While I don’t need hearing aids right now, I know many seniors do—and I’m realistic enough to see that I could eventually join them. Whenever I hear folks talk about hearing aids, someone always mentions that Costco is the most affordable option. But I’ve also started hearing about something quite different: using Apple AirPods 2 as a make-do hearing aid. Naturally, I wanted to see if this is a practical path, especially for seniors who are new to technology but interested in lower-cost alternatives—or maybe who just want to get more value out of their devices.
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The Original Purpose: Music, Calls, and Convenience
Apple AirPods 2 are wireless earbuds designed for listening to music, podcasts, catching up with grandkids on calls, and much more. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and let you control music, answer calls, and even summon Siri just by double-tapping your ear—no phone digging required. For Apple users, AirPods 2 connect instantly and reliably and have decent battery life: up to five hours per charge, with the charging case carrying another 24 hours of listening time.
AirPods 2 as Hearing Aids: Can They Work?
More recently, some folks have started using AirPods 2 as makeshift hearing aids, thanks to small improvements in their design and Apple’s software. Here’s the real scoop:
Pros
Live Listen: AirPods 2 work with a feature called Live Listen, which uses your iPhone as a microphone. You can keep your phone nearby and your AirPods in your ears, and the phone will pick up voices and send them right into your ears—louder and, in some cases, clearer. This can be a real help in noisy restaurants or when talking with softly spoken friends.
Affordable: AirPods 2 cost about $199 to $249, which is a small fraction of what prescription hearing aids cost, even at Costco. Prescription hearing aids can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more.
Easy to Use (Once Set Up): If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, AirPods seamlessly pair with your device, and Live Listen is a built-in feature—no extra apps required.
Discreet: AirPods look just like regular wireless earbuds, so you don’t feel self-conscious about using them in public.
Everyday Versatility: You can switch instantly from listening to music to boosting conversation clarity, all with the same device.
Cons
Not Medical Devices: AirPods 2 are not FDA-approved hearing aids, so they lack advanced features designed for people with significant hearing loss, like personalized audiologist tuning, feedback management, or background noise cancellation that’s specialized for hearing loss.
Limited Amplification: They can make sounds louder, but they don’t selectively boost human voices or reduce background noise as effectively as real hearing aids.
Battery Life: You may find yourself charging more often if you use them for hours a day as hearing aids.
Not Suitable for Severe Loss: For moderate-to-severe hearing loss, AirPods won’t replace prescription hearing aids.
Learning Curve: Some seniors may find the multi-functionality confusing, especially when switching between music, phone calls, and Live Listen modes.
Should You Try AirPods as Hearing Aids?
If your hearing loss is mild and you’re comfortable with technology, AirPods 2 with Live Listen can be a nifty, affordable stopgap—especially for boosting conversations in quiet to moderately noisy settings. But if your hearing loss is moderate or worse, or if you need professional tuning, prescription hearing aids (even from Costco) remain the only medically approved solution.
Bottom line: AirPods 2 are a clever, frugal option for people who want a little boost for everyday conversations, love wireless music, and cherish simplicity. But if you need serious help, don’t skip seeing an audiologist—your hearing is worth the investment.