AirPods Pro OTC Hearing Aid Setup, Review & Sample Audio

[@frankjspencejr]

Just wondering if you have to use both AirPods or can you use it just in the bad ear?

[@daisychain3222]

Thank you for this information. My husband has had hearing tests but not much satisfaction in the “control” that the audiologist wants to take over. We bought these just for the hearing aid just a few days ago. Yours is the first that made it easy to make them work! He is very happy with the results. We did have to upgrade to IOS 18.

[@HearSoundly]

Glad to hear it! Hope he enjoys.

[@artjohnson01]

I don’t have a hearing issue, but purchased the Air Pod Pro to upgrade from the original. I found the difference to be significant. I visit Starbucks every morning to start my day. However, I like my privacy. My “old” Air Pods were OK…I thought. WOW. Much quieter and my experience is greatly improved.

[@EdwardEmoryPhoto]

Man, I’ve never seen anyone think to put some headphones in a dummy and give you a sound quality test like that. Brilliant. I already own them. I’m just trying to share information like this with my father so this is very helpful.

[@dpfreeman1]

Do they work with your iPad and iPhone? Do the devices have to be on for the air pods to work as hearing aid and listening devices?

[@SonicSOGMC]

Nice review! One of the few by someone with a hearing loss. I have moderate hearing loss in one ear and am deaf in the other. I wear BiCROS hearing aids and was excited to try the new hearing aid feature with AirPods Pro 2. AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature lacks support for single-sided deafness by default. Users can manually enable it for one AirPod by pausing the hearing test and switching AirPods before testing the affected ear. Apple should enable BiCROS capabilities and allow users to enable ANC while wearing one AirPod for single-sided deafness users.

[@philipphan261]

By far the most helpful review videos I have seen in the last couple of days. It's comprehensive, relevant and easy to follow steps. The sound testing from the mannequin was impressive. I could hear the speech clearer (more bright) when simulated the "hearing aid" function of the Airpod 2 Pro. Thank you.

[@chucklee9291]

I have been trying this for 3 days, and totally agree with him. An excellent non biased review. The other channel, Dr Cliff or whatever his name is, bashing the product without even trying was so ridiculous. Well done!

[@cheshiregrin950]

I saw the Dr Cliff video a while back, definitely not positive, which caused me to even stop considering the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid option. I’ve stopped going around people because a back and forth conversation is barely possible. It’s simply embarrassing for me. Now that this video popped up, maybe the AirPods Pro 2 should be reconsidered for me. Once my ear doctor found out I can’t afford $5000.00, they were DONE with me. Of course they won’t allow me to have a copy of the hearing test, so I’ve put this off another year. I’m old, limited income. Hard of hearing is horribly limiting. OTC scams are abundant too.

[@alicia-f]

@@cheshiregrin950 wow, I think thats illegal to keep the results from you! Costco is a great option if you can afford $1600 plus the $65 yearly fee for membership. Their hearing test is free if you are a member too. I just got the airpods to try in my car since my hearing aids are too quiet to hear streaming really well with the road noise, and OMG airpods blow my hearing aids away!

[@stevewalker9275]

Very good review. I have been using them for several weeks, even before Apple’s 18.1 release, using Mimi’s test. The sound I am hearing is much better than the recorded sound in your samples. It is a bit tinny but not terrible. I really appreciate your take on “depends on how you use them.”

[@HearSoundly]

Thanks for the kind words and for sharing!

[@katiemcteague]

Thank you for the great information. I was very curious about how AirPods helped as hearing aids. As someone who has prescription hearing aids (Resound) for high frequency hearing loss, I've had mixed results and haven't found them to be super helpful in noisy situations. I still have difficulty hearing people across from me clearly when I'm in a an environment such as a restaurant. I also struggle to distinguish some of the consonants when people with lower voices speak. They help, but I wish they did a better job. Also, I end up putting my AirPods in when I want to listen to anybody on the phone or music because they just have a better sound quality. Hearing aids tend to be a little bit more tinny sounding and not great for entertainment. For someone like me who needs all day support, AirPods wouldn't be practical. I'd be afraid of them falling out and losing them as well as the shortness of the battery life. I do agree that they can help out situationally. I often wear my AirPods when I'm watching Apple TV because I get the sound directly in my ear and can hear the dialogue much better than when it comes through TV speakers. I'm hoping future technology for prescription hearing aids improves sound quality.

