HearAdvisor reposted this
And just like that, the new Apple AirPods Pro 2 *HEARING AIDS* have been tested by independent audio testing lab HearAdvisor. TLDR: The AirPods got a B grade on Apple's default settings (for mild-to-moderate loss). Perhaps surprisingly, the devices were very capable, receiving an A grade after some tweaking to better match NAL-NL2 prescriptive amplification targets. Thanks to my cofounders for the blazing fast evaluation (Steve Taddei) and data analysis (Andrew Sabin).
Marius Rüfenacht
1mo
Thanks for sharing the results Abram Bailey 👍 The placement of the device in the measurement ear looks a bit more vertical than with most wearers I observe. Steve Taddei did you identify a significant impact of the microphone axis position to the performance in noise?
Alexander Goldin
1mo
Thank you, Abram Bailey, for sharing. For all the excitement about Airpods as hearing aids, there is still a big gap in speech in quiet and speech in noise compared to the best hearing aids. If you listen to speech in noise, both initial and tuned, the beginning of the male voice on the left side is missing. Just compare it with the Phonak Sphere to hear the difference. And for speech in noise, the Airpods should be useful, mainly because of their short battery life. The cost of the device should not be taken into account. Sales of the Airpods in $$ are much higher than the Sphere in the most optimistic dreams. Either way, Alango Technologies looks forward to conducting our own comprehensive tests in differrent environments and comparing it with Qualcomm Rapid Design Prototypes TWS earbuds running Alango heairng enhancement algorithms. Stay tuned.
Kenn Heyder
1mo
One of the disadvantages of my hearing aid use is outside wind is very prevalent and also exercising they get sweaty. When I enabled the hearing aid mode on the AirPods this week what a huge difference when walking outside or working outside the amount of wind reduction and also while using my rowing machine, the stability in the clearness. I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction and I applaud them for the concerted effort on this feature.
Chris Miller
1mo
How does the use of Apple's Conversation Awareness feature impact the test results, especially speech in noise?
Stefan Liebich
1mo
You guys are doing a great job! It's amazing that you went into testing and reviews in that field and I believe a lot of new products and more features to look at will be coming in the future!
Dave Stevens
1mo
Pleasantly surprising. The form factor could be problematic for some. For example a meeting or situation where it could appear your attention wasn’t focused. If my doc came in with buds I’d have some questions.
This was so fast!!! And so helpful!!
Hrudananda Sahoo
1mo
Interesting to see the results...Can be revolutionary
James Fielding
1mo
Great turn around team, well done!
Ex-Apple engineer building climate tech
1moExciting to see HearingAdvisor post their review! I'm curious why the "tuned review" doesn't drive the rating? Isn't this what the user would experience after taking the hearing test and applying their audiogram? I'd be interested to see how the audiogram was "tweaked" for the tuned review if that's something that can be shared publicly.