Struggling to keep up with conversations, asking people to repeat themselves, or feeling isolated in noisy settings? You’re not alone - untreated hearing loss can be frustrating, exhausting, and often embarrassing.

Yet, so many people put off getting help because it’s “not that bad,” or because the traditional path to better hearing feels overwhelming with expensive office visits, prescription devices costing thousands, and complicated follow-ups. However, you are probably missing more than you think!

That’s why more and more people with mild to moderate hearing loss are turning to accessible, affordable solutions like our affordable hearing aids at Audien Hearing. We’re proud to offer the premier selection of discreet, FDA-registered devices starting under $100. No prescriptions or appointments needed, and lifetime support comes standard!

At the same time, though, Apple has introduced exciting features like Live Listen and Conversation Boost on its AirPods Pro 2, sparking a big question: Can Apple earbuds be used as hearing aids? The answer might surprise you!

We’ve put together this guide comparing Apple Earbuds vs hearing aids like ours at Audien to help you figure out what makes the most sense for your specific hearing needs. The short answer, though, is that a dedicated device will almost always outperform Apple Earbuds.

You can try to use Apple Earbuds as hearing aids if you already have the AirPods Pro 2 on hand, but should you buy these devices with the goal of using them as a hearing aid? We don’t recommend it. Learn why below, or start hearing better today with our hearing aids for sale!

All About Audien Hearing Aids

We set out to make hearing support affordable, accessible, and easy for everyone with mild to moderate hearing loss. With more than a million happy customers and counting already relying on our stylish hearing aids, we’re proud of the work we’ve done - but we’re far from finished!

Too many people are priced out of traditional solutions or are jumping through hoops to get through the system, and that’s where we come in to offer something different. You can buy FDA-registered over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids online without any of the hassle, and at a fraction of the price.

Our lineup includes five thoughtfully designed models, so you can choose what works best for your needs and lifestyle, with dedicated support available to help you narrow it down if needed:

• ION Pro ($689): Our most powerful BTE device with 6 hearing modes, directional sound technology, advanced noise cancellation, Bluetooth/streaming, and app-adjustable hearing profiles. Includes a portable charging case and up to 48 hours of battery life.
• ION ($489): Similar to the ION in style and power but with 4 hearing modes and no app connectivity.
• Atom Pro 2 ($289): Our most popular ITE device, offering 4 hearing modes, UV cleaning, noise cancellation, and 48-hour battery life with portable charging case.
• Atom 2 ($189): A best-value ITE option with 4 hearing modes, effective noise reduction, and 24-hour battery life per charge.
• Atom ONE ($98): Our most affordable entry-level ITE device, with a single hearing mode, 24-hour battery life, and simple, discreet performance ideal for first-time users.

We stand behind every device with lifetime support and a 45-day risk-free trial, too. It’s never been easier to take control of your hearing health and get back to living a normal life again. But, can Apple Earbuds be used as hearing aids? 

Can Apple Earbuds Be Used as Hearing Aids?

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now includes a range of hearing-health features, which is intriguing to those who already own a pair or are looking for a more casual way to deal with mild hearing loss.

Live Listen transmits sound from your iPhone’s microphone directly into your AirPods in real-time, essentially turning your phone into a remote microphone. This helps you hear someone speaking in a noisy restaurant or across the room.

Conversation Boost adds to this by zeroing in on voices directly in front of you, using beamforming microphones to clarify speech.

You also get access to a hearing test directly through your device, so you can figure out what exactly you’re dealing with from the comfort of your home. It’s far from what you’d get through a licensed audiologist, but it’s a start - and it takes just 5 minutes.

After completing the test on your iPhone or iPad you’ll be greeted by a tailored hearing profile with results and insights to guide your next steps. That could be simply adjusting your Media Assist settings for better audio clarity on media/calls if you have little to no hearing loss.

However, you’re probably more interested in the actual Hearing Aid feature Apple has developed. This is what you’ll be prompted to configure if the test determines you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss. 

This boosts frequencies so sounds are clearer and more vibrant to your ears, all thanks to the intuitive, powerful H2 Chip. The feature learns more about your hearing needs and adjusts in real time through machine learning. There are other features that support safer listening in the AirPods Pro 2 as well:.

• Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation removes twice as much background noise before it reaches your ears.
• Adaptive Audio adjusts noise control to changes in your environment throughout the day
• Adaptive EQ tunes the listening experience to your ears in real time based on the fit of your AirPods.
• Headphone Audio Levels give you the option to limit volume and track how long and how often you listen to loud audio, so you can avoid causing more harm to your hearing. 

But let’s set your expectations: can Apple Earbuds be used as hearing aids? These tools were designed for occasional assistance, not as medical devices for ongoing hearing loss management. We’ll compare Apple Earbuds vs hearing aids in-depth below. 

Apple Earbuds vs Hearing Aids: Key Differences to Consider

Just as with choosing between a hearing aid vs amplifier or cochlear implant vs hearing aid, only an audiologist can determine what exactly you need after careful assessment of your hearing loss. 

