AirPods Pro are Now Hearing Aids!

[@RichardManett]

Just wanted to thank you for the video. I just set up my pro 2 2nd gen pods yesterday. Everything you stated is spot on. I knew my hearing was suffering, no fault but mine. To many years working around every thing from To Fuel drag cars to motorcycle racing. I hated ear plugs when I road raced as every step I took off the bikes made my hard sole boots echo in my head. Now at 76 yrs old I am paying the price. Im and Apple junkie always have been since my old apple lisa, Thought the pods as hearing aids was a joke. I have enough old apple Iphone, watches, macbooks, notebooks............. Was never unhappy with their performance so I figured for a couple hundred bucks I would give them a shot. I am overwhelmed with the performance. They seem to be helping my tinitius. Had I found your video earlier I would have bought them sooner. Thanks again, Rick

[@Penul15]

Really interested whether you did anything else ( pro active adjustments? ) to deal with your tinitus?

[@paulcalapa7964]

Everything you state in your video is absolutely correct. I’ve been enjoying my new AirPods Pro 2’s for over a month and am just amazed at how well I can hear with them. You should do another video to cover the 3 Noise Control settings as I’m sure your subscribers would appreciate your excellent insight on those features. Thanks so much - Paul

[@edladendorf2799]

Excellent suggestion, Paul. I'd like to see it too,.

[@Doc.Holiday]

Thank you, I am 70 years with “Moderate Hearing Loss” according to the Apple test. With only a few days into the Pro Pods 2, I too am so far impressed. They enable me to not only have better active coms, I can also talk on the phone without frustration. Also, the noise cancellation function is a godsend when you just want tune out or focus on reading.

[@jacktyler7599]

New to you, Rich...and very pleased with the nature of your videos so far. This one has identified my next birthday gift....unless my wife wants me to get it sooner. Thanks very much.

[@craighill2589]

I had the same issues for hearing as you, I bought a pair of the new ear pods and have found great use for them. I now find that I should have them with me all the time, becuase I never know when times will come when I need them. Thanks for doing this piece.

[@susanr.562]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing, and in your usual clear, but streamlined way. I like that you present information succinctly, covering the necessary points without dragging it out.

[@RichBowlin]

I appreciate that! I really try to make my videos easy to follow.

[@bonnieolson80]

AMEN AMEN!!!

[@chrismaki8396]

Thank you for the no nonsense review of this new AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature. I know that my hearing has diminished over the years of too loud music so I am looking forward to taking the test and seeing how this will help me..

[@jimroche4109]

Hi Rich, thanks for the great review. I just got a pair of the AirPods specifically for the hearing aid function. I already tried other hearing aids in that price range and they’re not even close. Best of all the AirPods are comfortable for extended wear.

[@daveleblanc5705]

Thanks Rich, Since the announcement, 10:41 I have been waiting for this to be available and I really appreciate you helping with the set up. I have mid level (mid to high 30’s) hearing loss. I have been wearing hearing aids for about 3 years. Although the Air Pods Pro now help with my hearing deficiencies, understandably not to the level of my hearing aids. However, wearing hearing aids all day can get annoying, irritating, and uncomfortable by the end of the day. The Air Pods now are a much more comfortable alternative at night as I’m winding down. Much appreciation to Apple as well. Again, thanks as always for all you valuable and helpful information.

[@ricklevitt2650]

I’m mostly death in my left ear, mild tearing loss in my right ear. AirPod Pro twos with the hearing aid function are awesome. Makes everybody’s voice clear previously sounded muffled .Thank you for your review.!

[@ricgrupe]

As I am almost completely deaf in my left ear...I was wondering if each of the pods can be set the same for right ear use only. Effectively doubling the ability for continuous use.

[@CowboyPants-h5p]

Wow. Mostly death in one ear. What is that like??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chweehar]

So, do you used only on your left ear or using both at the same time?

[@richrobin5747]

Great video. Clear explanation. Best I’ve found. Showing beats telling alone big time. Your demeanor is so relaxed it calms me trying to follow. Many thanks. I’m going to give them a try.

