Can AirPods Pro 2 really replace hearing aids? We asked a grandmother

The AirPods Pro 2 also have functions to emphasize the sounds that come directly towards someone, adjust the overall volume and adjust the balance of each interval, but these are difficult for anyone who is not the wearer to establish, and not the we have not tried in depth. However, it is a useful feature if the wearer knows how to use it.

Limited use outside

Although the AirPods Pro 2 it worked well at home, its use when my grandmother went out was more limited. When she went to her fitness center to work out, she was worried that they might get in the way or that she might lose it. There were also occasions when it felt awkward to wear the headphones in the first place, such as when I was having dinner with friends or attending a music recital.

Even I, like someone two generations younger, have a habit of taking off my headphones when talking to someone. It’s not surprising that someone his age, part of a generation with few people wearing wireless headphones in the first place, could be even more self-conscious about AirPods.

There are also limitations due to battery life. Hearing aids typically have batteries that are designed to last a full day, while charging the AirPods Pro 2 lasts up to six hours according to the official website. Forgetting to charge the AirPods enough and then losing the headphone function would be disruptive.

Also consider Manual Dexterity

Photography: Timothée Lambrecq

In addition, there were some operational problems. For example, the Hearing Aid function of the AirPods Pro 2 is only available when the external sound capture mode is activated, but the pressure-sensitive sensor on the shaft used to switch between settings was a little difficult for my grandmother to operate.

As for taking the headphones out of the case, which he found complicated at first, he became more comfortable with the process over time. I was still worried, however, that she would leave them out, and we considered attaching a chain to them, although it would then be difficult to attach and remove the chain every time the AirPods need to be recharged. Before buying, you may want to consider the dexterity and hand strength of your family member.

After her one-week trial of the AirPods Pro 2, my grandmother says she will continue to use them at home. She praised them as headphones and the fact that they are comfortable to wear. It seems, however, that she will continue to use her hearing aids when she leaves the house, at least for now.

This article originally appeared in WIRED Japan.