[@KeniloTube]

Brilliantly presented and informative video. Having watched other KZbin video's regarding Apple's AirPod Pro 2 hearing loss software, I upgraded my Pro 1's to the 2nd generation. I had a hearing test last month I have added my Audiologists results to my Health app as you described, tweaking it where necessary after scanning a photo of my results. The only downside at the moment is Apple have yet to release the hearing software update in the UK... Which is a little frustrating.

[@HK-NYC]

Are there devices that can help lower tinnitus?

[@RichardOutdoors]

Why aren’t other videos so clear and easy to understand! Thank you!

[@clevelog]

Thank you for the excellent information. I just saw an audiologist and thanks to you, I was able to scan the audiogram. : )

[@gabrielavaldes1185]

I have tinnitus and some hearing loss, would these work?

[@sundog3944]

Thank you for posting this informative review. I've seen a few reviews on the APP2 hearing aid features, and this is by far the most useful.

[@mikef2618]

As far as looking to the future is concerned, I would like to see either OTC or prescription hearing aids that come with not only a self administered hearing test and/or the ability to upload a professionally done audiogram, but also come with an optionally available fitting program for a PC, similar to what a professional fitter uses to program the hearing aids. This wouldn't have to be as extensive as the professional fitting software, but perhaps a "lite" version that allows adding or removing programs such as "Reverberant Room", or "Live Music", etc., along with being able to make frequency response changes on a 12-point or larger scale. A user could do things like changing the dome style, and then go into the software and make the changes to match the new domes without having to make an appointment, have the fitter make changes, then going out for a week or two and discovering they still need adjustments, then going through the whole process again. Give us the option to make these adjustments ourselves, whether it is with OTC or prescription. If we mess it up, a simple one-press button would take them back to the original setup.

[@rconrad2k]

AirPods Pro won't replace my prescription hearing aids, especially in complicated situations like parties or restaurants. They are also weak in battery life compared to my prescription devices. Where they really shine is the ability to easily switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency (hearing aid) modes. This is great in several situations, like on an airplane they do a decent job of blocking most of the engine and background noises, but you don't have to take them out to hear the flight crew. The ANC automatically turns off and they switch to transparency when they hear you talking. I regularly use them on my morning walks, and they effectively block the noise of traffic, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, so that I can hear my music or audiobooks at a normal volume. When you need ANC, they beat every hearing aid on the market.

[@HearSoundly]

Excellent points!

[@miatared]

$200 vs $3000. There has to be a difference.

[@pantherred]

I have a moderate hearing loss and tried the Apples for a couple of weeks. My experience totally jibes with this review. The sound was frequently muddy, especially in challenging situations such as conversations in a restaurant, so they were not really that useful. They do not replace even mid level OTC in terms of quality. Thanks to Soundly reviews, I now have Sennheiser All-Clears, and I am really happy with them. If you have only a mild loss and need only an occasional boost like in meetings, the Apples will probably suit you quite well, especially given their price point. Look elsewhere if your needs are greater than that.

[@satsearch1]

Is the option activated for United Kingdom users

[@rudester7557]

Can one access the hearing aid test, BEFORE buying the AirPod?

[@lenswatson]

Great video!

[@AlexFraserMBA]

Thanks for this excellent review. I am comparing these with Jabra Enhance from Costco. I’m still in the 180 day trial phase and really wondering if I should return these $1600 hearing aids and simply use the AirPods.

[@pantherred]

Try the AirPods in really challenging situations . In my experience they do not perform that well. And you can't wear them all day because of the battery.

[@tomhammer1784]

Where is the mic to capture the conversation? In the AirPod or phone?

[@HearSoundly]

Great question. In the AirPods

[@frankpetroni6857]

Very pleased However when I try adjustments there no differences

[@EisenhauerJanice]

I bought this specific model to have the added hearing aid function and now learn it is not available for use in Canada. 🤨

[@geow6100]

When will this be available in the UK?