That said, are Apple Earbuds hearing aids? Short answer, no. They may help you to some degree if you have very minor hearing loss, but they are not a replacement for FDA-registered hearing aids. Here’s what you need to know about Apple Earbuds vs hearing aids…

An Added Feature vs Purpose-Built for Better Hearing

Apple’s AirPods Pro include features like Live Listen and Conversation Boost to amplify sound around you and make conversations a little easier to follow. These features can help you navigate situations such as trying to hear someone across a noisy room.

What Airpods can’t do is replace a dedicated hearing aid, though. They’re not designed for this. They’re used for listening to audio via a connected device first and foremost. 

It’s great that Apple has added features to improve hearing health, but hearing aids like those in the Audien lineup are purpose-built, FDA-registered devices designed specifically to address mild-to-moderate hearing loss. 

They don’t just make things around you louder. They improve clarity, reduce background noise, the battery life is designed for the entire day of listening, and tailor amplification to frequencies you actually need. That distinction matters when it comes to real mild and moderate hearing loss. 

Sound Quality and Customization

AirPods Pro 2 enhance sound broadly and don’t allow for much personalization. You can toggle features on or off, and Apple says they have implemented machine learning to program those features to your unique hearing profile.

However, you get a lot less control over sound quality than you would with a more sophisticated solution, like the best OTC hearing aids at Audien Hearing. You can be much more precise with up to 6 hearing modes and connection to a smartphone app.

Comfort and Wearability for All-Day Use

Apple Earbuds are designed for music and calls, not all-day wear. Many users find them uncomfortable or impractical to keep in for extended periods.

In contrast, hearing aids are lightweight, discreet, and designed to stay comfortably in place throughout your entire day, even while moving around or wearing glasses. 

A lot of our customers tell us that eventually they forget they even have the devices in their ears! This is especially common with our behind-the-ear (BTE) style devices, but even our in-the-ear (ITE) devices that mirror the appearance and fit of an AirPod are very comfortable. 

Regulatory Status and Safety

Apple’s AirPods are not FDA-approved hearing aids. These are just consumer electronics with optional accessibility features. Hearing aids, including all our models here at Audien Hearing, meet FDA standards for medical devices. You can place your order with peace of mind.

Price Comparison

Now, let’s talk cost differences between Apple Earbuds vs hearing aids. Using Apple Earbuds as hearing aids sounds like the more economical choice since they retail for around $249-$299 and traditional hearing aids cost thousands of dollars. 

That said, you can get the best hearing aids under $200 or the best hearing aid under $100 right here at Audien Hearing. Part of what has earned us a reputation as the #1 choice for mild-to-moderate hearing loss is how low we’ve managed to keep our prices.

But cost doesn’t really paint the full picture. Value for the money matters most. You’re paying for headphones that also happen to amplify sound in a limited way with Apple AirPods. You’re getting a dedicated medical device to improve your hearing daily with Audien Hearing. And support is invaluable—hearing loss and hearing aids aren’t intuitive for everyone, which is why our team is thoroughly trained to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

So, Should You Use Apple Earbuds as Hearing Aids or Get a More Sophisticated Device?

Can Apple Earbuds be used as hearing aids? Yes - in some cases, they’ll offer some helpful hearing support features. But should you use Apple Earbuds as hearing aids? 

While we can’t tell you for sure how well they’ll work without knowing more about your specific hearing profile, we can safely assume you’d get better performance from a dedicated hearing aid, like those at Audien Hearing. 

An FDA-registered hearing aid is almost always the smarter choice if you’re experiencing hearing loss, be it mild, moderate, or severe. So, take the next step to truly reconnect with the conversations and moments that matter most!

Our team of hearing care professionals is here to help you choose the perfect device for your lifestyle and level of hearing loss. Whether you prefer our discreet in-the-ear Atom series or our powerful behind-the-ear Ion series, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Get started now!

“I love my new Ion behind the ear hearing aids! I originally bought the in the ear devices, but they did not fit well. I contacted Audien who listened and found a solution for me - their BTE devices! They came in less than a week and SUCCESS!! They followed up with emails to help adjust to the new hearing aids. I am very pleased with the company, product, and staff!” - Gail

“I have been using hearing aids for about 1 year. I believe that I have tried every brand and I have found Audien the clearest, most comfortable one on the market. But where this company truly shines is its outstanding customer service. Every time I contacted this company with a problem/question, they went way out of their way to assist me.” - Ron

“These are my first hearing aids, and I’m very pleased with them. I’ve had them for almost a month, and my hearing is definitely better with them! Customer service has been excellent. I love being able to adjust them with my phone. The size is remarkably small: the behind the ear model is hardly noticeable even though my hair is quite short. And the price is really reasonable. What more could I ask for?” - Debbie

Bringing Our Apple Earbuds vs Hearing Aids Comparison to a Close

As we bring our comparison of Apple Earbuds vs hearing aids to a close we hope you feel clear on the differences and which best suits your hearing needs. Apple’s Live Listen & Conversation Boost are unique features for limited support, but they’re no replacement for true hearing aid.

Our blog has more resources if you want to explore other options, like Oracle hearing aids, Bossa hearing aids, or even an Eargo alternative. But the best affordable hearing aids are a few clicks away at Audien Hearing. 

Otherwise, it’s time you took the next step towards a meaningful, all-day improvement in your hearing with one of our proven solutions. Let us help you find the right hearing aid today!