Apple’s Gambit on Hearing Aids: Q&A with Dr. Sreek Cherukuri

Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, MD
ENT Physician
Chicago, Illinois

Apple recently announced a new feature for its AirPods line: hearing tests and hearing aid functionality. This is part of a growing trend of over-the-counter, direct-to-consumer medical devices. There are definitely benefits to devices like these being available. For example, many people already own AirPods, so they don’t need to go out and buy new devices if they start to have hearing trouble. Also, AirPod users are already comfortable using the devices, so they’re more likely to adjust to using them for health reasons. However, some experts in the medical field believe there are some reasons to be cautious about features like this. Pharmaceutical Executive spoke with Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, a board certified ENT from Chicago, Illinois, about the risks and benefits of the AirPod features.

Pharmaceutical Executive: What new health-based features is Apple offering with its latest AirPods?
Dr. Sreek Cherukuri: With an upcoming software update, users with an Air Pod PRO2 and an iPhone/iPad can take a clinically validated hearing test, and if you are found to have early stage (mild to moderate) hearing loss, you may be able to use your Air Pods to help you hear better.

PE: What are the risks and benefits of devices like this having these health features?
Cherukuri: The benefits are that many people that already own Air Pods may reap the benefits of having a hearing test and some basic amplification should they need it. The main risk as I see it is that most people don't yet understand that OTC hearing aids can only help the earliest stage of hearing loss, levels I typically find that patients in my clinic do not feel the need to address. If someone doesn't find benefit from the Air Pods due to the limitation of gain (volume) they are allowed to provide, they may be discouraged to pursue medical-grade or prescription hearing amplification.

Also, Air Pods already don't fit many ears well (they fall out of my ears) and older people typically have larger ears so poor fit can be an issue.

PE: Is there potential for devices like this to create confusion in the market?
Cherukuri: Confusion could happen if people think OTC hearing aids will work for most people with hearing loss.

PE: Who should consider using Air Pods as hearing aids, and who needs to consider more advanced options?
Cherukuri: If someone has early-stage hearing loss, for example at a restaurant, they might be able to use their Air Pods to help. One issue is that it is a bit socially confusing trying to talk to someone wearing headphones in their ear as one might assume they are taking a call or listening to music. Also, the battery only lasts 5.5 hours, so this is not an all-day solution.

Most people that I see in my ENT Clinic have hearing loss at levels that OTC hearing aids (including Air Pods) cannot help. So, I recommend that anyone with hearing loss see a doctor or audiologist and have a hearing test in a sound-proof booth to accurately learn exactly what their situation is and if a hearing aid can be a helpful option. For those people with hearing loss that don't want a hearing aid, I recommend the ClearCast Conversation Amplifying Earphones. Unlike Air pods or other OTC hearing aids, ClearCast works for all levels of hearing loss and does not require any pairing with a phone, and they cost thousands less than prescription hearing aids.