Some Apple AirPods wireless headphones can be used as hearing aids. New software update will be available on Monday. Even if it helps only a fraction of the millions of Americans with hearing loss, it’s a high-profile effort praised by experts.
An estimated 30 million people (1 in 8 Americans over the age of 12) have hearing loss in both ears. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, millions of people benefit from hearing aids, but most have never tried them. Countless people have tried them but decided not to use them due to cost, poor quality, poor fit, appearance, etc.
In recent years, there has been a movement to change that. Two years ago, federal regulations changed to: Allow hearing aids to be sold over the countera measure that many hoped would bring better, cheaper options to patients. And last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Apple’s software. AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid.
Experts said it was still unclear whether the rule changes had any effect. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is the kind of creative move that proponents were hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids, and Apple’s new options.
Hearing loss can lead to isolation, dementia and even risk of falls
Approximately 15% of Americans report some type of hearing loss. Most people with hearing loss are over the age of 60, but hearing loss doesn’t just affect older people. a study We found that men and people living in rural areas were more likely to have hearing loss.
And it’s associated with many health effects beyond the ears. Experts say it contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. It increases the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. Also linked to Increased risk of falling — A major health concern for seniors.
Barbara Kelly, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, said: “Everything we do and every relationship we have, whether personal or professional, involves being able to hear speech.” ”. “We are now discovering that the sooner people pay attention to their hearing health, the better.”
No need to see a doctor to get hearing aids
Prior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 rule change, everyone needed to see a doctor and get a prescription to get hearing aids. Now they are available without them.
“As more products are sold, prices will come down,” said Elizabeth Stangle, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a big rush to get them.”
Stangl, who studies how accustomed people are to using hearing aids, says that decent hearing aids purchased over the counter can easily cost $400 to $500. Also, some of the cheaper options are actually just “cheap amplifiers” and lack the customized level settings and noise canceling features that make hearing aids truly useful.
How does the Apple AirPods hearing aid feature work?
Hearing aid functionality is available on AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. This starts with a built-in test that helps users determine if they have hearing loss, set up features if they do, and set their personal amplification level.
The headphones sell for $249 on Apple’s website, but may be cheaper at other retailers.
Although there are many other earbud-like devices that work similarly, experts agreed that AirPods are a good addition, simply because they may help normalize hearing aids.
“It’s very mainstream,” Kelly said. With the popularity of AirPods, people who are concerned about the appearance of their hearing aids may become more comfortable using them.
However, there may be some drawbacks. Fit and comfort can be an issue when used for extended periods of time. And while other hearing aids are made to last more than a full day, Stangl said that’s not possible with the AirPods’ battery life. She also pointed out that wearing earphones can send a message to others that you don’t want to be interrupted or talked to.
“But we hope that more people will try it and realize, ‘Yes, this works,'” she says.
Tips for purchasing OTC hearing aids
Stangl recommends doing thorough research before making a purchase. She said Facebook and Reddit forums can be particularly useful for scrutinizing devices. website hearing tracker and healthy She said there are also reliable reviews and resources for choosing hearing aids.
of American Hearing Loss Association and American Academy of Audiology We offer a guide to purchasing hearing aids on our website. If you’re stuck, talk to your audiologist.
Look for a device that allows you to adjust different pitches. Most people with hearing loss have the most difficulty hearing high frequencies, so look for a device that allows you to adjust the amplification across frequencies.
To avoid sharp feedback whistles, buy a device with a “feedback manager”. While fit is very important, keep in mind that it may not always be the most comfortable to begin with. Please take your time.
Can I use FSA or HSA money to buy OTC hearing aids or even AirPods?
Pre-tax money held in a flexible spending account or health savings account can be used to purchase hearing aids, including those sold over the counter.
Does this mean you can buy a new set of AirPods Pro2 for pre-tax money? Experts say this is an untested gray area, so be careful. A letter demonstrating medical necessity may also be required. We recommend checking with your accountant before trying.
Smartphones can help even if you don’t have a hearing aid
Even if you can’t afford the latest and greatest technology, your smartphone can be a tool to protect and improve your hearing.
Most mobile phones now have the ability to convert voice to text, making conversations easier. iPhone’s Live Listen feature turns your phone into an amplified microphone that lets you hear your dinner date even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.
There are many apps and websites that can help you with more than just hearing aids. Some apps allow your phone to vibrate if your alarm goes off or your dog barks. The University of Iowa is Auditory Training Resource Center. Free apps like the World Health Organization’s “hearWHO” provide hearing tests and Sound level meter app from the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health You can measure whether the noise level is dangerous.
“While the majority of people own a smartphone, they don’t realize all the things it can do, including acting as an excellent amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” University of Pittsburgh Medical said Catherine Palmer, director of audiology at the center. He is also a past president of the American Academy of Audiology. “This has made hearing care more accessible to more people.”
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