[@RichBowlin]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@andrewlamberson539]

I have moderate hearing loss in both ears but the left is especially poor. I bought the AirPods a few months ago and have been enjoying the noise cancelation and was really looking forward to the hearing aid feature. It has been A+ for me. I can actually hear my wife’s mumbles (I may not listen to them!) I can clearly hear the crickets in the backyard now (a favorite sound of mine). I could NOT hear them in my left ear, but with the AirPods I can hear them clearly with both ears. The birds in my backyard are louder…and more! I have been wearing them in public without a single comment, like you said they think I’m listening to to music!

[@Dave-YellowDogWelding]

Hint from husband here. I have found with the airpods in you can still ignore the wife but only until she reaches the boiling point. It's best at this point to say something like, sorry honey, I was listening to some music. What did you say?

[@evastavrou4928]

⁠great answer - he he he !

[@CySineath]

Great, Rich, as always. I have these and have benefited greatly from them. I have had 3 sets of very expensive hearing aids and prefer the AirPods for the fit as well as the effectiveness. I would love for you to do a video on how to adjust them. Specifically, how to adjust the volume on either side. Keep up the good work!

[@RC944jim]

Great job, I had no idea what sounds I have been missing! Thank You, keep the great videos coming!!!

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome! It's amazing how much we hear that we don't even realize we're missing.

[@Aljobritt]

Thank you for the video, I bought them last week myself. I own hear aids, but at home I don’t enjoy wearing them. I really enjoy all of the advantages of the AirPods with all my devices. Especially my iwatch. 😊

[@ejrmaine]

Thanks!

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks so much. I really appreciate the gift!

[@brianbrino4310]

Thank you Rich for your excellent and so helpful video and I can’t wait to have those AirPods Pro 2 installed in my ears!

[@bonnieolson80]

This is my first introduction to you. I dont know what you discuss, but just because this video was so clear and succinct I’ve subscribed! Thank you!👍

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos on this channel.

[@garyforer4090]

It was very helpful and i'm about to purchase them. I'm 71 and yes, my wife thinks I don't hear as well as I used to. Thanks for your efforts

[@RichBowlin]

You’re welcome! Hope they work well for you.

[@debbielynn6683]

Like you I’m having to get used to hearing my voice. But as far as increasing my hearing, they have been amazing. Like you said, things that I haven’t remembered not hearing certain things are popping up now. Hearing people with background noise was also a problem with me. These have helped that tremendously. Thanks for the video….

[@michelc891]

Hello and thank you for this wonderful explanation. I'm 75 and in exactly the same situation. I have no desire to wear hearing aids all the time but a little help from the Air Pods should be just fine for me. This was really the video I needed to fully understand the value of AirPods. Thank you very much

[@hansjc]

It seems like my hearing problems are much like yours. The hearing test claims my hearing loss (even high frequencies) is not an issue, but my experience in noisy environments and while listening to TV news and talk shows clearly tells another story. The Airpods Pro 2 really made a huge difference. When having a tête-á-tête conversation in a restaurant, I use the iPhone microphone to focus my hearing on the person opposite to me. The background chat at the adjacent table miraculously disappears. This is something that 1,000 USD hearing aids are not capable of. - As a side note: The selective hearing that my wife accuses me of did not go away 🤣

[@RichBowlin]

Ha! We must be exactly alike. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sallymarciniak969]

🤣

[@mariepaterik1980]

Thank you for your video!! I have had my pro 2 hearing pods for about one week and LOVE them. As you said, I hear things I've never heard before. I can hear my husband when he's speaking to me from our kitchen. I have yet to test them when in a small group to see how they will work.

[@RichBowlin]

So far, they've worked for me in more crowded environments. Like Lowes and Home Depot. They've also worked at family gatherings. But I've not worn them to church or anything like that yet. But they really do help me. Thanks so much for watching!

[@danos7979]

Rich, Thank you so much for walking me through the test. I’m 62 and Retired from Law Enforcement (28 long, arduous years). I had a lot of Guns going off around me, including my own but I am surprised it is not as bad as I thought. I completely agree with one of your other viewers, “my hearing is good, my listening isn’t so good.” Such a great comment… I’m Listening to you from Tulsa, Oklahoma and I can actually Hear you just Fine… Take care…

[@MichaelThrift-v4l]

Just turned 74. You described almost exactly the problems I have with hearing! Ordered some AirPods today. Thank you.

