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Should Students Use Apple AirPods as Hearing Aids?

黑料网 audiologist sounds off on whether devices are suitable substitutes

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?

Myrna Forbes Photo

Now there鈥檚 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鈥檚 what we did.

黑料网 Today reached out to the Speech and Hearing Clinic at 黑料网 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 黑料网 students but the entire Kent community, extending its commitment to access beyond the campus. Forbes said the clinic鈥檚 goal is to guide individuals struggling with hearing by giving a full evaluation, so they can become comfortable with their hearing equipment.  

鈥淭he goal of our clinic is for patients to become comfortable and competent with testing hearing, fitting and dispensing hearing aids,鈥 Forbes said, 鈥渁nd troubleshooting them by the time they leave us to go to outside placements.鈥  

With the recent announcement from the FDA, Forbes explains how the new AirPods will function as over-the-counter hearing aids.  

鈥淭here 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,鈥 Forbes said. 鈥淏asically, 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.鈥

Older woman on couch with laptop and earbuds

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.

鈥淥ver-the-counter hearing aids are just like aspirin or Tylenol,鈥 she said. 鈥淲here you鈥檙e supposed to self-identify that you have a problem and seek help by going to the store to find the solution to that problem.鈥

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.

Woman with earbuds looking at tablet device

鈥淥ftentimes other issues like wax impaction, fluid or different things that have occurred over their lifetime that need medical management are going to be missed,鈥 she said. 鈥淏y delaying treatment of that problem, it鈥檚 only going to get worse.鈥

Do鈥檚 and Don鈥檛s 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 黑料网 Today readers some do鈥檚 and don鈥檛s 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鈥檛 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鈥檛 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.  

鈥淚f you try to rest your ears for a period of time and it stays there,鈥 Forbes said. 鈥淭hen that鈥檚 a time to go ahead and get help.鈥

Learn More about Speech Pathology & Audiology at 黑料网.

POSTED: Thursday, November 7, 2024 08:00 AM
Updated: Thursday, November 7, 2024 04:22 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Camille Duber, Flash Communications