[@miharbist]

Can I use these headphones as a hearing aid without using an iPhone, just by making the necessary settings? What I don't understand is whether they receive sounds from their own microphone, independent of the phone, and amplify them.Does it send it to my ear by raising it?

[@BobbieGWhiz]

You need to have an iPhone to do the initial settings. After that, they’re not dependent on the iPhone. Having said that, if you want to tweak the settings from time to time, you would need to have an iPhone or iPad.

[@philipstyne7932]

I am finding this and all other videos don’t address the problem with fitting properly That is my major problem.

[@bluestaffy5101]

Still not available for me in the UK

[@rhiivideos]

Such a helpful video

[@chuckmetzger893]

Do they help with tinnitus?

[@photosbywalt7124]

There is an option to add sound to mask tinnitus. A little noise goes a long way. I find that just having the more full spectrum of sounds helps with my tinnitus.

[@chuckmetzger893]

Thanks

[@nabeelgara2930]

Is this feature only available in US ?

[@idstandard]

The Apple Pro2's are better sounding than any hearing aid I've tested. I agree with the other limits. The audio as a hearing aid is still better then many "prescription" ones that I've used. The 3 trillion man is marching...

[@idstandard]

An addendum to the above comment I just made. I woke up this morning after having the flu for about a week feeling well and was speaking to a friend of mine with a very soft voice and even with my wife, who does not have a very soft voice, and I found that the hearing aids that I am thinking of bringing in and turning my friends onto to a much better job at amplifying what I was trying to hear that the Apple two pro did. The Apple two pros had a bit of echo and for me to get what I need out of them. I have to print them up all the waywhich probably is not necessary with most folks so that’s the caveat but definitely a good set of hearing aids, which I think I found a better job.

[@iowawilliam]

@@idstandard Is english your first language, I got lost twice in your addendum.

[@AzerPaul]

The sound samples were uniformly full of high-pitch annoying voices or noises, even when you stated that you were adjusting the air pods to reduce or eliminate ambient noises.

[@jeremysellors1292]

I have setup Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with an iPad and iPhone using iOS 18.1 in Canada but I don’t see the Hearing Test. Does the full OTC work in Canada yet?

[@gertp11]

I’m also in Canada and was just coming to ask the same question. I just received my pro2s a few days ago.

[@tomyang8341]

i have the same question too

[@donross7820]

Very comprehensive and helpful! Thanks

[@paulosgood77]

Mine works fine except I'm getting a periodic chip sound (about every 30 seconds) Any suggestions?

[@paulosgood77]

Update. It seems that the beep comes if the pods aren’’t seated in your ears correctly.

[@jimcaligiuri2205]

I don't seem to have the hearing test on my phone. is there a way to download it? or do I need to delete my airpods and start over?

[@VikiAnderson]

make sure you have airpods pro 2 not just airpods pro. I found this to be my issue.

[@disclosure-100]

Great content; I have hearing loss in my right ear, I can hear real low bass only with headphones. I have some hearing aids by PHONAK, the right HA transmits to the left HA. What HA solution would you suggest for my condition? Thank you.

[@nicholastopley7611]

Outstanding video,

[@01mememememe]

Need to be in US for the option to show up

[@nicolascubides7807]

Is not available yet for me :( iOS 18.1 and AirPods Pro 2

[@HearSoundly]

Are you in the U.S or abroad? We have hear reports that this isn't available abroad yet.

[@Meow-1892]

@@HearSoundlyI am not from the US and this feature is not available to me either :c

[@Maggie3207]

Me either. In New York

[@duanebooher564]

I have mild hearing loss with the expensive hearing aids. I play the guitar and I have to take the hearing aides out to hear the guitar frequencies. Does AirPods Pro fix this issue?

[@robertpolleros478]

If the guitar is electric, you need hearing protection rather than a hearing aid to not damage your hearing further. Luckily the AirPods Pro 2 do both.

[@Pearl2677]

Excellent review! Thank you 🙏 I have a moderate hearing loss and I was really looking forward to this device but for some reason the hearing aid setup not available in Canada. It was advertised that it will be available. Maybe it became a regulatory issue? Who knows ,even Apple can't give me an answer So I am returning it. I will check out the Sony per your suggestion.

