How do you use your AirPods each day? Is it to listen to your favorite playlist or a podcast or audiobook while you walk to class?
Now there’s good news for people with mild to moderate hearing impairment. The intended to be used with compatible versions of the Apple AirPods Pro headphones.
That's important news to students, many of whom love their AirPods.
As with any decision about your health, before you plug in, consult with a medical professional. So that’s what we did.
Kent State Today reached out to the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Kent State University and spoke with audiologist Myrna Forbes, Au.D., senior lecturer in the School of Health Sciences.
Forbes said over-the-counter hearing aids can serve as a great tool for individuals struggling with hearing issues.
The Speech and Hearing Clinic provides services not only to Kent State students but the entire Kent community, extending its commitment to access beyond the campus. Forbes said the clinic’s goal is to guide individuals struggling with hearing by giving a full evaluation, so they can become comfortable with their hearing equipment.
“The goal of our clinic is for patients to become comfortable and competent with testing hearing, fitting and dispensing hearing aids,” Forbes said, “and troubleshooting them by the time they leave us to go to outside placements.”
With the recent announcement from the FDA, Forbes explains how the new AirPods will function as over-the-counter hearing aids.
“There is an app, and it is going to allow you to either put in your hearing test if you have a copy from an audiologist, or you can do a hearing test through another app,” Forbes said. “Basically, you put in your headphones, and you will hear beeps and tones, and that information goes into your software on your phone. The operating system then changes how the volume of your AirPods is calculated.”
Forbes said an important aspect to note about at-home hearing testing is that your equipment differs significantly from equipment hearing professionals have access to and your independent results may not be as accurate or reliable.
The headphones you may use to conduct your test may also affect your results, Forbes said, depending on factors like how old your headphones are or the volume control.
Forbes said that typical over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased from many locations, like drugstores, and the law does not require purchasers to take a hearing test.
“Over-the-counter hearing aids are just like aspirin or Tylenol,” she said. “Where you’re supposed to self-identify that you have a problem and seek help by going to the store to find the solution to that problem.”
While over-the-counter hearing aids can assist people with hearing issues, Forbes recommends seeking a professional for treatment because issues can be overlooked if not addressed.
“Oftentimes other issues like wax impaction, fluid or different things that have occurred over their lifetime that need medical management are going to be missed,” she said. “By delaying treatment of that problem, it’s only going to get worse.”
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Earbuds
Listening to music with headphones may be an enjoyable way to elevate a workout or improve your mood. However, Forbes said that using earbuds over time at a loud volume and without taking breaks can cause permanent hearing loss. Forbes gave the Kent State Today readers some do’s and don’ts of using earbuds of all types.
Do give your ears a break
Forbes said that wearing earbuds for excessive amounts at a time is not healthy for your ears as we are not meant to be exposed to loud volume for an extended period of time.
Do set a lower limit for your volume
In the settings of your iPhone, Forbes said you can adjust your volume to ensure you are not listening to a dangerously high volume.
Do clean your AirPods regularly
AirPods can become full of germs very quickly. Forbes said that by simply with an alcohol wipe, you can lessen the number of germs going into your ears.
Don’t use earbuds if you have noticed ear drainage
Forbes said using earbuds while having ear drainage can damage them due to moisture and the spread of bacteria.
Don’t listen to loud music for a long time
Forbes said that constantly listening to music at a high volume can speed up hearing loss or cause effects like ringing and buzzing in the ears. Forbes said if these symptoms do not go away after a couple of days, consult with a hearing professional.
“If you try to rest your ears for a period of time and it stays there,” Forbes said. “Then that’s a time to go ahead and get help.”
Learn More about Speech Pathology & Audiology at Kent State.