[@rogerwestergaard5953]

Gonna try this in the AM. Thanks, I’m excited

[@user-ll1ox7xq6x]

Amazing info...thanks I never knew Air pods can be used as hearing aids too. I have hearing issue since age 14 and I am 52 now. I have an iPhone but don't have air pods. Will surely give it a shot. Thanks again...

[@KarenPachecoNorthohana]

Really appreciate this, Rich. As I live in Canada I just found out that this hearing feature of AirPods pro 2 sadly does not work. I learned this after eagerly buying a set from Costco and attempting to use the hearing health feature. This is just a head's up if any Canadians are watching this. Hopefully it will work in the future.

[@wegogreycup]

Thats not true. Why are you saying that??

[@wegogreycup]

My bad. You are right. That feature does not work in canada

[@KarenPachecoNorthohana]

@@wegogreycup Yes, I was totally bummed by this. Hope it changes soon.

[@ThePrawlin]

Same here in UK 😒. I so wish they would get it available to us. You can sort of do it by using mimi app to do the audio test then incorporating the results to the APP2. However I think having it properly incorporated will be better. I have age related HF roll off and tinnitus in left side. Peter. PS thanks for the great well explained and presented video!

[@babaker48]

Which I had seen this comment before I bought a new pair of AirPods pro

[@bobfotoples6950]

Very informative. I ordered my AirPods Pro 2 and I’m waiting for them to arrive. Demand is so great they were out of stock. I’m excited to use them as I need hearing aids but only in one ear.

[@RichBowlin]

I think you’re going to be really happy with them! I continue to wear them in the evening when watching TV or talking with my wife. They work really well for me.

[@michelc891]

Bonjour et merci pour cette merveilleuse explication. J'ai 75 ans et je suis exactement dans la même situation. Je n'ai aucune envie de porter des appareils auditifs en permanence mais une petite aide des Air Pods devrait parfaitement me convenir. C'était vraiment la vidéo dont j'avais besoin pour bien comprendre l'intérêt des AirPods. Merci.

[@RichBowlin]

Je suis tellement content que la vidéo ait été utile. Depuis que j'ai réalisé cette vidéo, je porte les Airpods chaque soir et ils remplissent parfaitement leur fonction. Merci beaucoup pour les aimables commentaires et pour avoir regardé.

[@Bellairvideo]

Wonderful....many thanks for explaining this concept Rich. My only concern is losing them from my ear. I tend to use AirPods on flights & if you snooze, they come out easily. Regards from Australia

[@HopeOfJoe]

Good video! According to my 2 brothers who are ENTs, Ear, Nose, and Throat MDs with audiology training, as we age, the hearing of the consonants (the non vowel letters in English) are a higher pitch and are the first to go. This includes the ‘crunch’ of leaves under your feet, and, in particular, female voices. Same for me. I have a similar pair of ear pods ( olive pro) that came out before apple upgraded. Same results and same function with hearing test…….plus, a complete app control panel on my iPhone and iPad. A real bonus for customization. Of course, same other functions as streaming audio and phone calls. 🌞👍🏻💥

[@AZdriver66]

Glad that I found your segment on the AirPods Pro 2. My wife has hearing issues and this may help. It’s something when you’re talking about a certain topic and her response deals with something else (maybe she’s reading my mind as to next topic I am going to talk about). 🥴

[@DavidEckard]

Hearing aids breathe. Mine for example use a rubber dome that has two holes in them. If I don't use the ones with two holes in them, but the ones that have one hole in them, it feels my like my ears are always plugged. And that's what these AirPods do. They plug the ear. In other words, using them as hearing aids is temporary at best. You need real hearing aids with a proper hearing test and the proper ear domes. People don't like running around feeling like their ears are plugged all the time.

[@marckirkendall4806]

I’ve had these for a couple of months. I have pretty bad hearing loss and use a hearing aid. I find these work reasonably well, but not quite as good as my $800 hearing aid (need only one, deaf in left ear). Still well worth having them as a spare. I found the hearing test to match my “professional” test quite accurately.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks for the feedback! It's really helpful to hear from users who also wear hearing aids!

