Using AirPods Pro as Hearing aids

Did you know that the Apple AirPods Pro can also be used as hearing aids or personal sound amplification products? These so-called ‘PSAPs’ are designed for users without hearing issues but they can be very helpful for those with slight signs of hearing loss as studies show. In this blog we would like to explain how you can use your Apple AirPods Pro for hearing support.

Can you use AirPods as Hearing Aids?

Several studies show that using AirPods can indeed help. Research by iScience found that the AirPods Pro meet many PSAP standards, making them useful for people with mild hearing loss. Another study by the Acoustical Society of America found that most users found the accessibility features easy to use, even if they didn't have hearing issues. Additionally, the International Journal of Audiology reported an 11.8% improvement in speech intelligibility in their test group when using the AirPods Pro.

Setting up an accessibility shortcut on iOS

To easily access hearing support features like Live Listen and Conversation Mode, set up a shortcut in the Control Center. Open the Settings app, choose Control Center, and add the Hearing button, which has a blue ear icon. This gives you quick access to options like Live Listen.

Enabling Live Listen on iOS

With Live Listen, compatible audio devices like AirPods Pro use their microphones to play external sounds directly into your ears, similar to a hearing aid. Once you set up the hearing accessibility shortcut, open the Control Center and tap the ear icon to enable Live Listen.

Headphone adjustments for transparency-mode and conversation-mode on iOS

Want to customize Transparency Mode on your AirPods Pro? Follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations.
• Select Transparency Mode and press Custom Transparency Mode, adjusting the sound with the slider.
• You can also enable Conversation Mode via the same Headphone Accommodations menu.

Compatible devices for Live Listen and headphone adjustments

Not all earbuds or headphones can support these options. AirPods Pro are the best option at this moment in time because standard AirPods don't meet all criteria yet. Here is a list of compatible devices:

• AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
• AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation)
• AirPods Max