Ear Buds as Hearing Aids: Are They a Good Alternative?
According to the NIH, almost 30 million adults could use hearing loss solutions in the US. But for those above the age of 70, only a third have ever tried hearing aids.
Hearing aids have been around for a long time, but recently, there's been a new generation of hearing aids. That is, some people are using Bluetooth ear buds as hearing aids that play music and amplify hearing.
How do these stack up against the real thing, and are they a worthy alternative for senior hearing tech?
Today, we take a look at alternative hearing devices. By the end of this article, you'll know if they're worth the investment in Sun City Center, FL.
What Are Ear Buds as Hearing Aids?
Bluetooth headphones are a popular way to make calls, listen to music, and enjoy audiobooks. Beyond that, there wasn't much else they did.
Recently, though, Bluetooth earbud manufacturers have found ways to make them work as personal sound amplifiers.
Apple AirPods Now Work as Hearing Aids
The best recent example of using ear buds as hearing aids is none other than Apple. Apple has released an update allowing owners of the AirPods Pro 2 to use them as clinical-grade hearing aids. Although it's only marketed towards those with, at worst, moderate hearing loss, it's a free feature for existing owners.
All users have to do is take a built-in hearing test to determine how severe their hearing loss is. From then on, the AirPods can work in the capacity of hearing aids with all sorts of customizations. Apple claims this feature was developed with scientists and thorough professional studies.
Benefits of Wireless Hearing Aids
This senior hearing tech is certainly cool. But are these alternative hearing devices worth the price and the time of day? Let's take a look at a few potential benefits of using wireless hearing aids.
Double the Value
The first and most obvious benefit is that you're getting two devices for the price of one. Your ear buds, which you might use to enjoy a podcast while you walk at Apollo Beach, now do an extra thing. You can bring them anywhere you like and have hearing aids in a pinch.
It's likewise a huge benefit for traveling light. Bluetooth earbuds fit comfortably in your pocket or purse. Hearing aids, being as delicate as they are, can't exactly be thrown into a bag on a whim when you go to Dimensions health and fitness classes.
Ease of Use
Using AirPods again as an example, you'd be hard-pressed to find an easier device to use. You can drag your finger along the stalk to increase the volume -- or hearing sensitivity, that is -- in a second. They're easy to pull out of the case and easy to pop back in.
Comfort
Hearing aids are meant to be worn for long periods, but they can get a bit uncomfortable. AirPods and other wireless hearing aids tend to have more ergonomic designs that sit better in the ear. The soft ear tips and light construction mean you might even forget that they're there in the first place.
Potential Issues with Earbud Hearing Aids
Alas, Bluetooth earbuds that cost a couple hundred dollars can't be all upsides. Dedicated hearing aids can cost ten times as much for good reason. Here are a few downsides if you decide to go with this new senior hearing tech.
Battery Life
The AARP tested the Apple AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids. One of their biggest complaints was battery life. While most hearing aids can run for as long as weeks at a time, AirPods (and most ear buds) only last around 6 hours.
Most seniors with hearing aids rely on them for all aspects of life, whether at home or out and about. Six hours of battery life wouldn't cut it from sunrise to sunset.
Instead, wireless hearing aids of this kind would do best for brief sprints. For example, let's say you need to hear someone you're having a conversation with. You can pull the earbuds out in under ten seconds and continue the conversation where you left off.
Lack of Environmental Settings
Many hearing aids allow you to attune them to the setting you're in. You need different hearing settings when visiting friends in a loud bar versus going to a theater. It would appear that earbuds with the added hearing aid feature don't include that level of customization.
It's important to understand that most wireless hearing aids of this sort add the feature as a bonus. They're not selling dedicated hardware for those with hearing loss. Keeping that in mind, you'll understand the purpose these earbuds are trying to fulfill: ready-to-go, general-purpose hearing amplification.
Conspicuousness
Another understated benefit of real hearing aids is that they're designed to blend in. Most are skin-toned and hide the bulk of the device behind the ear. As a result, most people wouldn't realize you were wearing them until they got close.
Some seniors may feel embarrassed to have to rely on hearing implements. Earbuds are visible from far away, which could exacerbate that sense of embarrassment.
Plus, wearing earbuds could lead to unintended consequences. People may falsely assume that you're listening to music rather than paying attention to them. There is a good chance offense could be taken and require a lot of explanation to smooth over.
Should You Get Earbuds as Hearing Aids?
The big question: are these alternative hearing devices worth it? It's best to think of wireless hearing aids like these as an add-on to your existing senior hearing tech. Rather than replacing your hearing aids entirely, they can come in handy for shorter durations when you need quick and convenient hearing amplification.
Find Excellent Senior Living Near You
Using ear buds as hearing aids involves taking popular Bluetooth earbuds and turning them into hearing aids. They're excellent when it comes to convenience, user-friendly features, and comfort. However, it's worth noting that they suffer from limited battery life, customization, and being quite noticeable -- sometimes to your detriment.
Aston Gardens at the Courtyards is where seniors find community. Our amenities include a fitness center, bar and lounge, dog park, and more, so everything you could want is at your fingertips. Schedule a tour today and see them for yourself.