By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A
What We Know About Apple AirPods Pro 2 OTC Hearing Aids
While I will be giving you my opinion on the new Apple AirPods Pro 2, I titled this article “I’m All Ears” because I really want to know what others think too. Please comment below in the discussion section. Let’s have a conversation!
Please keep in mind today and everyday that the #1 way to prevent hearing loss is to treat it ASAP! For more information regarding all things related to hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes, and dementia, please visit us as www.excellenceinaudiology.org.
I’m a little delayed on talking about Apple’s recent announcement because I always want to be 100% informed and educated on what I am putting out to others. I have done my research on the new AirPod Pro 2 over-the-counter hearing aids and feel there are some important points to consider.
FDA Approval
The FDA has announced that Apple AirPods Pro 2 can now function as hearing aids. This is notable because we've had over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for about two years, but this marks the first time the FDA has authorized software for an OTC hearing aid. The FDA initially approved OTC hearing aids in 2022, focusing on affordability and accessibility. Now, we're seeing a new development with Apple AirPods software being approved as a potential OTC hearing aid.
I feel like we’re still in the "wild west" phase when it comes to OTC hearing aids. However, I appreciate what Apple has done by raising awareness about hearing loss. They've also brought attention to the distinction between traditional hearing aids and the OTC—or as I call it, the "DIY"—category, where people can attempt to treat their hearing loss at home.
For audiologists, this development highlights the value of what we do: providing prescription hearing technology to medically treat hearing loss and tinnitus.
In essence, we’re comparing apples to screwdrivers here.
Comfort and Wearability
AirPods just may not be the most comfortable option for extended wear. They’re essentially designed for recreational use.
One key feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is the ear tips. This is important because the ear tips can be removed, leaving just the receiving end of the device. A critical point that many of us in the hearing care field emphasize is the need for a proper seal. If the device is loosely placed in the ear without sealing the ear canal, you won’t get the full benefit. The AirPods are quite temperamental in this regard. I’m wearing them right now, and if I start walking around or having a conversation—maybe it’s just my ears—but they tend to slip out. I’ve heard similar feedback from others. When I wear them at the gym, I use a locking feature to secure them; otherwise, they move around constantly. This isn’t the type of hearing aid I would recommend for my patients or loved ones.
Fit is crucial. While the ear tips help with fit and blocking background noise, we’re dealing with a one-size-fits-all solution for people with hearing loss, which introduces significant limitations.
Battery Life
The battery life on the AirPods Pro 2 ranges between 4 and 6 hours. So, if you’re planning to use them as hearing aids, you might need two or three pairs—not joking or trying to downplay Apple here. Think about it: you put them in in the morning, and by noon, they need charging.
A quick note: be cautious when researching battery life, as some sources will claim "up to 30 hours with a case." But in reality, if you have noise reduction on or the AirPods are older, you’re probably looking at about 2 to 2.5 hours of use on a full charge. Battery performance decreases over time, so that’s something to keep in mind.
For me, this is a dealbreaker when it comes to treating hearing loss. Realistically, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 will give you about 2.5 hours of battery life, even though they claim 4 to 6 hours—those figures apply when noise reduction is off and the volume is lower. Personally, I get just a couple of hours from mine. It’s important that the brain is stimulated all day, not just for two or three hours. So, could they help in certain limited situations for a short period? Sure. But are they the right tool for treating hearing loss and tinnitus? I don’t think so.
I’m sure Apple has good intentions, and I’m not trying to be overly critical. But the reality is that they are a large corporation likely thinking about how to sell more products, and the answer is to target people who aren’t buying them yet—like older individuals with hearing loss. It’s a clever strategy.
Even if Apple were to solve the battery life issue and give you 16 hours, I’d still say no. I don’t want hearing providers to rely solely on “well, it doesn’t last long enough” as a reason, because Apple could easily fix that. If prescription hearing aids can last 12 to 15 hours, Apple could make theirs last 30 if they really wanted to. They’re much smarter than we give them credit for.
Here’s the real issue:
The biggest complaint we hear from patients is difficulty hearing in background noise. And yes, AirPods do have noise reduction. I love using my AirPods Pro on an airplane because they handle that constant motor noise really well. However, in real-life situations—like a restaurant, or socializing with friends—their noise reduction has limitations. The AirPods use a beamforming pattern, which means they allow you to hear the person directly in front of you fairly well. They can separate speech from noise by about 70 dB, which is impressive, but we don’t live in a world of constant, clear frontal conversations.
In contrast, major hearing aid manufacturers have developed technology over the last few years that widens that beam into almost a full 360-degree field, allowing the devices to pick up speech and reduce background noise more naturally—just like the brain does. AirPods don’t have this advanced processing, so you’re still going to struggle in noisy environments.
On affordability and access: I’ve been telling people this for a long time—hearing aids aren’t expensive. We need to change that mindset. That’s part of the problem; we’ve built up this cost barrier in our heads. The same technology I prescribe can be bought over the counter for about $2,500. You can get it at big box stores or on Amazon, usually between $1,500 to $2,500. The hearing aids themselves aren’t expensive—it’s us that are the costly part. It’s the value we provide, the care, the customized prescription, and the follow-up.
A four-year treatment plan that includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and annual assessments boils down to about $20 an hour. Audiologists justify their costs because we provide true medical value. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) products, we help reduce the risk of falls, mitigate cognitive decline, improve cognitive performance, and enhance overall quality of life. OTC devices may sound appealing, but they don’t have proven benefits like these.
Thank you Apple
The fact that Apple is bringing attention to hearing loss is a positive development. It means society is moving toward greater acceptance of hearing aids. I remember a time when wearing glasses was something people dreaded—nobody wanted them on their face. But after years of normalizing them, people now wear glasses with pride, and some even use them as a fashion statement. The social stigma around hearing aids is real, but we’ve come a long way in overcoming it.
Apple, as a leader in technology and software, deserves recognition for shining a light on hearing loss and hearing aids. So, thank you, Apple—thank you for starting this important conversation.
Today and every day, I am dedicated to changing the landscape of hearing healthcare, dementia, and improving the lives of countless individuals who live with tinnitus. Please visit www.askdrdarrow.com for questions and/or concerns.
