Learn More About Managing Hearing Loss in St. Louis, MO
With all the technology available at our fingertips, you might wonder how well some of it works to combat the symptoms of hearing loss. It’s no secret that the cost of hearing aids feels unaffordable to some patients. While Apple’s AirPods have several accessibility features for those with hearing loss when paired with a smartphone, they’re not a suitable replacement for prescription hearing aids. Below, the hearing care providers at Mid America Audiology Group explain the effectiveness of using AirPods as hearing aids in St. Louis, MO and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our leading expertise in hearing healthcare.
Using AirPods to Amplify Sound
A feature called Live Listen uses your iPhone as a microphone when it’s connected to AirPods. This feature drowns out background noise and amplifies sound so the wearer can hear better in a crowded or noisy environment. The Live Listen feature might benefit you if you’ve ever had trouble hearing someone talk at dinner in a busy restaurant.
This feature uses AirPods to enhance hearing, but it’s important to remember they’re not a safe or effective replacement for prescription hearing aids. Hearing aids are made specifically for a patient’s type and degree of hearing loss, personal preferences, and lifestyle. Patients with moderate to severe hearing loss should consult with a hearing care provider to develop an individual treatment plan.
Do AirPods Have Any Hearing Accessibility Features?
When the Live Listening feature is enabled, your phone measures the volume of the sounds you receive in decibels (dB). This feature helps users keep their volume level low enough that it won’t cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing damage can start at just 80 dB when exposed for two hours. At 100dB, inner ear damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes.Additional hearing accessibility features available for iPhone and iPad users include:
- Sound recognition
- Sensory alerts
- Live captions
For an overview of all the hearing accessibility features available, check out Apple’s information regarding hearing accessibility on their website.
How Do AirPod Batteries Compare to Hearing Aids?
AirPods have a much shorter battery life than hearing aids. While hearing aid batteries can last up to 30 hours, AirPods only last up to six.
How Do AirPods Handle Sound Adjustment?
When a person is wearing AirPods, external sound levels can be easily over-amplified, while softer sound levels can be under-amplified for the user.
Can I Use AirPods Instead of Hearing Aids?
AirPods were not developed as a replacement for hearing aids. While Apple accommodations can be helpful for those wearing them, they’re not a substitute for a professional medical evaluation and a prescription hearing aid fitting. If you choose to use AirPods or other technology to manage your hearing loss, it’s essential to schedule regular check-ins with yourhearing care provider to monitor your condition and receive the best possible care.
Are AirPods Better Than Hearing Aids?
While studies are starting to show that AirPods Pro devices nearly match the performance of over-the-counter hearing aids, they still have a long way to go in terms of being an adequate replacement. The sound quality and clarity can be impressive, but they’re not customized to your degree and type of hearing loss.
Hearing care providers have years of expertise and training, state-of-the-art equipment, and advanced diagnostics to ensure your prescription hearing aids perform optimally. AirPods might effectively reduce background noise, but there’s a lot more that goes into prescribing a patient with custom, high-end hearing aids.
Are AirPods Good for Your Hearing?
If you use AirPods, keeping them at a low or moderate volume level is essential. Exposure to high-volume sound, whether for long-term or short periods, can cause tinnitus and worsen a patient’s hearing loss. If you find yourself constantly increasing the volume, the best thing you can do for your health is contact a hearing care provider for a comprehensive evaluation.
Start Your Journey Towards Better Hearing Today
It’s not surprising that many of the gadgets we use daily can be used to improve other areas of our lives. While using your AirPods as a replacement for hearing aids is never recommended by hearing care professionals, it can be helpful to know what accessibility features they have for those with mild hearing loss. Mid America Audiology Group is here to answer all your hearing healthcare-related questions, with years of experience serving patients throughout St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas, including Creve Coeur and St. Charles. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation at one of our conveniently located hearing care centers. We look forward to hearing from you.
