The Apple AirPods Pro 2 have quietly become game-changers in hearing assistance. At just $200 (or even $179 at Costco), these wireless earbuds offer features that rival or even surpass many traditional hearing aids costing five times as much.
While these aren’t perfect replacements for dedicated hearing aids, Brian of The Hearing Club, in his recent YouTube review, says they offer surprising benefits alongside some important limitations.
A licensed hearing care practitioner with hearing loss, Brian received zero compensation from Apple for his review; he purchased the AirPods Pro 2 with his own money. He was planning to return them after testing. Spoiler alert: he kept them.
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1. Groundbreaking noise cancellation technology
Background noise is the enemy of clear conversation for hearing aid users. Traditional hearing aids offer noise reduction, but the AirPods Pro 2 go further with true active noise cancellation.
When Brian first tried them at home, he was shocked by the experience: “I popped them in and suddenly just dead silence. I actually thought the TV turned off or maybe the power went out.”
This feature creates what Brian calls a “virtual soundproof booth” during phone calls — something no traditional hearing aid can match.
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2. Superior streaming sound quality
Traditional hearing aids prioritize speech comprehension over music quality. Their streaming capabilities often disappoint, with thin audio lacking bass and richness.
The AirPods Pro 2 have unmatched streaming quality for music, podcasts, phone calls, and videos.
“The sound quality is better than any hearing aid I’ve tested when it comes to music streaming,” Brian notes. “Whether we’re talking about OTC or prescription.”
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3. Premium build quality and comfort
Many over-the-counter hearing aids feel “light, plasticky, and frankly just really cheap,” according to Brian. The AirPods Pro 2, however, “feel like premium $500 headphones.”
This quality extends to comfort and fit stability. Brian reports they “stay in place whether I’m working out at the gym or just going about my day-to-day.” For active users who’ve struggled with hearing aids that feel flimsy or uncomfortable, this represents a major upgrade.
The premium design also offers a psychological benefit: unlike medical-looking hearing aids, AirPods are fashionable tech accessories that don’t carry the same stigma some people feel about wearing hearing devices.
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4. Innovative wax filter system
Ear wax is the silent killer of hearing devices. Without proper protection, wax can clog receivers and render expensive equipment useless.
Brian explains that the AirPods Pro 2 feature a dual-protection system: “Not only do the tips come with a built-in mesh filter, there’s also a secondary wire mesh safeguard within the device itself.”
When the tips get clogged, you can simply remove them, wash with soapy water, and pop them back on.
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5. Secure tip attachment prevents ear canal issues
A surprisingly common problem with hearing aids: dome tips that detach inside the ear canal, requiring trips to an ENT specialist for removal.
“The domes [on AirPods Pro 2] are very secure and hard to pull off, which is actually a good thing,” Brian explains. “It means they won’t come off in your ear canal.”
This secure attachment system solves a problem that has “plagued hearing aid users for years.” Even some premium hearing aid manufacturers have struggled with this issue.
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6. Advanced programmability and hearing test
Unlike basic amplifiers, the AirPods Pro 2 can be programmed based on your specific hearing profile — just like prescription hearing aids.
Apple elevated this feature significantly with a recent update. Brian calls it “the most in-depth hearing test I’ve ever done on a phone.”
The system then customizes amplification for each ear based on your results. “If your left is worse than the right, your left AirPod can offer more amplification than the other.”
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7. Find my AirPods feature saves frustration
Losing tiny hearing devices is a common and expensive problem. While some prescription aids offer basic location tracking, the AirPods take this feature to another level.
“If your AirPods or case is in your house somewhere, you can hit ‘play sound’ and your case will start beeping, letting you know where it’s at,” Brian instructs.
The system can even provide directional guidance when close to your lost device.
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1. Limited battery life challenges all-day use
In his YouTube review, Brian also described some limitations to using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids.
The most significant drawback to is battery life. Traditional hearing aids are designed to last all day — 18-20 hours on average. AirPods Pro 2, by contrast, offer only 4-5 hours of continuous use.
While the charging case provides additional power, recharging multiple times throughout the day makes them impractical for many users as full-time hearing aids.
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2. Less amplification for moderate to severe hearing loss
AirPods Pro 2 simply can’t match the amplification power of dedicated hearing aids. While prescription hearing aids can provide enough volume for profound hearing loss, the AirPods offer significantly less power.
Based on Brian’s testing, he advises that the AirPods Pro 2 are suitable only for those with mild hearing loss.
“If you have a moderate or greater loss, the amplification simply won’t be enough,” Brian cautions. Those with more significant hearing challenges will still need traditional hearing aids for adequate sound enhancement.
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3. Fully occluding design may cause discomfort
Unlike many modern hearing aids that use “open fit” designs with ventilated domes, the AirPods Pro 2 completely seal the ear canal. This “occlusion effect” can make your own voice sound unnaturally loud and boomy.
Brian notes that the occlusion of the AirPods didn’t bother him as much as he expected. Still, this sealed design may cause fatigue or discomfort for some users during all-day wear.
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4. Confusing settings scattered across multiple menus
While the initial setup of AirPods Pro 2 is simple, accessing and adjusting the many hearing assistance features can be frustratingly complex.
Unlike dedicated hearing aid apps with centralized controls, the AirPods’ settings are scattered throughout iOS.
“Each option is in about 10 different places on your phone,” Brian laments. “If they could just give us a dedicated app that groups everything in one spot… I think that would be great.”
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5. Apple ecosystem lock-in limits accessibility
You must have an iPhone to use AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids. While this integration creates a seamless experience for Apple users, it excludes the large population of Android users.
“While the compatibility and features are fantastic, you’re locked into the Apple ecosystem,” Brian notes.
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The future of affordable hearing technology
Despite their limitations, the AirPods Pro 2 represent an exciting development in hearing technology. At just $200, they offer features that rival or exceed hearing aids costing five to ten times more.
These devices could be life-changing for people with mild hearing loss, especially those who value music quality and phone calls in noisy environments. They also make excellent backup devices for current hearing aid users.
As Brian concludes: “We’re moving toward a future where affordability, accessibility, and innovation come together to improve the lives of millions of people.”
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