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If you're finding yourself saying "huh?" a lot or struggling to catch conversations in crowded rooms, you're not alone.
You might have heard that your trusty Apple AirPods Pro 2 can not only test your hearing but even act as a makeshift hearing aid. Sounds like a budget-friendly solution, right? But before you ditch the doctor, let's hear what the actual hearing experts have to say.
The Rise of At-Home Hearing Tools
The idea of using tech you already own for health issues is certainly appealing. And when it comes to hearing, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are just one of many "over-the-counter" (OTC) gadgets, apps, and services now offering hearing tests or a basic hearing aid function for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The "Hearing Aid" feature on the AirPods Pro 2 isn't just a simple volume boost. It's been clinically tested to make sure it actually works well, and that its special settings can give you similar benefits to what an audiologist (a hearing expert) might set up for you. It's a convenient, more budget-friendly option for many people.
Age-related hearing loss is very common, affecting a significant portion of older adults. The Health Ministry found that at least 21.57% of the Malaysian population suffers from hearing loss. It's usually caused by a mix of ageing, genetics, and all that cumulative noise exposure over the years — think loud concerts, noisy gyms, or even just heavy traffic.
Screening vs. Diagnosis: A Crucial Difference
While these accessible tools are a great first step, audiology experts offer an important caution: these at-home tests are not the same as a full medical evaluation.
Audiologist Sara Rittweger explains, "A lot of those are good tools and stepping stones for people to get the help they need." They can flag a potential issue in your health and encourage you to seek professional advice sooner.
However, they do have limitations. These tools tests if you're competent of hearing, but there are additional assessments done to fully understand the nature of the hearing loss and its implications. “It can be a good screening tool but should be followed up with proper diagnosis and individualised care,” Payal Anand, Director of Audiology at UC San Francisco said.
An at-home test might not be accurate if your earbuds don't fit well, if your ear is full of wax, or if you're in a noisy room when you take the test. Plus, sometimes hearing loss is a symptom of another medical condition, which an app or a simple earbud test can't detect.
Using AirPods Pro 2 for a "Boost," Not a "Replacement"
The AirPods Pro 2's built-in amplification feature can provide some assistance to people in certain listening environments. If you're struggling to hear certain voices in a busy restaurant or a noisy family dinner, your AirPods can help reduce the strain of trying to hear.
For those who have already seen a doctor and had a proper hearing test, Anand suggests using the AirPods Pro 2's test at home for self-monitoring. Since hearing can vary day-to-day, taking a baseline reading with your AirPods allows you to track changes over time and know when it's time for a follow-up visit.
When to See a Professional
The bottom line from the experts is clear: while convenient tech like the AirPods Pro 2 can be a helpful starting point, it shouldn't replace formal medical care if you're truly concerned about your hearing. A visit to your local general practitioner, who can then refer you to an audiologist, is still the smartest and safest bet.
If results from self-monitoring isn't consistent with what you're experiencing, you're encouraged to see a professional who can do a comprehensive evaluation. Some people spend a lot of money trying various cheaper devices on their own, when a proper, prescription-based hearing aid from an audiologist might be more effective and even more cost-efficient in the long run.
Don't leave your hearing health to chance!
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News sources: The San Francisco Chronicle, Hearing Partners
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