This article was created in partnership with hear.com.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 series earbuds can be used as hearing aids, and it has even received FDA authorization. This is a significant advancement, especially considering that Apple sells over 100 million pairs of earbuds each year. AirPod Pro 2 delivers superb audio quality with cutting-edge features such as multiple noise cancelation modes, including a “transparency” mode that allows you to get the best of noise-canceling audio quality but with the ability to hear your surroundings.
While the AirPod Pro 2 earbuds feature the aforementioned FDA-approved hearing aid feature, are they better than traditional hearing aids? Today, I’ll be comparing Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 to our favorite hearing aid, the Horizon IX, from our friends at hear.com.
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Price: AirPods Pro 2 vs Horizon IX
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 is a premium pair of earbuds; you’ll be sure to notice that in the price. The AirPods Pro 2 retails for $250, but because the AirPods Pro 2 came out in September 2022, you can usually find them on sale for as low as $190.
On the other hand, the Horizon IX price varies depending on your insurance coverage and state. hear.com’s trial process for the Horizon IX hearing aid is tailored to your specific state, and you’ll see pricing options and plans based on your state and insurance while you complete the trial. Additionally, hear.com allows 45 days to trial the hearing aids from the day they are professionally fitted for your ears.
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Technology: AirPods Pro 2 vs Horizon IX
Unlocking the hearing aid potential of AirPods Pro 2
The significant change with the AirPods Pro 2 was the upgrade from the internal H1 audio chip to the H2 audio chip. Apple says the H2 chip can process and sample sound 48,000 times per second. The AirPods Pro 2 has a wide range of premium features, but for this comparison, I’ll look at the features that allow the AirPods Pro 2 or any H2 AirPod to act as an entry-level hearing aid.
If you want to use your AirPod Pro 2s as hearing aids, you must first take a few steps. First, you’ll want to take a hearing test on your iPhone and sync the results with your Apple Health app. Once Apple Health has your hearing data, you can tune your AirPod Pro 2 to the data by tapping Headphone Accommodation in the AirPod Pro 2’s settings. You can also turn up the volume for transparency mode from within the AirPod Pro 2 settings, which utilizes the built-in AirPod Pro microphone to relay background noise to you.
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Horizon IX is the first dual-processing hearing aid
Horizon IX by hear.com is one of the world’s first dual-processing hearing aids. It separates speech and background noise to deliver never-before-heard clarity. The best part? The Horizon IX hearing aids are nearly invisible, tucked away inside or behind the ear so you can enjoy perfect hearing without the burden of uncomfortable (or awkward) hearing devices.
The Horizon IX features Bluetooth accessibility and a convenient and easy-to-use smartphone app. With a tap on your phone, you can control everything. Adjust settings, switch modes, and even take calls directly through your hearing aids—it’s like having your own audio assistant.
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Performance: AirPods Pro 2 vs Horizon IX hearing aids
While the AirPods Pro 2 and Horizon IX hearing aids deliver excellent audio quality, only the Horizon IX offers the proper hearing support. I wouldn’t recommend that anyone try to use AirPod Pro 2s as a hearing aid, and I can recommend them only to those with minor hearing issues.
While I’m happy that AirPod Pro 2s can be used as hearing aids, the Horizon IX from hear.com is much better for the hearing-impaired. Not only do you receive the Horizon IX hearing aid, but you also benefit from expert support from the best hearing specialists in your area (in person or from the comfort of your own home) and exceptional customer service from hear.com.
However, if you are looking for earbuds that deliver stellar wireless performance and sound quality for music, then the AirPods Pro 2 are a great choice. But if you are invested in the long-term health of your ears and hearing support, then the Horizon IX from hear.com is for you.
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | Horizon IX Hearing Aids |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 (one-time purchase); as low as $190 on sale | Varies by insurance and state; trial period available |
| Hearing Aid Authorization | FDA-approved for use as entry-level hearing aids | Professionally tailored and fitted hearing aids |
| Technology | H2 chip, samples sound 48,000 times per second | Dual-processing for speech/background noise separation. 192,000 data points per second. |
| Customization | Headphone Accommodation settings via iPhone; sync with Apple Health | Smartphone app controls for adjusting settings, modes, and calls |
| Noise Cancellation | Multiple noise cancellation modes, including Transparency mode | Background noise separation; clarity in noisy environments; directional hearing |
| Bluetooth Functionality | Yes, it integrates with Apple devices | Yes, it integrates with smartphones for app control, calls, and music |
| Invisibility/Design | Standard earbud design | Nearly invisible, behind or inside the ear |
| Professional Support | Self-managed through iPhone setup | Supported by hearing specialists and customer service |
| Best For | Minor hearing issues, general wireless audio, and music listening | Comprehensive hearing support for the hearing-impaired |
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Horizon IX from hear.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
While there’s a lot of news about Apple’s new AirPod features with iOS 18 that allow the AirPod Pro 2 to be used as hearing aids authorized by the FDA, I still wouldn’t recommend them as a standalone hearing aid. AirPod Pro is my go-to earbuds, but I believe if you need a hearing aid, there’s way more value in the Horizon IX from hear.com. Not only does hear.com accept insurance, but you also receive a hearing aid engineered by the best hearing professionals. Over 400,000 happy customers can’t be wrong – they’re loving a new world of effortless hearing.
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