Long read - likely only Interesting to people with hearing loss.

Years of neglecting my hearing has left me with moderate hearing loss. Between motorcycles, childhood in a blacksmith’s shop and loud jobs, I can barely hear speech in anything but a silent room.

I’ve been wearing conventional hearing aids for years now. They have come a long way, able to play music and audio for phone calls as well as linking to the TV. The major downside to hearing aids is the sound output is only the high frequency tinny sounds that are generally lacking in those with bad hearing. Great for helping hear speech but terrible for hearing the true sound of everyday life, music and TV.

When I heard the latest updates for iOS allowed the uploading of data from an audiology test to AirPods Pro, I decided to try some. Because the batteries only last 4 hours (compared to 3-4 days for hearing aids) I bought 2 pairs and set them up identically. I’ve had them for a few days now and thought I would share my thoughts for anyone Interested in doing the same.

Good: The setup process is simple and worked well, lots of adjustability in the settings. AirPods Pro work with phones other than Apple’s once they are set up using and Apple device. They also work well with AppleTV and the Apple Watch. I can finally hear like I could before the hearing loss. The addition of midrange and bass to the listening experience has (not kidding) made me whole again. I’m part of the conversation now instead of struggling to follow along and ring left out. I get goosebumps when I walk around and hear the birds, animals and other sounds I’ve been missing for so long. Cost - a basic pair of proper hearing aids is $1800 U.S. then there’s audiologist fees and batteries. Two pairs of AirPods Pro are under $400. Add a hearing test and you’re still less than a third of the medical set. Functionality - full range music and communication ability, plus full integration with other idevices. Hearing aids should not get wet and just a tiny amount of moisture causes popping and crackling. Repair is expensive. AirPods Pro are water resistant.

Although ear buds aren’t supposed to be worn while riding, the full processing of all sound entering the AirPods makes loud motorcycle exhaust and wind noise quieter and every quiet sound louder. It’s a truly amazing experience. Looks - see a person with hearing aids and they are instantly known to have a deficiency or disability. See someone with ear buds and it’s normal.

Bad: Battery life - with two pairs and in- case charging, it’s not a problem, but with just one pair there is only 4 hours or so of continuous use. Bass level - compared to other earbuds I’ve used, the bass level on the AirPods Pro is anemic. I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with Apple care before realizing that this is ‘normal’.

I will hang on to my hearing aids in case I need a backup for some reason, but these AirPods are truly bringing a layer of happiness to my life that has been missing for a long time. Hearing isn’t a big deal until it’s lost, then participating in life and work can become very difficult.

If this reads like an advertisement, there’s good reason. These things are great.

TLDR:- AirPods Pro make great assistive hearing devices.