[@lisamitchell390]

Thank you for this helpful, informative video. You explained this process so clearly. 👍🏻😊

[@NirajPant2]

Thanks for the video on how to use AirPods Pro 2 for Hearing Aids. At 73+ years of age, I also have difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds, and I have learned about the possibility of using AirPods instead of buying expensive Hearing Aids. Since I have been using an Android phone, I wanted to make a switch to an iPhone only if I could use the AirPods for Hearing Aids. This video will help to test myself and if it helps then make a switch to an iPhone or use the AirPods through the iPad!

[@NobelSkye]

Very helpful indeed . . Many thanks Dear Rich🎉❤

[@heatherbrown1558]

I just got mine as a Christmas present and I love them. I can hear everything crisp and clear. They're really comfortable. These are way better than the hearing amplifiers I got on amazon. The AirPods sound like you're not wearing them at all.

[@RichBowlin]

So that's my experience so far too! So glad the AirPods are helping you hear better!

[@donaldsalas8709]

Excellent review. I have read the various comments and see that a number of users outside the US can’t take the built in audiogram test. You might want to do a video on importing a 3rd party app like Mini hearing test or Soniccloud personalized sound to create a audiogram and import into the AirPod. You also can take a free hearing test at hearing aid business and ask for a copy of the audiogram. I have a very recent audiogram from Costco that I took a photo of but when I check the accuracy of the photo data found that I had to edit some of the settings. All hearing aids no matter what the cost have pros/cons. The best feature I find with the AirPods is the noice cancellation.

[@grahamdonges8921]

Thanks very much for the great video. I am surprised that the AirPods made such a difference because as you stated your hearing test showed only minimal degradation. I relate to your comments about missing conversations etc, especially in noise or more distant sounds. That leaves me wondering if there is another reason for this. Could it be that our brain is not working as fast as it used to in interpreting the sounds that we hear? I often find myself listening to what seems to be intelligible till I hear a word or two clearly and then reconstruct what was said. Looks like I need to upgrade my AirPods!

[@johnsteichen5239]

I have been using my air pods pro for at”east a year or so. Maybe they are air pods 1 or something. I use them for listening to TV with my wife. I also love them in a group , a men’s Bible study. Some people talk too softly. Helps very much. I had to initially tweak them to get good results. I can’t comment on the most recent version, and I can assume they are even better. I will be 82 next month and I never use the $499 jobra over the counter hearing aids that I purchased and prefer the apple air pods pro devices. Love them. My Apple TV device that I sometimes use will often pick up that I am wearing them and ask me to connect via blue tooth to that TV content. That shuts the sound off for my wife however so I don’t use that Bluetooth connection very much.

[@edladendorf2799]

Rich, thanks for putting these videos together for us. This is the second video of yours I saw, and they're great! I'm coming from Windows and Chrome OS, and I'm pretty much completely lost. So I'm sure you haven't heard the last from me. I subscribed too. There's just too much information about Apple things for me to miss out on . I have moderate hearing loss, and often ask people to repeat what they said - especially women. I'm 87, and I tried the Costco hearing aids, but was not impressed. I actually think the Airpods Pro 2 will work better for me, and about $1500.00 cheaper than Costco's.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks! I know they work for me. I continue to wear them in the evenings and when talking with my wife. I know she's happy not having to repeat everything twice. Thanks so much for watching!

[@chasvox2]

Nicely done. I have hearing aids ($7K!) and they are superb. I can control them w. my iPhone. The company is constantly improving the firmware. And I get 6 month checkups from the "pros" from whom I bought them. However, I really like this Airpod concept and might even obtain a pair as backup and for other purposes...i.e....I am a composer and would like to hear how they respond to certain instrumental frequencies. Thanks again for the excellent presentation.

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Thank you Rich very helpful.

[@RichBowlin]

You're very welcome!

[@WWPlaysHoldem]

My Starkey brand hearing aids work great as AirPods.

[@mvicavanagh]

Hi Rich, I commented on a previous video about doing an audio test and using my AirPod Pro 2’s to boost my hearing. I will be now be doing the Apple hearing test and hope for an improved result. Thanks for the updated information. 🇦🇺

[@RichBowlin]

Glad I could help! Let me know how the test goes.

