"Can I just use AirPods instead of hearing aids?" It's one of the most common questions we hear. With Apple's marketing around AirPods Pro hearing features, the confusion is understandable. Here's the complete, honest answer.
The Short Answer for Canadians
No, not right now. Apple's hearing aid features for AirPods Pro 2 are only available in the United States as of late 2025. Canadian AirPods Pro users cannot access the hearing aid mode, hearing test, or custom hearing profiles. The features are FDA-approved in the US but haven't received Health Canada approval yet.
This may change in the future, but if you're in Canada and need hearing help today, AirPods Pro hearing aid features aren't an option.
For Americans (Or Future Canadian Availability)
Yes, but with major caveats. AirPods Pro 2 (and only that specific model) can function as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss - but only if you have the right Apple devices, are comfortable with the technology, and don't need all-day assistance.
What You Need for AirPods to Work as Hearing Aids
This isn't optional - you must have:
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AirPods Pro 2 - Not AirPods Pro (1st gen), not regular AirPods, not AirPods Max. Only the second-generation AirPods Pro work as hearing aids.
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iPhone 12 or newer - The hearing features require recent iPhone hardware. If you have an iPhone 11 or older, you cannot use the hearing aid features.
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iOS 18 or later - You need to update your phone software.
Total cost if you don't have this hardware: $329 (AirPods Pro 2) + $600+ (iPhone 12 or newer) = $900+ minimum
How the Hearing Aid Feature Works
Once you have the hardware, the process is:
- Take a hearing test on your iPhone (about 5 minutes)
- AirPods Pro create a custom hearing profile based on your results
- The earbuds then amplify sound in real-time to compensate for your specific hearing loss
- You can adjust the level of assistance in settings
Apple worked with audiologists and received FDA clearance as an over-the-counter hearing aid. The technology is legitimate.
What AirPods Hearing Aid Mode Does Well
Mild hearing loss compensation: For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, AirPods Pro can genuinely help. The amplification is based on your actual hearing test results, not just making everything louder.
Conversation Boost: This feature focuses on the person in front of you, reducing background noise. It's genuinely helpful for one-on-one conversations.
Reduce stigma: AirPods look like regular earbuds. Many people feel more comfortable wearing them than traditional hearing aids.
Integrated experience: If you already use AirPods for music and calls, having hearing assistance in the same device is convenient.
What AirPods DON'T Do Well as Hearing Aids
Won't Work Without Apple Devices
This is the biggest issue. The hearing aid features require an iPhone 12+ running iOS 18+. If you:
- Use an Android phone
- Have an older iPhone
- Don't own a smartphone
- Prefer not to be locked into Apple's ecosystem
Then AirPods hearing features are not an option for you, period.
Most seniors who need hearing assistance don't have iPhone 12s. This makes AirPods impractical for a large portion of people who would benefit from hearing help.
Limited Battery for All-Day Use
Hearing aids are meant to be worn all day. AirPods Pro last 4-6 hours per charge.
You can charge them in the case, but that means:
- Taking them out and waiting during the day
- Missing sounds while charging
- Managing a more complicated routine than put-on-and-forget
Traditional hearing aids: 12-24 hours. PSAPs: 15-30+ hours.
Not Comfortable for 12+ Hour Wear
AirPods Pro are designed for music listening and calls, not wearing from morning to night. Extended wear issues include:
- Ear canal fatigue
- Pressure points causing discomfort
- Fit loosening over time
- Silicone tips degrading
Prescription hearing aids are custom-fitted to your ear. They're designed for all-day, every-day wear.
Only Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
Apple's system is FDA-cleared for mild to moderate hearing loss only. If your hearing test shows severe or profound loss, the hearing aid feature won't activate.
At that point, you need prescription hearing aids with professional fitting - there's no workaround.
No Professional Support
When something isn't working right with prescription hearing aids, you go back to your audiologist. They adjust settings, troubleshoot problems, and fine-tune the fit.
With AirPods, you're on your own. Apple Support can help with hardware issues, but they're not audiologists. If the hearing assistance isn't quite right for your needs, there's limited recourse.
AirPods vs Hearing Aids vs PSAPs: Which Is Right?
Choose Prescription Hearing Aids If:
- You have moderate to severe hearing loss
- You need all-day hearing assistance
- You want professional fitting and ongoing support
- You have insurance or provincial coverage that helps with cost
- You're committed to investing in the best possible hearing
Choose AirPods Pro If:
- You already own AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone
- Your hearing loss is mild to moderate
- You mainly need help in specific situations
- You're comfortable with technology
- You want one device for music, calls, and hearing assistance
Choose Personal Sound Amplifiers If:
- You don't have or want Apple devices
- You need affordable hearing help without a prescription
- You want something simple that just works
- You need long battery life
- You're buying for an elderly parent
- You want to try amplification before investing in hearing aids
The "My Parent Needs This" Question
If you're researching for an elderly parent, be realistic:
- Do they have an iPhone 12 or newer? (Most don't)
- Are they comfortable with Bluetooth pairing? (Most aren't)
- Will they remember to charge AirPods multiple times daily? (Probably not)
- Do they want to learn new technology? (Usually no)
For most seniors, a simple personal sound amplifier is more practical than introducing AirPods complexity into their lives.
Our Honest Recommendation for Canadians
AirPods Pro 2 hearing features are genuinely impressive technology - but they're not available in Canada yet.
If you're in Canada and need hearing help now, waiting for Apple to bring these features north doesn't make sense. You need a solution that works today.
If you're already in the Apple ecosystem and the features eventually come to Canada, they might be worth trying. But "eventually" doesn't help you hear better right now.
If you need simple, reliable hearing assistance without technology complications or waiting for US-only features to arrive, personal sound amplifiers are the practical choice for Canadians.
HearHelp offers a 30-day trial on all our personal sound amplifiers. No iPhone required. No waiting for Health Canada approval. No Bluetooth pairing. Just better hearing, available now across Canada.