Apple’s latest earbuds, now cleared in the US as over-the-counter hearing aids, raise questions about affordability, access and what will happen in Britain
The recent approval of Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 as over-the-counter hearing aids has sparked interest well beyond the United States. Although this change applies only to the US market, it highlights the growing demand for lower-cost, more accessible hearing support.
For many Americans, hearing aids can cost as much as $7,000 and insurance cover is limited. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 3 retail at $249, offering a markedly more affordable entry into assisted hearing.
Relevance for the UK
The UK operates under a different system. NHS digital hearing aids are free at the point of use, and private devices vary widely in cost depending on technology and aftercare. Even so, stigma, lack of awareness and long waits for appointments leave many people without support.
The scale of the unmet need is clear: millions in the UK have hearing loss but do not use hearing aids, despite growing evidence linking untreated loss to social isolation, unemployment and increased dementia risk.
Although AirPods are not approved in the UK as medical devices, their progress abroad has renewed debate about whether consumer technology could help bridge gaps in access, especially for people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss who want an easy first step.
How AirPods Pro 3 work as hearing assistive devices
Apple has added a built-in Hearing Test that allows users to assess their hearing at home and adjust amplification to match. While not as precise as a clinical audiogram, early comparisons in the US suggest the results align reasonably well with professional testing.
Users report that real-world performance is good, though not on par with dedicated hearing aids. Consonants can lack clarity, and busy social settings may be harder to manage.
Battery life remains a key limitation. Many private hearing aids last 20-30 hours on a charge, while AirPods offer about 10 hours, which means frequent recharging.
Comparisons with traditional hearing aids
Dedicated hearing aids, such as those offered privately in the UK, aim for natural sound through features like directional microphones, noise reduction algorithms and tailored fitting.
They also provide professional aftercare, follow-up adjustments and gradual fine-tuning that consumer earbuds cannot match. They are far more discreet than AirPods, which remain visibly recognisable as earphones.
The cost difference between AirPods and private hearing aids is, of course, significant. However, hearing aids are specialised devices that have been developed and tailored over many decades now specifically to help people with varying degrees of hearing loss - including severe hearing loss; whereas AirPods are, fundamentally, wireless earphones and, whilst multi-functionality is one of their principle virtues, they are not specialised for hearing enhancement.
Also, AirPods are a one-off purchase - whereas private hearing aids include clinical support, multi-year warranties and servicing, which is all built into the cost. For some, however, the convenience of a consumer device may be attractive as a way to trial amplification before committing to a bespoke solution.
Wider benefits and potential drawbacks
AirPods’ versatility is one of their strengths. They offer high-quality audio for music, streaming and calls, which may help reduce the stigma associated with wearing a hearing device. But without professional input, users risk poor sound quality, incorrect settings or missing early signs of more serious hearing problems.
For people with moderate to severe loss, custom hearing aids remain essential due to their superior fitting, directionality and long-term support.
What this development means for the future
While AirPods Pro 3 are unlikely to replace hearing aids in the UK, they may signal a shift towards hybrid consumer-medical solutions.
As James Leare, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®, said: “Consumer technology can play a useful role, but it should never replace a proper hearing assessment. For many people, these devices can be a helpful starting point, but long-term hearing care still depends on getting the right diagnosis and tailored support.”
AirPods Pro 3 show how mainstream technology can broaden hearing support, but they are not a substitute for clinical care. For UK listeners, the message is clear: consumer earbuds may help raise awareness and encourage first steps, but professional guidance remains central to protecting hearing and choosing the right device.
References
- AirPods Pro 3 The world’s best in‑ear Active Noise Cancellation - Apple's official page for AirPods Pro 3 details the device's features, including Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, and the new ‘Hearing Aid’ feature
- How do Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 compare against hearing aids? - In September 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the AirPods Pro 2 for use as over-the-counter hearing aids. This approval marked a significant step in making hearing assistance more accessible and affordable for consumers, paving the way for subsequent models like the AirPods Pro 3 to enter the market.
- Use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 - Apple Support provides a guide on setting up and using the Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. This feature is intended for individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and offers customisation options to tailor the audio experience to individual hearing needs.