[@rickcrammond6330]

Thanks, Rich, I stumbled upon your channel, I bought some AirPods, and I am hearing better again. I am profoundly deaf on one side but the other side is so much better. It would be great if the deaf side AirPod could send a signal to the hearing side AirPod. I once had hearing aids that would do that but there was so much background hiss, I tossed them out. I'm not getting any hiss with this.

[@Penul15]

Thanks for excellent video! Really crystal clear & helpful.

[@sthengr]

I've been using the AirPods Pro 2 for hearing aids from the get go. It's better than spending $5,000+ for a real set of hearing aids, YMMV. I even bought a second pair so I'm never without them on a typical day.

[@rickyraymond7601]

As always, great video. I got my AirPods Pro 2 yesterday. My expectations were very low. To my surprise Apple has done a fantastic job. I was really surprised of the results.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad they're working out for you! I wore them out walking today and I remain amazed at the decline in my hearing over the years. But the AirPods are helping a lot.

[@lorianderson199]

it’s the tweaking part that is really important. I have the AP2 but can’t assist my husband on how to tweak the settings to make it most effective for a hearing device.

[@tedtabb]

I wear Costco hearing aids for moderate hearing loss. Recently I had a charging issue with my hearing aids so I decided to give my AirPods Pro 2 a try as a hearing aid substitute/backup. At first I was happy to have good hearing back. Soon I could see the advantages of real hearing aids. Battery life on the AirPods was very short compared to the 12-14 hours I was used to. Then my AirPods tended to fall out with normal jaw movement from eating, talking, or just bending down to pickup something. I was overjoyed to learn that all I had to do to fix my hearing aid issue was do a reset, duh! For me, hearing aids are the better solution and I don’t have to explain “I’m wearing my AirPods to hear you better, not so I can listen to music while you’re were talking.”

[@randyhisner8820]

Interesting comment. I just set up an appointment at Costco to get hearing aids, but since I just got the Air Pod Pros for Christmas, I thought I'd try them out as hearing aids. They definitely make a positive difference! But I plan to get real hearing aids anyway. I have mild loss in one ear, moderate (just barely out of mild range) in the other, and I'm hoping actual hearing aids will be even better. Like you, I have found the battery life to be short, and I have had them fall out a couple times while exercising.

[@celestinoceniza6509]

Very helpful Rich thank you❤

[@mikesmith5083]

Thanks Rich. I never heard of this (Pun intended) but I will certainly be taking a look. Take are folks. Happy holidays too. 👍🇬🇧

[@gary344]

Very informative and well produced video. I encourage all seniors to have their hearing professionally evaluated. Having a professional baseline is just smart healthcare. I didn't know what I was missing until I had mine checked. I didn't realize that I was guessing what people were saying ... and I was wrong many times. It's great that Apple has given us such a great product. Thanks again. 🌿Bless🕊

[@Kate98755]

they work great

[@tuff-duty]

I have an iPhone 16 Pro 2. currently upgraded to iOS 18.2. I am 75 years old. I do not have hearing aids, but KNOW that I would benefit from them. but I haven’t got them due to the cost, etc. BUT NOW- after the testimony of this man, I will have to break down and get some.

[@CowboyPants-h5p]

So you can afford a new iPhone, (there is NO such thing as an "iPhone 16 Pro 2", btw), but you can't afford AirPods? Sure thing.....so lame...

[@mtgreengarden]

Thank you so much for this. I use an Android as a phone, but am considering getting me a used iPhone I can upgrade to 18.1 for cheap - I would only use that phone for the earphone app. I figure for the cost of a burner phone and some air pods, I'd still save thousands of dollars over the cost of hearing aids. I even considered buying TWO sets of air pods so that I could switch them out when the batteries went flat because I would depend on them for 10 or more hours per day. Two sets of air pods are still WAY cheaper than prescription hearing aids.

[@robertwhitemoto]

thanks Rich... my hearing is down a good bit I imagine. I'm going to buy and try.

[@poddington39]

So you have to put them in and the. Use the iphone as a conduit for what you want to hear, or do you put them in and they just sort of work? Thanks, thinking of getting them for my husband but dont know whether i need to tell him to keep his phone with him too?

[@Me-dy1eb]

I LOVE Your Chanel and "Senior Tech Desk",that just started. It helps my parents slot. Thank you😊😊

[@RichBowlin]

Appreciate you! I'm trying my best to make things easier for older folks.