[@richdiorio3650]

@@Pearl2677 Tiu have to upgrade the version of the software from 6. Something to 7. Something I had the same problem. Put the phone next to the iPods for 30 minutes and it will do it automatically

[@colbys6714]

How would it work for 1 ear?

[@luistavares969]

Great job here. I’ve been using the AirPods as an Hearing device since it became available on IOS. Clearly with IOS18.1 it become easier to setup. This is what I prefer using on a professional level, integrantes with my Apple devices. Thumbs up

[@davidviviano1676]

Do I need my phone to use the hearing aid option. Many times I intentionally leave my phone at my desk and walk away to other parts of the building.

[@disclosure-100]

It is a Bluetooth device so it will be sensitive to distance from your phone.

[@richdiorio3650]

Which OTC hearing aide performs the best in noisy environments? I think most people would love to know this since this is the biggest problem for all of us. Thanks!

[@HearSoundly]

My pick would be Sennheiser All Day Clear at the moment.

[@richdiorio3650]

@@HearSoundly Thanks! What’s the difference between the slim and regular model? Thanks

[@HearSoundly]

@@richdiorio3650 Good question! Regular model is by far my favorite. The Slim version is actually larger and has a much stiffer wire and a larger piece in the ear. I have a strong preference for the non-slim.

[@pantherred]

I have Sennheiser All Clears and was a poll worker for weeks during the elections. The Sennheiser handled the difficult environment like champs. Not as good as prescription which I have also had, but for OTC, outstanding.

[@AdamNicolson]

Not available in UK region by the looks of it. Someone please correct me if im wrong.

[@waldemarwinkler1344]

Every person has unique and different hearing loss issues. My opinion of online hearing tests is they are too basic and do not collect enough information. Only have hearing tests conducted by licensed audiologists. They should cover frequency sensitivities, weaknesses, speech clarity issues, background environmental sounds that cause comprehension conflicts, possibilities of inner ear damage, and a one-to-one conversation defining treatment options. Not everyone needs the precision of prescription hearing aids. This video is an excellent objective review, of the product and some realities of hearing loss. I was a sound technician for 25 years, working primarily in public speaking environments. I will be needing hearing aids in the future. Over the Counter devices are a welcome option for those people with mild hearing issues. I will be choosing the prescription path, however.

[@gregroth4696]

I don’t want a history lesson! How do I operate my AirPod pro2’s ? Why is that so difficult?

[@tracymoon4437]

Looking forward to your video. When will it be available?

[@galootlovestools]

I just bought a pair of Airpod Pro 2s, uploaded my most recent audiology test results and turned on the hearing assistance mode. They work! My hearing loss is mild up to 3kHz and drops off rapidly beyond that. The tunability is excellent and totally under my control. I’ll use these situationally probably no more than 4h per day. If battery life becomes an issue I’ll buy a second pair and swap out if the first pair needs recharging. I paid $190 plus $30 for Applecare. That’s $220. At double that they’re cheaper than just about any low end hearing aid. I hadn’t bought hearing aids yet and I doubt I will. My main issue was my wife’s irritation that I couldn’t hear her talking. Now I can hear her talking upstairs and down a hallway. I can hear her 20ft away from me with her back turned to me. That’s good enough. More than good enough.

[@miatared]

Not available in Canada 🇨🇦

[@tlambie]

To me, listening to the video through Bose Hearphones, the Airpods sounded “phasey” like they compete a little depending on the direction of the source and the hearing aids did not but, definitely sounded more nasally. I sure wish Bose still made the Hearphones. Many new and used pairs later they are still awesome “OTC” hearing aids, though far from bulletproof. Much better than the garbage from Olive and NuHeara, IMHO. Great video. When the feature becomes available in Canada I will certainly try it.

[@DonaldHawk]

Could I set a pair up for my Mom on my iPhone and not have her get my phone calls or video etc.

[@HearSoundly]

Yes. She won’t get anything from your phone if you are not there. You could also turn off your Bluetooth when you are with her. There might also be a way to forget the AirPods from your phone although I haven’t tested this

[@StevenBanks123]

did your audiologist's graph agree with the iPhone self-test?

