Three benefits of the new AirPods Pro 2…and three possible detractions

According to audiologist Dr. Amanda L. Picioli, M.E.D., Au.D., CCC-A, there are several benefits to Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2, but she advises caution.

Picioli, chairperson of the Communications Studies and Services department at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, provides three benefits and three negatives to consider before purchasing.

Benefits to hearing health:

1. Hearing protection: the AirPods Pro 2 have noise cancellation, reducing noise exposure and ambient noise.  Apple’s website states the devices, “Take noise down a notch. Hearing Protection translates the sound signatures of what you hear to lower levels in environments as loud as 110 dBA. Machine learning on the H2 chip actively reduces louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second, and the ear tips provide passive noise reduction.” According to Picioli, “These devices provide enhancement of an individual’s ability to improve their current hearing loss situation.”
    
2. They can be used in conjunction with other accessibility features, such as captioning, to enhance an individual’s listening experience. “We know that as individuals compensate for hearing loss, they depend on other cues, such as captioning, lip reading and situational prompts. AirPods could work along with what individuals already are using – and may not even realize it.”
    
3. For individuals who have been reticent to discuss their hearing status, the AirPods Pro 2 could open up more conversations about hearing health and living with hearing loss. “We all have that family member who is in denial. Increased awareness and acceptance of wearing these devices could lead to early detection and intervention of hearing loss.” 

Negatives to hearing health:

1. AirPods Pro 2 will leave a great many people disappointed with their over-the-counter devices, because they are not appropriate for their specific type of hearing loss. This may lead to a disinterest in further appropriate care. “Remember that these devices are designed for general listening. They won't provide adequate amplification and clarity for some.”
    
2. Using over-the-counter hearing devices such as AirPods Pro 2 could prevent some individuals from seeking appropriate hearing healthcare, which could mean missed diagnosis of more complicated causes. “When this happens, individuals miss out on appropriate treatments and preventative measures, because there is no comprehensive hearing assessment.”
    
3. The AirPods Pro 2 are not medically approved. “While they can provide some amplification, these devices lack specific features and professional adjustments from a licensed audiologist. Audiologists also provide (re)habilitation strategies, counseling and support to individuals experiencing hearing loss.”