I didn’t think too much when I asked my partner to repeat what they said. But I found myself doing it again and again. Eventually, my audiologist confirmed that I had moderate high-frequency hearing loss due to years spent near loud noises in a war zone. I needed hearing aids. The options she presented were around $7,000.

The price tag had a greater impact on me than the diagnosis itself. In the U.S., hearing aids generally lack insurance coverage, requiring out-of-pocket payment. I found a feasible alternative at Costco, where I bought the Jabra Enhance Pro 20s for $1,600. It took a month for me to adapt to the digital adjustments, but I finally restored my ability to hear normally.

Now, there’s another possibility: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249. They cater to 28.8 million Americans who require hearing aids but avoid them due to cost, stigma, or sheer obstinacy. The FDA gave the green light for its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2, as an over-the-counter hearing aid in September 2024, and the new version is reported to provide even more fidelity. A friend gifted me a pair for my birthday, offering the ideal chance to evaluate their performance in everyday situations.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Nearly 50 million Americans see that only 16% of adults between 20 and 69 with some hearing loss have ever used hearing aids. The consequences can be severe: adults with hearing loss are 58% more likely to be unemployed and earn 25% less when they are. Untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia, as highlighted by the 2020 Lancet Commission.

The average American tends to wait 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to seek assistance. Financial constraints are often the primary barrier to treatment, with traditional hearing aids running anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. Stigma also plays a role—no one relishes the idea of appearing older.

Assessing Hearing Loss

Before utilizing AirPods as a hearing aid, you can complete a 10-minute self-test to pinpoint the specific areas of hearing loss or upload the results of a professional audiogram from an audiologist. I had just undergone such an exam 18 months prior and compared the lab results to what Apple could offer.

My clinical examination indicated typical noise-induced damage: mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss, particularly at higher frequencies where consonants are detected. iPhone tests conducted in my quiet home office matched this pattern but with less intensity. My average loss registered at 33-34 dBHL (decibel hearing level), compared to 35-45 dBHL from my audiologist.

“AirPods won’t match the precision of calibrated devices in a testing booth, but they’re surprisingly effective,” noted Dr. David Zappala, president of the American Academy of Audiology. “The improvements from prior models and other devices are distinct…A standard audiogram can have a variation of plus or minus 5 dB, so a 10 dB difference falls within expected fluctuations.”

After a day of comparing my professional audiogram to the profile generated by Apple, certain distinctions emerged. The iPhone settings dulled some sibilance; the “s” sound lost sharpness, and hard consonants like “k” and “d” were slightly punchy. Still, conversational clarity remained intact. My partner noticed no differences in the sound of my voice, regardless of the device I was using.

Do AirPods Really Compete with Hearing Aids?

Sound quality: Jabras aim for “acoustic transparency,” enabling ambient sounds to blend seamlessly with enhanced audio, achieving a natural listening experience. They perform adequately in restaurant settings by distinguishing speech from background noise.

AirPods create what I refer to as “amplified reality.” The sound is bright and clear, yet retains a digital sheen that never completely subsides.

Battery life: No issues here. My Jabra lasts 24-30 hours on a single charge, while the AirPods last up to 10 hours. Although a quick 15-minute charge can extend usage by about 3 hours, it’s essential to consider your schedule regarding charging opportunities.

Occlusion effect: This effect results in a muffled sound when the ear canal is blocked, resonating within the skull and altering voice perception. Both devices seek to mitigate this issue, albeit in different ways.

Jabra design does not fully seal the ear, allowing external sounds to blend naturally with the amplified audio. On the other hand, AirPods close off the ear, requiring all incoming sounds, including one’s voice, to undergo digital processing, potentially making it sound overly loud.

Social recognition: Jabra is nearly invisible, with a small clear wire extending into my ear from a discreet component behind my ear. My partner mentions that people need to be looking carefully to even notice them.

Conversely, AirPods are quite noticeable. Most people assume I’m listening to music, but there are instances when they hesitate to engage with me, thinking I could either be busy with music or on a call. Once I’ve clarified that I’m using them as a hearing aid, conversations flow as usual, often with surprise over AirPods’ capabilities.

Real-World Limitations

In noisy environments: At social gatherings and bars, Jabra effectively manages overlapping dialogues, while AirPods might unintentionally amplify the wrong audio or create confusion amid multiple conversations.

Music: It’s no surprise that AirPods outperform Jabras in music performance. AirPods leverage the same audiogram to enhance media streaming. Listening to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, each instrument stood out vividly; whereas Jabra rendered music resembling a small AM radio, which didn’t meet my expectations. But then again, that’s not their primary function.

Cost

My $1,600 Jabra package included three years of complimentary tune-ups, cleaning, and customer support. In contrast, AirPods ($249) lack any professional assistance. If you can’t adjust the amplification to match your specific hearing loss, you’re left with only Apple’s algorithms and some trial and error.

Who Should Buy What?

Consider AirPods Pro if:

• You have mild to moderate hearing loss.

• You need occasional situational support rather than all-day use.

• You frequently use an iPhone or AirPods.

• You want to test hearing aids before committing significant funds.

Stick with traditional hearing aids if:

• You have moderate to severe hearing loss.

• You need batteries that endure all day.

• You can afford higher costs.

• You want professional support.

If You’re Unsure, Give Them a Try

While AirPods Pro 3 aren’t flawless hearing aids, at $249, they serve as an excellent first choice for the 28 million Americans who haven’t sought treatment for hearing loss. They are accessible, budget-friendly, and help reduce stigma.

I primarily rely on my Jabra, a specialized device made for one purpose. However, I keep AirPods handy for music and calls, and occasionally, I prefer something that doesn’t sit deeply inside my ear canal. Sometimes, you can achieve 80% effectiveness for just 15% of the price.

If you think you could benefit, I encourage you to try them. You might catch a distant chat with your grandchild or a joke you missed at a dinner gathering.

“When I suggest them, I’m guiding people to opt for an easy first step,” Zappala states. “Try AirPods. There’s minimal risk in terms of money or time. Even if they fall short, you’ll still enjoy your music.”