[@raycarter4030]

i was walking with my son through a grassy field and he asked what the really loud noise was, i couldn’t hear a thing, turned out there were hundreds of crickets. the sound of childhood lost to me forever.

[@Teresa-K]

Hi Rich! Very useful information! I wasn’t aware you could use air pods as hearing aids. My husband wears hearing aids. I’m wondering if this will work for him when he’s charging his hearing aids or if they work better than his hearing aids. I like that it gives you statistics on both ears too. We don’t have air pods, but it’s worth checking out. Thanks Rich for the video. Kindness, Teresa

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Teresa! I'm sure expensive hearing aids probably work better than the AirPods. But if you have a pair or can afford a couple hundred dollars, this feature is great. I really didn't realize how much my hearing had deteriorated until I turned on the hearing aid feature. I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested in this video but I thought it might be helpful to some. Hope you're doing well.

[@fernandogquintana6138]

Thank you, I am hearing very good now.

[@luisymaz473]

Thanks for your info!

[@yvonnecamperriovista225]

My kids think I have hearing problems, so this will definitely be worth trying. Once again, great video,

[@lorianderson199]

it’s the tweaking part that is really important. I have the AP2 but can’t assist my husband on how to tweak the settings to make it most effective for a hearing device. Plus, unfortunately, living in Canada, the hearing test is not available.

[@66zey]

Here in the UK AirPods are not set up I bought a pair to use part time as my hearing aid is behind the ear and wearing is uncomfortable, so I thought to try 😢 AirPods and I bought a iPad at the same time waste of time when are the AirPods as hearing aid app coming to The UK.

[@RichBowlin]

From what I've read, it should be soon. My UK friends say the test is available but not the actual hearing aide feature. My hope is that it will be working soon. In the meantime, you'll still enjoy the AirPods with your new iPad! Thanks so much for watching!

[@bartniaux8630]

A couple of issues were encountered. Firstly, my airpods had to be updated to firmware version 7b19. The next issue was a show stopper. I am currently in France, and the Hearing Aid option software was no approved, even though I have a US purchased phone and have a US credit card with a US mailing address. Anyways, thank you for yet another great video and I look forward to using this feature hopefully soon

[@Dave-YellowDogWelding]

Did you set language to English US? Good luck

[@bartniaux8630]

@@Dave-YellowDogWelding Yes. I think it was during my last update which was performed in France. I should have used a US VPN connection.

[@cathiehutcheson6556]

Bose Hearphones are the best hearing device made. They are controlled using a phone. Unfortunately, Bose stopped making Hearphones a few years ago, but now make hearing aids. Hearphones are the only hearing aid that does not have a continual fuzz noise, but has clear sound.

[@66zey]

When is the app coming to the UK bought these thinking they would work in the UK.

[@RichBowlin]

From all I've read it should be there soon. I think the UK government has put a hold on it to verify Apple claims before it becomes available. Hope it's soon fo you and all my friends in the UK.

[@bradleyanderson247]

Thanks for the video. I've not set my AP2's up as hearing aids yet. I do think that they already present a degree of boost. I do own and use conventional behind the ear hearing aids. My hearing loss is not severe but have the typical roll off as frequencies increase. My audiologist said that what happens is that the lower frequencies end up drowning out the higher frequencies so that everything just sounds muddy in a noisy environment. I'm happy with my hearing aids but don't replace proper ear buds or headphones when one want to listen to music or other media. I will set my AP2s up as hearing aids and will use them as an adjunct to my regular hearing aids. For folks who've never used hearing aids there is typically an adjustment. All of those sounds you're now hearing were there all along, but you've just not been really hearing them. Things like water running, birds singing, scraping sounds, etc. What you describe is very normal. Thanks again for the video.

[@hankgibson4515]

I having hearing aids. You need to get to Costco and take a free hearing test. Part of the problem is there are certain sounds and words you lose and your mind will never bring them back, even with hearing aids. The AirPods, which I have also, don’t even begin to touch what well fitted hearing aids will do for you. You need to get a test. AirPods are not yet a good substitute for hearing aids.

[@autumnxu9986]

I use airpods as hearing aids, they work great, no app needed, I have an iphone 14, which automatically controls the Airpods, including the volume. it saved lot of money.