[@HearSoundly]

generally yes, my right ear was slightly off in the test but within a few dB. I ended up using a scan of my audiologist results for certainty.

[@pantherred]

My iphone test did not. The best test I have found is MD Hearing. That matched my audiogram very well.

[@cowpatchman]

I don’t see the hearing aid option, I think this is only exclusive in the US. Currently located in the Philippines and on an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

[@thecoolkidnextdoor7]

Planning to buy po ako I have hearing loss, kamuzta napagana niyo na?

[@cowpatchman]

@ so far di pa. Update ako kung pede na.

[@thecoolkidnextdoor7]

@@cowpatchman Makikisuyo sir Thanks. My hearing loss din kasi ako, magandang alternative to if ever pwede.

[@richdiorio3650]

I thought you needed the new AirPod Pro 2 to use as hearing aides. The AirPods Pro do allow you do use transparency mode but don't work like the new ones.

[@rherteux]

Correct...you need the APP2 for this.

[@Inkling777]

@@rherteux Keep in mind the APP2 has been out for a year or so. This is a feature added to it once the FDA gave its approval.

[@Dulcilady]

Be sure to buy the correct AirPod Pro. My AirPod pros are 2nd generation and I thought they would qualify as ready to be a hearing aid. The actual version of the AirPods is AirPod pro 2. Regular AirPods won’t work either.

[@iowawilliam]

Can the volume be controlled by your finger swipe on the stalks, or must you do it on the iphone.

[@HearSoundly]

Great question. Yes you can! you can manage this in the settings section!

[@iowawilliam]

@@HearSoundly I am surprised and disappointed that you cannot adjust the volume using the swipe method on the stems of the earpods themselves. Many OTC over the counter, and most of the prescription hearing aids do have a volume adjustment ON the device that is located at your ear. I find it cumbersome to use the iphone to change the volume. I guess that will be the one thing that will prevent me from using apple air pods.

[@SonicSOGMC]

@@iowawilliamThere is a toggle in the settings section to enable swiping volume up and down on the AirPods stem. It works.

[@iowawilliam]

@@SonicSOGMC Thanks, I found it buried in the menu, here are my steps:: (nov 4th 2024) How to force the volume to be operated by swiping the stems 1.) Settings 2.) Select airpods pro BilLy (Or whatever name you gave them) 3.) then select hearing assistance 4.) Then select adjustments 5.) Then select " Swipe to control amplification" (There is a note here that it should be in transparency mode, for this to work)

[@daisychain3222]

Can this be done on an iPad?

[@Inkling777]

Yes, the hearing profile can be done on iPhones or iPads. It can also input data from a professional hearing exam.

[@shubinternet]

I bought a pair of Apple Air Pod Pro 2s in order to test them for this purpose. Sadly, all that hard plastic is far too painful to wear for any period of time. I need something that only puts soft silicone ear tips into my ears, and preferably triple flange silicone ear tips. They also need a secure ear wire to make sure they don’t fall out or off. And they also need long battery life, preferably at least 24 hours. All Apple Air Pod or Ear Pod type devices fail on all of these counts.

[@olafmol123]

These sound samples sound terrible??

[@bobcubsfan]

I could not get a proper seal so had to return the AirPods.

[@eigse]

Stopped using them as my Tinnitus went through the roof after use

[@VikiAnderson]

I have already upgraded my OS to 18.1. I have an iPhone Pro Max 14. When I go to my control center for my airpod pro 2, there is NO HEARING TEST. Very FRUSTRATING! So of course I cannot set up my airpods for hearing aids etc.

[@sheabarber5708]

Im having the same issue 😢

[@VikiAnderson]

@ thanks, I thought it was just me. So there is a glitch, probably with the iPhone 14. I guess I will have to upgrade to a 16 afterall.

[@VikiAnderson]

@ it may also be that it is not available in our area. I am in Nebraska.

[@VikiAnderson]

@@sheabarber5708 make sure you have airpods pro 2 not just airpods pro. I found this to be my issue.

[@alicia-f]

I have the XR and after upgrading to 18.1, it works fine. I could do the hearing test and everything!

[@bobcubsfan]

The sound samples for both sounded "tinny" "incomplete" if that makes sense. Your voice during the video sounded natural.

