ANN ARBOR, MI (University of Michigan) - Around 15% of American adults—36 million people—have mild to moderate hearing loss. And that is not limited to older adults. With hearing aids allowed to be sold over the counter, Apple has designed its AirPods Pro 2 headphones to screen for hearing loss and function as hearing aids.
With hearing aids allowed to be sold over the counter, Apple has designed its AirPods Pro 2 headphones to screen for hearing loss and function as hearing aids.
The director of audiology at the University of Michigan Health says these AirPods have some unique features, though they are not right for everyone.
"For some patients, this is a perfectly fine solution. If during the hearing test, it's determined that a patient has more than mild to moderate hearing loss. If a patient is looking for a more customizable solution, something a little more comfortable, then a visit with your audiologist is the way to go," stated Dr. Devin McCaslin, director of audiology at the University of Michigan Health.
The director of audiology at the University of Michigan Health says these AirPods have some unique features, though they are not right for everyone.
McCaslin says, most importantly, the popular brand has significantly raised awareness of hearing health care. But he adds the Apple hearing loss test provides a screening, not a professional diagnosis.
"If it does come up that you have a hearing loss, it's important you go see a medical professional, such as an audiologist. An audiologist exam goes far beyond what you can access on that phone for a hearing test, and it also lets you know if the hearing loss that you have is medically treatable," said McCaslin.
"For some patients, this is a perfectly fine solution. If during the hearing test, it's determined that a patient has more than mild to moderate hearing loss," stated Dr. Devin McCaslin, director of audiology at the University of Michigan Health.
The FDA began allowing over-the-counter hearing aids in 2022.
