Apple's AirPods Pro 2 boast a suite of hearing-related features, including a Hearing Test and a Hearing Aid mode. But how well do these features actually function, especially for those who rely on traditional hearing aids? To find out, I enlisted the help of my grandmother, an elderly woman with mild hearing loss who has been using hearing aids for a year.
Meeting My Grandmother
My grandmother, a recent convert to the Apple ecosystem, possesses a surprising level of tech-savviness for her age. While she initially used a senior-friendly smartphone, she now comfortably navigates an iPhone 16 and even utilizes the Apple Watch's fall detection feature. This familiarity with Apple's user interface proved invaluable during her AirPods Pro 2 trial.
The Hearing Test: A Mixed Bag
The AirPods Pro 2's Hearing Test, accessible through the Settings app, is a straightforward process. Users simply tap the screen in response to auditory stimuli. My grandmother found the test easy to follow and her results closely mirrored those of a professional audiologist.
However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and users have the option to manually input results from a previous professional hearing test.
Hearing Aid Mode: A Promising Start
With the Hearing Test results recorded, activating Hearing Aid mode is as simple as deactivating noise cancellation. This significantly amplifies ambient sounds, making conversations and everyday noises like paper rustling or doors closing more audible.
My grandmother found the overall sound quality to be clear and comfortable, particularly appreciating the Media Assist mode, which optimizes hearing assistance for music, videos, and phone calls.
Challenges and Considerations
While promising, the AirPods Pro 2's Hearing Aid mode presented a few challenges:
- Background Noise: A persistent "buzzing" sound, reminiscent of an air conditioner, was noticeable even in quiet environments. While initially disconcerting, my grandmother eventually adapted to this background noise.
- Advanced Settings Complexity: Fine-tuning features like sound directionality, volume adjustments, and frequency balancing can be challenging for users unfamiliar with the intricacies of these settings.
- Limited Use Outside the Home: Concerns about losing the AirPods, social awkwardness associated with wearing them in public settings, and the relatively short battery life (up to 6 hours) limited their use outside the home.
- Manual Dexterity: Operating the pressure-sensitive stem to switch between modes and the occasional difficulty with removing the AirPods from the case presented challenges for my grandmother.
Conclusion
After a week of testing, my grandmother concluded that the AirPods Pro 2, while not a complete replacement for her traditional hearing aids, offer a valuable solution for home use. Their comfortable fit and excellent sound quality for music and media consumption make them a worthwhile addition to her tech arsenal.
However, factors like battery life, the potential for loss, and the complexity of advanced settings may deter some elderly users from relying on them exclusively as hearing aids.
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