Apple AirPods Pro 2 for Hearing Loss

Overseen By Bryan Wong, AuD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Disqualifiers: Non-English speaking, Ear infection, Cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether Apple AirPods Pro 2 can function like traditional hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Researchers aim to determine if the AirPods can accurately test hearing and amplify sounds, similar to a regular hearing aid. Participants will compare results from the AirPods with those from standard hearing tests and traditional hearing aids. This trial may suit English-speaking individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and no current ear infections. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could transform hearing aid technology.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on testing hearing devices, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are safe for hearing loss testing and amplification?

Research shows that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 have features to assist people with hearing loss. These earbuds include a hearing aid function available without a prescription, suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Studies have found that they can improve hearing, similar to other hearing assistance devices.

The AirPods Pro 2 also protect hearing by blocking out background noise, making sounds clearer. The noise cancellation technology reduces outside noise by about 27 decibels, which helps protect ears and makes hearing easier.

Regarding safety, using AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid has been well-received. Studies have not reported any major problems from their use, suggesting they are a safe choice for improving hearing. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is unique because it offers a cutting-edge approach to assist with hearing loss by using advanced wireless technology. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which can be bulky and require custom fittings, the AirPods Pro 2 provides a sleek, user-friendly design that seamlessly integrates with everyday devices. Its active noise cancellation and adaptive EQ features enhance sound clarity and personalization, potentially making it more appealing and accessible to users who might otherwise hesitate to use conventional hearing aids. Researchers are excited about the potential for these devices to not only improve hearing but to also change the landscape of hearing assistance by blending functionality with lifestyle technology.

What evidence suggests that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are effective for hearing loss?

Research has shown that Apple AirPods Pro 2, which participants in this trial may receive, can assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Studies indicate these earbuds can enhance hearing similarly to some personal sound amplification products. Although they might not fully replace traditional hearing aids, they effectively amplify sounds when necessary. The AirPods Pro 2 include a feature that enables them to function like a hearing aid, enhancing sound for improved hearing. Users have reported better hearing experiences, particularly in noisy environments. Meanwhile, another group in this trial will use traditional hearing aids, serving as the active comparator in this study. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who have normal ear examinations. It's not suitable for those outside this group or with different levels of hearing loss.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak English.

My ear examination was normal.

I have mild to moderate hearing loss.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Hearing Evaluation

Participants undergo a standard hearing test in a sound booth and use the Apple Hearing Test with AirPods Pro 2

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Real Ear Measures

The loudness of the AirPods and a traditional hearing aid is measured and compared using special equipment

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any immediate feedback or issues post-evaluation

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Apple AirPods Pro 2
• Hearing Aids

Trial Overview The study tests if Apple AirPods Pro 2 can perform a reliable hearing test and provide amplification similar to traditional hearing aids. Participants will undergo standard audiologist testing, use the AirPods' own test, and compare amplification levels.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: AirPod Pro2 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Group II: Hearing Aid Active Control 2 Interventions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

Citations

1. apple.com apple.com/health/pdf/Hearing_Health_Features_on_AirPods_Pro_2_October_2024.pdf

Using AirPods Pro 2 with iPhone and iPad to Help Protect, ... Users with hearing loss can seamlessly set up the Apple Hearing Aid. Feature, an OTC hearing aid designed for users with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11427127/

Apple AirPods Pro as a Hearing Assistive Device in ... This study shows that the Apple AirPods Pro, with its headphone accommodation feature, performed similarly to a validated PSAP and improved hearing compared to ...

3. forum.hearingtracker.com forum.hearingtracker.com/t/lab-tested-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-feature/94378

Lab Tested: AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature It achieved a SoundGrade of B which places it in the top 50% in its category and the bottom 45% of all devices tested.

4. hearingreview.com hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/otc/evaluating-apple-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-software-acoustic-measurements-and-insights

Evaluating Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Software This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the AirPods Pro 2's performance as hearing aids, focusing on their Hearing Aid Mode.

5. nytimes.com nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/airpods-pro-2-hearing-aids-review/

How Good Are the AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids? We ... The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds aren't suitable as a full-time hearing-aid replacement, but they work well for occasional hearing augmentation.

6. support.apple.com support.apple.com/guide/airpods/hearing-health-features-airpods-pro-2-3-devd9aac5b42/web

Use hearing health features with AirPods Pro 2 or ... Your AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 support your hearing health with Hearing Protection, on by default, and a Hearing Aid feature.

7. canadianaudiologist.ca canadianaudiologist.ca/evaluating-apple-airpods-pro-2-hearing-protection-and-listening/

Evaluating Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Protection and ... The active noise cancellation technology in the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds effectively reduces ambient noise levels by an average 27 dB across frequencies.

8. apple.com apple.com/airpods-pro/pdf/Hearing_Protection_data_sheet_October_2024.pdf

Hearing Protection Data Sheet The Hearing Protection feature works with AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest ...