and disappointed that you cannot adjust the volume using the swipe method on the stems of the earpods themselves. Many OTC over the counter, and most of the prescription hearing aids do have a volume adjustment ON the device that is located at your ear. I find it cumbersome to use the iphone to change the volume. I guess that will be the one thing that will prevent me from using apple air pods.
@@iowawilliamThere is a toggle in the settings section to enable swiping volume up and down on the AirPods stem. It works.
@@SonicSOGMC Thanks, I found it buried in the menu, here are my steps:: (nov 4th 2024)
How to force the volume to be operated by swiping the stems
1.) Settings
2.) Select airpods pro BilLy (Or whatever name you gave them)
3.) then select hearing assistance
4.) Then select adjustments
5.) Then select " Swipe to control amplification" (There is a note here that it should be in transparency mode, for this to work)
I don’t see the hearing aid option, I think this is only exclusive in the US. Currently located in the Philippines and on an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Planning to buy po ako I have hearing loss, kamuzta napagana niyo na?
@ so far di pa. Update ako kung pede na.
@@cowpatchman Makikisuyo sir Thanks. My hearing loss din kasi ako, magandang alternative to if ever pwede.
How would it work for 1 ear?
I tried it on one and it worked fine!
AirPods Pro won't replace my prescription hearing aids, especially in complicated situations like parties or restaurants. They are also weak in battery life compared to my prescription devices. Where they really shine is the ability to easily switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency (hearing aid) modes. This is great in several situations, like on an airplane they do a decent job of blocking most of the engine and background noises, but you don't have to take them out to hear the flight crew. The ANC automatically turns off and they switch to transparency when they hear you talking. I regularly use them on my morning walks, and they effectively block the noise of traffic, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, so that I can hear my music or audiobooks at a normal volume. When you need ANC, they beat every hearing aid on the market.
Excellent points!
$200 vs $3000. There has to be a difference.
These sound samples sound terrible??
I agree. They are a lot better than that in real life.
Will these work with Android?
No. You will need either an iPhone or iPad to set up the hearing aid feature of the Airpods pro 2
I bought this specific model to have the added hearing aid function and now learn it is not available for use in Canada. 🤨
It is if you set them up with a device that hasn’t been updated to IOS 18.1.
@ i have an iPhone 14 Pro with ios18.1.1 and there is no hearing aid function
@ PS: I’m learning that “the OTC hearing aid category (which is intended for those with “mild to moderate” hearing loss) is relatively new in the U.S. The FDA approved it in 2022, but many countries, Canada included, do not recognize this class of medical device.”
@@EisenhauerJanice No they don't but if you read my first reply to your post and set them up with an Apple device (iPad or iPhone) running an IOS older than IOS 18,1 you can set them up.
I have been using them in the UK since September with no issues. The menus are different and you will need the Mimi app to take a hearing test but they will work and work well.
Apple added a geographical lock to 18.1 to comply with FDA requirements.
@ thanks. I’ll try on my older iPad.
Would be helpful to have subtitles on this video to share with people who are hearing impaired.
Thanks for the note! We have subtitles on the video if you click the CC icon.
My AirPods are better than my high end prescription hearing aids- thank you, Apple
Can this be done on an iPad?
Yes, the hearing profile can be done on iPhones or iPads. It can also input data from a professional hearing exam.
Does it work on iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Yes. Works with any iPhone. You only need to set it up and make adjustments. Otherwise you’re not using the phone to hear.
Yes. I am using it on my iPhone 13 Pro Max. You should have ios 18.1 installed on your phone.
To me, listening to the video through Bose Hearphones, the Airpods sounded “phasey” like they compete a little depending on the direction of the source and the hearing aids did not but, definitely sounded more nasally. I sure wish Bose still made the Hearphones. Many new and used pairs later they are still awesome “OTC” hearing aids, though far from bulletproof. Much better than the garbage from Olive and NuHeara, IMHO. Great video. When the feature becomes available in Canada I will certainly try it.
Doesn’t work in Canada.
Need to be in US for the option to show up
That's not true. You need to be in one of the 100 countries that have been approved for their use and the list doesn't include Canada.
@@RichardGoulden-b9p 3 weeks on that's correct
did your audiologist's graph agree with the iPhone self-test?
generally yes, my right ear was slightly off in the test but within a few dB. I ended up using a scan of my audiologist results for certainty.
My iphone test did not. The best test I have found is MD Hearing. That matched my audiogram very well.
Do I need my phone to use the hearing aid option. Many times I intentionally leave my phone at my desk and walk away to other parts of the building.
It is a Bluetooth device so it will be sensitive to distance from your phone.
100% not. The oniy reason you need your iPhone with you is if you want to change a setting.
@@disclosure-100 That is incorrect.
You don't need the iPhone or iPad you use to set it up to use the Airpods pro 2 as hearing aids.
I wear behind the ear aids. I like them in general, and after hearing your sample sounds, I don't think I would like AirPods as hearing aids. A genuine hearing aid has tech designed specifically for hearing all ranges of sound.
I don’t want a history lesson!
How do I operate my AirPod pro2’s ?
Why is that so difficult?
Looking forward to your video. When will it be available?
I thought you needed the new AirPod Pro 2 to use as hearing aides. The AirPods Pro do allow you do use transparency mode but don't work like the new ones.
Correct...you need the APP2 for this.
@@rherteux Keep in mind the APP2 has been out for a year or so. This is a feature added to it once the FDA gave its approval.
I have already upgraded my OS to 18.1. I have an iPhone Pro Max 14. When I go to my control center for my airpod pro 2, there is NO HEARING TEST. Very FRUSTRATING! So of course I cannot set up my airpods for hearing aids etc.
Im having the same issue 😢
@ thanks, I thought it was just me. So there is a glitch, probably with the iPhone 14. I guess I will have to upgrade to a 16 afterall.
@ it may also be that it is not available in our area. I am in Nebraska.
@@sheabarber5708 make sure you have airpods pro 2 not just airpods pro. I found this to be my issue.
I have the XR and after upgrading to 18.1, it works fine. I could do the hearing test and everything!