[@HearSoundly]

Makes total sense. What you are hearing is the frequency shaping that the devices are doing to match my hearing loss. In general hearing aids sound a little less natural because they are bending normal sound to maximize speech clarity. To be fair, the comparison to my recording mic is also part of the difference you are detection. My recording mic is taped to my chest so the audio is perfectly clear.

[@bobcubsfan]

@@HearSoundly and hearing aids won't do anything meaningful for tinnitus.

[@adydee1]

Does it work on iPhone 13 Pro Max?

[@BobbieGWhiz]

Yes. Works with any iPhone. You only need to set it up and make adjustments. Otherwise you’re not using the phone to hear.

[@addvait]

Yes. I am using it on my iPhone 13 Pro Max. You should have ios 18.1 installed on your phone.

[@iansoper3453]

Doesn’t work in Canada.

[@ednunpourtahmasbi605]

I have to confess I'm really not blown away by this. Other than the hearing test which yes, is a good thing, Apple is doing absolutely nothing new here. Those headphone accomodations, the ability to use enhanced transparency mode like an OTC hearing aid has been around for ages. maybe as long as the pro 2's have existed. I was really hoping that based on the hearing test, apple would allow you to boost certain frequencies within the airpods rather than just a blanket brighter darker setting. Everyone is going nuts for this but nearly all that functionality has been seen before, nothing new, or am I missing something?

[@HearSoundly]

It doesn’t sound like you’re missing anything. The big change here is definitely not in the sound processing, but rather in the easier on boarding versus the older method which required multiple apps and steps. Thanks for weighing in!

[@vernearase3044]

Betcha now that Apple's added hearing aid functionality Airpods Pro 3 will have additional function related to isolating and improving conversational transparency - after all, transparency was simply a side-effect of noice cancellation before, and now that Apple does hearing aid functionality there are additional objectives that Apple's audio engineers can shoot for.

[@michaelgriffith4110]

8:36 i cringed when you took that little device and put it in your ear canal. I would be terrified it would get stuck

[@HearSoundly]

The device has a little wire on it for easy removal. :) But fair! Takes some getting used to.

[@michaelgriffith4110]

@ im sure of it:) great video. My first watch of yours and i will check out more

[@guyg2005]

Apple needs to make sure they label the AirPods Pro 2 with LEFT EAR and RIGHT EAR in BOLD BLACK PRINT so us old folks can see it and put them in the correct ears. Our eyes suck too.

[@petezero0]

A solution to this would be to buy replacement ear tips in contrasting colors (eg black for left and red for right)

[@Inkling777]

You might use a Sharpie marker pen to color one visible enough. My audiologist marked mine "Red for right."

[@Meow-1892]

It might help to wear reading glasses, grandpa.

[@guyg2005]

@@Meow-1892 Not for me smart ass. Remember if you are lucky you will get old too.

[@Meow-1892]

@@guyg2005 Try magnifying glasses then 🔍🦉

[@peters.3375]

Was looking forward to this feature, but now learned us Canadians only get hearing protection feature and nothing else, very disappointing. So if you’re Canadian and you were gonna buy these AirPods solely for this feature, do not it will not work.

[@richardgrotz8089]

There are new videos on how resourceful users are spoofing their location (using a Faraday cage) etc for an initial setup. Maybe worth a shot for tech savvy folks in Canada?

[@ftcmoore1]

Don’t buy for the hearing aid feature, you will be disappointed.

[@mvl6827]

Do you breathe ...?

[@TechJunky777]

But not for Canada! 🤬

[@stratdoc]

The importance of maintaining hearing as you age appears to predict for reducing cognitive function. The isolation and lack of brain stimulation perhaps is the cause. Don’t ignore your hearing loss. These entry level low cost devices now allow for experiencing life again with better awareness in conversations and in moving about your world. And it may be protective of your cognitive future.

[@williamdenmead3983]

jeez sound samples in the mannequin were absolutely horrible

[@Inkling777]

That's common with all hearing aids. Repeatedly I've been told I need to wear mine for a couple of weeks for the sound to seem more natural. They restore your hearing. They don't restore your once normal hearing.