By DEVI SHASTRIAssociated Press

Some Apple AirPods wireless headphones can be used as hearing aids with a new software update available in October. It’s a high-profile initiative that experts applaud, even though it only affects a small portion of the millions of hearing-impaired Americans.

An estimated 30 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans over the age of 12, have hearing loss in both ears. Millions of people would benefit from hearing aids, but most have never tried them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Countless people have tried them, but don’t use them due to cost, poor quality, poor fit, poor appearance, or other reasons.

In recent years, there have been efforts to change this. Two years ago, federal rules were changed to allow over-the-counter sales of hearing aidsa move that many hoped would provide patients with better, cheaper options. And last month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved software from Apple that would transform AirPods Pro 2 in hearing aids.

It’s not yet clear whether the rule change helped, experts say. But turning AirPods into hearing aids is the kind of creative move advocates were hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids and Apple’s new option.

Hearing loss can contribute to isolation, dementia and even risk of falls

About 15% of Americans report having difficulty hearing. Most people with hearing loss are over the age of 60, but hearing problems don’t just affect older people. A study found that men and people living in rural areas are more likely to suffer from hearing loss.

And this has been linked to many health effects beyond the ear. Experts say this contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. This increases the risk of dementia and rewires the brain. It has also been linked to increased risk of falls — a major health problem among the elderly.

“Everything we do, all our relationships, whether personal or professional, involves hearing conversation,” said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “We are now seeing that the sooner people can pay attention to their hearing health, the better. »

You don’t need to see a doctor to get a hearing aid

Before the 2022 rule change by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, everyone had to see a doctor and get a prescription for a hearing aid to get one. Now they are available without one.

“As more of these are sold, we hope the price will come down,” said Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a big rush to get them.”

Even buying over-the-counter, a decent hearing aid can easily cost you $400 to $500, said Stangl, who studies how well people adapt to using hearing aids. And some of the cheapest options are really just “cheap amplifiers,” lacking the personalized level adjustments and noise-canceling features that make hearing aids actually useful.

How does the Apple AirPods hearing aid feature work?

The hearing aid feature is available with AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It starts with built-in tests that will help users determine if they have hearing loss, configure the feature if so, and set custom amplification levels.

The headphones sell for $249 on Apple’s website, and sometimes less at other retailers.

While there are many other earphone-style devices that can work in the same way, experts agreed that the addition of AirPods is a good thing, simply because of how it could help standardize hearing aids .

“It’s just common,” Kelley said. The ubiquity of AirPods could make people worried about the appearance of a hearing aid more willing to use them.

There may be some drawbacks, however. Fit and comfort during prolonged use may be an issue. And while other hearing aids are designed to last a full day or more, Stangl said the AirPods’ battery life won’t allow for that. She also noted that wearing headphones can send a message to others that the person does not want to be disturbed or spoken to.

“But we hope more people try it and realize, ‘Yes, it helps,’” she said.

Tips for Buying Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Stangl suggests people do plenty of research before purchasing. She said Facebook and Reddit forums can be particularly helpful in checking out devices. Websites Hearing tracking And GOOD also have reliable reviews and resources for selecting a hearing aid, she said.

THE American Hearing Loss Association And American Academy of Audiology have guides to purchasing a hearing aid on their websites. If you’re stuck, see an audiologist.

Look for devices that allow you to adjust different heights. Most people with hearing loss have more difficulty hearing high frequencies, so find a device that can adjust amplification across all frequencies.

To avoid the piercing hiss of comments, purchase a device with a “comment manager.” Fit is key, but be careful: it’s not necessarily the most comfortable fit initially, so take your time.

Can you use your FSA or HSA money to buy over-the-counter hearing aids – or even AirPods?

Pre-tax money stored in flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts can be used to purchase hearing aids, including those sold over the counter.

Does this mean you can buy a new set of AirPods Pro2 with pre-tax money? Experts say this is a gray area that hasn’t been tested yet, so be careful. You may even need a letter of medical necessity. It’s best to check with an accountant before trying it.

Your smartphone can help you even without hearing aids

Even if you can’t afford the latest and greatest technology, your smartphone can be a tool to protect and improve your hearing.

Most phones can now turn speech into text, which can make conversations easier. The iPhone’s “Live Listen” feature turns your phone into an amplifying microphone that can transmit your date’s voice directly to your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.