[@RichBowlin]

It's amazing how versatile these little devices are!

[@lada7539]

Lucky to find you, at 83 it is not easy to learn internet and especially following updates. Do I need only Apple iPods or any? I am using IPad Pro 2

[@huyhuynh9523]

Thank you for your efforts in making this video. I am looking to get this device for my mom and am not quite sure how it works. What I don’t know is do you have to have the phone with you all the time while wearing these AirPods as hearing aids? Thank you, Richard.

[@RichBowlin]

No need to have the phone with you. The phone is just used for the initial test and setup.

[@MelissaM-y6x]

thank you! this video was very helpful!🙂

[@RichBowlin]

You're so welcome!

[@underscr0e]

We need this in Canada 😢

[@Gtdr4356]

Do you find the pods hurt your ears(the outside frame) just from having them in for long periods of time?

[@RichBowlin]

Not really. But I don't wear them for more than a few hours at a time. Usually in the evening. They did bother me a little at first, but I think I've just gotten used to them.

[@campbellmorrison8540]

Yep you sound like me, mild hearing loss was my result. I agree with you on the way they sound a little strange and it depends on the setting for me its a toss up between transparency and adaptive I think I prefer transparency. I too am very happy with them considering you pay $1000s for prescription ones but I also accept prescription ones are better but I don't feel I need them now. I too can wear them for 6hrs plus but usually only use them when I go out in crowded environments. I recon Apple are onto a real great introduce here and a great way to stop being nagged about needing hearing aids. I have to say Im sure that many of our devices like TV actually have very poor sound quality and so we think we have bad hearing when in fact its the garbage we are being forced to listen too.

[@BryanBarr]

Thanks for your prompt reply!😀

[@brendaholden9082]

I do not have Hearing Test on my iPhone 12. Can I make this work using an older phone.

[@deanbalouris330]

Is there any maintenance that needs to be done with the AirPods? My ears produce a steady stream of ear wax, and it requires me to at least every week clean them and change filters, because they plug up and prevent sound amplification. The nice thing that you describe is sound filtering that mutes background noise. That doesn’t happen with most traditional hearing aids. They amplify everything. In a noisy environment I usually end up muting them because the unwanted noise is overwhelming.

[@RichBowlin]

You may need to clean them from time to time. Many people do. But other than that, no maintenance to speak of.

[@deanbalouris330]

@ Thanks!

[@dustyroads834]

I tried this It wouldn’t let me get past the fit test. The tips I use are the most comfortable for me but it still told me to change the tips. So needless to say I gave up.

[@RichBowlin]

I think the AirPods need to be sealed tight to work for the hearing test. I used the smallest tips forever and when it told me to change tips, I tried them all. In the end I actually use the largest tips and now everything works as expected. I understand the frustration though. Maybe you can just fool around with them a little longer and see if you can get things to work. Thanks so much for watching!

[@steveharvey6841]

hi Rich, thanks for the excellent video, here's a question: do you need the phone/ipad on you and switche on or do the iPods work individually?

[@RichBowlin]

The AirPods work on their own as hearing aids. Which is great because I don't want to lug around my iPhone all the time.

[@swimfit57]

Hi Rich, I do have hearing aids . But the AirPods Pro are a lot cheaper than regular hearing aids. I got my hearing aids at Costco a lot cheaper than a ENT, the ENT years ago were 5000! Costco was 1500. I may try AirPods Pro do they have different sizes that go in your ears ? I have small ears I have trouble keeping them in! Thanks for your assessment! Steve

[@RichBowlin]

Hey! Yes the AirPods Pro 2 come with different silicone tips for sizing. It took me a while to get used to them but they don't bother me now. And for me, they really work well. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Midlander1956]

It would mark sense for the pods to be coloured pink, or brown, for example, so they blend in with your natural colour. Then more people would wear them rather than them being so stark and attracting the looks you mentioned.

[@Marvin-fn7ks]

I tried them with my moderate/severe hearing loss to use when my BTE hearing aids are in the way (haircuts …) but unfortunately they weren’t powerful enough. Even after I watched a couple videos on how to turn them way up it didn’t help . I ended up with a $99 pair from Amazon to do that job.

