Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have gotten better since launch with software updates. In September 2024, Apple introduced a feature that allows AirPods Pro 2 to act as hearing aids. But before you consider ditching professional hearing aids, be aware of these caveats.
1 Battery Life Won’t Get You Through the Day
One of the biggest drawbacks of relying on AirPods for hearing assistance is battery life. AirPods are designed for a typical use case of a few hours of listening and calls, but when you’re using them as a hearing aid, you’ll likely need them much longer—potentially all day.
Hearing aids are built to last for extended periods, some up to 16–24 hours on a single charge. On the other hand, AirPods Pro 2 can only last for around 5.5 to 6 hours on a single charge. You’ll need to carry the charging case to get up to 30 hours of listening time, but then again, having to recharge your earbuds mid-day is a major inconvenience.
2 You’ll Need an iPhone or iPad
The AirPods Pro 2’s hearing features are limited to the Apple ecosystem. For AirPods to function as hearing aids, they rely on the Hearing Aid feature, which is available only on devices running iOS 18/iPadOS 18 or later. This means you’ll need a compatible iPhone or iPad to set up or fine-tune these features, which isn’t ideal if you were hoping for a standalone solution.
Professional hearing aids, on the other hand, work independently. You don’t need an iPhone to get the support you need. If you don’t already have an iPhone or iPad, you might find AirPods Pro frustratingly restrictive as a hearing aid alternative.
3 AirPods Are Noticeable, Unlike Discreet Hearing Aids
Even though AirPods Pro are sleek for a pair of wireless earbuds, they are still bulkier than most hearing aids. Modern hearing aids like the ones from Phonak and Oticon are barely visible, fitting inside or behind the ear. AirPods, on the other hand, are immediately recognizable.
Wearing them all day can also cause discomfort, especially if they start to slip or feel heavy in your ears. AirPods are not ideal for those who prefer a subtle, unintrusive solution to hearing loss. Their design makes it obvious that you’re either listening to something or trying to enhance your hearing.
4 Their Sound Personalization Can’t Match Professional Tuning
Even though AirPods Pro 2 offer some sound personalization features, they fall short compared to the level of customization and precision that professional hearing aids provide. This explains why the FDA certified them as a hearing aid—but only for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Like other over-the-counter hearing aids, AirPods Pro can amplify sounds and make it easier to hear certain frequencies, but their capabilities are limited. Professional hearing aids are specifically tuned by audiologists to match your exact hearing profile, adjusting for different environments and individual needs. If you’re dealing with anything beyond moderate hearing loss, the difference in quality will likely be noticeable.
While the AirPods Pro 2 can be a decent option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, they can’t fully replace traditional hearing aids. Their limited battery life, dependence on an iPhone or iPad, and lack of discretion and professional sound tuning make them a less viable choice for those who need serious hearing support. For day-to-day use in the long term, OTC hearing aids remain the better option.
