Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature Review: A Promising Step

You can make some of these adjustments by manipulating the earbuds’ stems, which now have a bit more work to do. These hardware functions can be simple, and in almost all cases, the application is very intuitive and easy to use.

One of the key recommended features is the new Media Assist mode, which applies your hearing aid settings to streaming music, video, and calls. It makes a huge difference and reinforces why these wireless earbuds are so popular for their primary function of listening. I don’t think I’ve had a better earbud experience than when I used the AirPods Pro 2 with Media Assist mode turned on after fine-tuning them on my audiogram—and this is where the closed-ears shine. While I’m not partial to a Hearing Aid system, I also found the new Hearing Protection features to be a godsend, turning what could have been a deafening concert experience into a passable afternoon.

It’s no secret that AirPods are big: At 5.32 grams each, they’re now one of the heaviest hearing aids on the market. And yet I found them incredibly comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time, which is probably a big part of why they’re so popular. Unfortunately, battery life is poor compared to hearing aids: a maximum of six hours per charge, with a total of 30 hours available when including extras when placed in a USB-C case. That won’t cut it for all-day hearing aid users, many of whom may find they need to charge twice in one day.

But the AirPods Pro 2 are probably not designed for the all-day hearing aid user. Rather, it’s for someone who needs an occasional boost in their hearing, perhaps in certain situations, who just happens to have these earbuds in their messenger bag. Just pop in the AirPods when you need them, and put them back in when you’re in a good audio environment or working alone.

I have nothing to apologize for.