[@exxzxxe]

Excellent video. A question: how well do you think they would work for "profound hearing loss" with gradual drop-off starting at around 1100 Hertz?

[@BobbieGWhiz]

If the hearing test indeed demonstrates profound hearing loss, the software won’t allow you to use the hearing aid feature.

[@exxzxxe]

@@BobbieGWhiz Thank you! You saved me time and money!

[@991turbogeek]

I guess my attention span is going too 😅 but I missed the part about after taking the hearing test, HOW to actually utilize the results into the unit settings. Do the devices take these results and make the settings based on that? Where in the video should I click on to get this very useful information or did you only cover the part about how to take the hearing test and that’s it? Thanks, good clear video if nothing else.

[@barbarareichlin5572]

Agree…. Would love to have the answers to these questions!

[@991turbogeek]

@ FYI I discovered a few things since my post, I’ll try to summarize. About half of the iPods have a bug in the hearing test itself, it won’t complete the test, therefore it renders the hearing aid feature useless. However, if you download the “Mimi” app to your phone it will give the same test (actually better and more accurate) and it logs the results in your Health app already on your phone. When you sync the iPods with your phone it does indeed show the list of logged tests in the Health app (there will only be the Mimi results so that makes it easy) and you select that one. The iPods then “utilize” those results to amplify the sound accordingly. As a hearing aid the now tailored iPods work pretty well but not as good as $10K hearing aids of course, but the big sell being able to use them on phone calls if you have compromised hearing. Also, you can now have headphones in general without needing full ear ones while also having regular hearing aids in too. Sorry for rambling, hope this sheds light. Btw, I got the Mimi tip workaround plan from reading the, literally, hundreds of chats complaining about the hearing aid bug that Apple seems to still be dealing with. Good luck.

[@991turbogeek]

@@barbarareichlin5572 Sorry, I think I just replied to myself in clarifying my original, and now your question too! I just posted to my original thread above if you’re interested. Thanks.

[@barbarareichlin5572]

@@991turbogeek Thanks and thanks for letting me know! Appreciate it. Already have my Apple test results in the Health app, but will do the Mimi test, since you say it's better, and will be able to compare. This definitely moves the ball forward.

[@cgreric1036]

Unfortunately the hearing feature doesn't work in Canada. A lot of people have found out the hard way, hoping to get reasonably priced hearing aids.

[@MexicanMovie]

saved to my favorites!

[@budcmour]

Great video, Rich. I do have a question pertaining to the iPhone; Where does it have to be located on your person when using it as hearing aids? In your pocket, or in your hand out in the open?

[@RichBowlin]

You don't need to have the iPhone around. I wear my AirPods on walks without my iPhone with me. You just use the iPhone to take the hearing test and set things up. Hop this helps.

[@mvl6827]

Haven't got AirPods .. yet. But I certainly have hearing loss. There's hearing tests online and I've been to a pharmacy . My hearing problems sound similar to how you describe yours, but are described as moderate. . So,... I am going to investigate... thanks a lot!

[@RichBowlin]

I've been wearing my AirPods Pro kust about every evening since I filmed this video. What a positive difference! Good luck investigated this. And thanks so much for watching.

[@GT-ho6co]

This should be released in early December with iOS 18.2 here in Canada I’m looking forward to trying this out

[@davidbaillieul109]

Fellow Canadian here frustrated by the lack of Hearing Aid or Protection in 18.1 in Canada. Very curious, where did you hear that the feature will be included in 18.2?

[@Crikeys57]

Of course, not available in Australia.

[@user-ib2cz4xd9v]

Thank you

[@RichBowlin]

You're very welcome!

[@MichaelJamesGallagherAuthor]

I live in Canada and the hearing aid firmware is illegal here. We can’t use this as a helpful device to protect the audiology market for devices at 5000 ish a crack. Thanks for the info though. My symptoms are the same as yours. Imagine you can use the product in Afghanistan but not Canada.

[@RichBowlin]

That is frustrating! My hope is this will soon be resolved. Apple plans a world-wide release but some governments require more effort for approval than others. Thanks so much for watching!

[@les4048]

Not available in the UK

[@mikesmith5083]

Bummer! I was looking forward to this! Thanks for the info. 👍