If you’re looking how well they do as hearing aid just look on YouTube for AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids, you have been able to do what Apple are releasing next week for over a year now with use of the Mimi app.
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Apple Confirms AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Features Launching in iOS 18.1 Next Week
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i have small hearing loss in my left ear and tinnitus. i wonder if it will do anything for me. probably not but still an exciting update.
both. they both use the same firmware.
Apple has made no distinction between the two in promoting this, unlike functionality with Vision Pro, so the assumption is both.
I'm interested but also a bit anxious to try this feature. The state of my hearing is probably worse than I'd like to admit to myself.
Sure I'm not alone!
EDIT: I see @Naildown notes the feature is only for the US & Canada for now. Disappointed/Relieved.
Sure I'm not alone!
EDIT: I see @Naildown notes the feature is only for the US & Canada for now. Disappointed/Relieved.
I would assume Apple would have to get regulatory approval from the FDA equivalent in any country it wants to launch this feature in.
Isn't that the Hearing Protection feature?US and Canada only according to the fine print on this page. Damnit... I need this.
AirPods Pro 2 - Hearing Health
The world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience: scientifically-validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection.www.apple.com
There's no mention of US and Canada only in the Hearing Aid note:
...yet.
No, Apple says it will be available in "over 100 countries". And in the press release they specifically mention (U.S.), Canada, the E.U., Germany(EU) and Japan.
However, they haven't listed all countries. So I'm guessing this is probably every country in the EU plus a bunch of the biggest ones that usually get iOS features translated.
I'm sure the beta-testers could tell us exactly which countries. And if there are limitations outside the U.S., which is very likely the case.
Although I don't need it personally, this is incredibly exciting to me as it's is perhaps one of the most important and disruptive products(software updates) that Apple will ever put out.
Not only will it put a torch to the low tech and terrible prices of regular hearing aids, it will also let those with very little hearing loss get access to affordable hearing aids, buyers who don't need them to an extent where buying regular hearing aids makes sense.
And those who are ashamed of looking old, sick, or impaired with traditional hearing aids are now just "listening" to AirPods Pro, just like anyone else would.
This is huge.
Maybe it’s not the phone or battery that has the problem?
And what about macOS? Is Apple keeping these innovations exclusive to the iPhone? These innovations should seamlessly flow through iOS and macOS. For individuals who work on a desktop computer and keep their iPhones close, the AirPods should be configured with the same parameters. I genuinely fail to comprehend why the Health App isn’t available on macOS as well.
Upend another industry. Not everyone needs $2,000 plus hearing aids. The ear plug preventive feature a big win. This will allow early use of hearing aids that will definitely improve many folks lives. Good job Apple.
Hearing aids in the US aren't quite as bad as they used to be. A little over a year ago the FDA allowed them to be sold OTC without visiting an audiologist, so competition has started to kick in. You can currently buy a set on Amazon for a couple hundred.
The problem with AirPods as hearing aids, is that they don't last on a charge nearly as long, and they are really visible. Good hearing aids last several days on a battery and can be in the canal deep enough to be mostly hidden.
It's still a nice feature, though.
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So you want to carry your Mac around in order to fully use your hearing aids. At the movies with your Mac on one’s lap. Hearing aids use is highly portable.
I don't think so, first iPhone required, second major selling point of new generation of hearing aids are how small and invisible they are, the opposite of AirPods. Plus we don't know how good they will function yet, say in a crowed public space..
AirPods Pro 2 - Hearing Health
The world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience: scientifically-validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection.
www.apple.com
I'm so looking forward to this. I'm constantly saying "HUH" or "WHAT?" to my spouse. I've had hearing issues since childhood.
Spending my teenage years working in an industrial setting, then a life filled with airplanes (the propeller kind), motorcycles, and firearms (both for work and recreation), along with way to much LOUD music has taken it's toll.
I'm responsible for NOT taking care of my ears as best I can over the years, but this seems like it will be very helpful for me and I'm really looking forward to it.
Spending my teenage years working in an industrial setting, then a life filled with airplanes (the propeller kind), motorcycles, and firearms (both for work and recreation), along with way to much LOUD music has taken it's toll.
I'm responsible for NOT taking care of my ears as best I can over the years, but this seems like it will be very helpful for me and I'm really looking forward to it.
Another issue with functioning as a more general replacement for hearing aids is the form factor, and even the color, of the Airpods. Things will become much more fantastic once these things get a lot less obtrusive. The hearing aid folks long ago worked out that over the ear solutions worked best - both for invisibility and battery life.