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    Voice of Experience

    Voice of Experience: November 2024

    Using Devices to Improve Your Hearing

    Michael L Goldblatt

    Nov 25, 2024

    3 min read

    Mental Health Physical Health

    Summary

    • Take advantage of listening devices with appearance, features, and size improvements.
    • The new hearing aid feature of Apple Air Pod Pros will advance the availability, simplicity, and acceptability of hearing devices.
    Using Devices to Improve Your Hearing
    iStock.com/Anchiy

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    Hearing difficulties can start at any age and can worsen over time. Hearing loss is a problem for a third of Americans over 65 and for half of those older than 75. Most fail to take advantage of listening devices despite recent improvements in appearance, features, and size.

    The first hearing aids were clumsy and unsightly, but modern listening devices are attractive and convenient. The recent launch of a hearing aid feature for Apple’s AirPod Pro should increase their popularity. Below are tips for selecting a listening device and resources for using it.

    Tips

    • Alternatives – Apple AirPod Pros are a good choice for listeners with mild impairment, but hearing aids are better for those with severe hearing loss. Hearing aids are less noticeable than AirPods since they mostly hide behind the ear.
    • Apps – Users can adjust AirPod Pros and hearing aids by touch or by using smartphone apps that control loudness and background noise.
    • Audiologist – AirPod Pros facilitate self-testing and adjusting for do-it-yourselfers. If you prefer professional assistance, ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist. An audiologist can conduct hearing tests and customize settings.
    • Batteries—Most hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries that run for over 12 hours and take about 3 hours to recharge. The AirPod Pro recharges in less than an hour and lasts about 6 hours between charges. Rechargeable batteries have a useful life of about 3 years.
    • Cases—AirPod Pros and hearing aids come with charging cases. AirPod Pros can also be charged by other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. The AirPod carrying case works with Apple’s “Find My” service.
    • Cost – AirPod Pros cost $249. Hearing Aids can cost about $1,000 to $5,000 depending on features like Bluetooth, Telecoil, and tinnitus masking. Check your health insurance for coverage.
    • Loss – Hearing aid manufacturers provide protection plans covering at least one loss. Apple’s protection plan covers one loss per year.
    • Modes – AirPod Pros and hearing aids have settings for conversations, music listening, and noise cancellation.
    • Symptoms – Hearing loss happens gradually over time, so be mindful of difficulty hearing conversations, trouble hearing in loud places, or having a need to keep televisions on high volume.
    • Warranties – Listening devices come with warranties of 2 to 3 years. The initial AirPod warranty is 2 years unless extended by purchasing an Apple Protection Plan.

    Conclusion

    Hearing problems can develop gradually over the years and adversely impact lawyering and socialization. The introduction of a hearing aid feature to Apple AirPods should lead to increased use of hearing devices due to their affordability, features, and simplicity. Determine whether devices can improve your hearing by taking a self-test or scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.

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