(archive link) I expect that Apple’s Airpod Pro will officially gain hearing aid capabilities when it’s allowed. It seems it already has all the hardware for “transparency mode” and “conversation...
I expect that Apple’s Airpod Pro will officially gain hearing aid capabilities when it’s allowed. It seems it already has all the hardware for “transparency mode” and “conversation boost.”
Here’s an article about how they can already be used that way, sort of. The main disadvantage seems to be battery life.
I’ve pretty much given up on regular hearing aids being good for listening to music so I use Google Pixel Buds. They don’t have a microphone or good EQ adjustments, though.
I'd really like to hear the oppinion of some audiologists on this decision. I admit that I don't know that much about hearing aids, but from my understanding they're basically specialized...
I'd really like to hear the oppinion of some audiologists on this decision.
I admit that I don't know that much about hearing aids, but from my understanding they're basically specialized amplifiers that specifically affect the frequencies that the listener has lost the ability to hear while leaving the ones they can hear alone, and I always thought the reason for that was to prevent damaging hearing on those other frequencies. And if these are over-the-counter, how can they make that kind of adjustment? Doesn't this have a chance of making a person's hearing worse?
The FDA is limiting the power for the over the counter models. Not sure how much. Regarding hearing tests, Costco will do them. They are already relatively low-cost providers of hearing aids....
The FDA is limiting the power for the over the counter models. Not sure how much.
Regarding hearing tests, Costco will do them. They are already relatively low-cost providers of hearing aids. Also, much like with glasses, you don't have to buy the hearing aids at the same place you get your hearing tested, although many people do.
I tried Costco but ultimately went with Kaiser. I wasn't able to decide if I liked the hearing aids just by walking around the store (which is noisy) and I went with a slightly higher-end model.
I'd really like to get a hearing aid where I can adjust the EQ myself. I generally don't like them turned up to the point the hearing exam calls for.
The ones I got have very bad Android and iOS apps, making me wonder about open source hearing aids.
I have almost no information in this field, but here is my 2 cents. “Over the counter” doesn’t necessarily mean you can grab it in a box without talking to anyone. It just means you don’t have to...
I have almost no information in this field, but here is my 2 cents.
“Over the counter” doesn’t necessarily mean you can grab it in a box without talking to anyone. It just means you don’t have to get a prescription from a doctor. For example, to buy pseudoephedrine, you must talk to the pharmacist and jump through some hoops. If what you say is true, I could see something similar being applied to hearing aids. You would have to talk to a pharmacist who would give you a hearing test. I am sure they have fully automated/computerized tests. Then they program your aids and send you on your way. The FDA change would simply mean you can do that at a pharmacy instead of a doctor.
Via Elizabeth Warren: https://mobile.twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1559561248810840066
(archive link)
I expect that Apple’s Airpod Pro will officially gain hearing aid capabilities when it’s allowed. It seems it already has all the hardware for “transparency mode” and “conversation boost.”
Here’s an article about how they can already be used that way, sort of. The main disadvantage seems to be battery life.
I’ve pretty much given up on regular hearing aids being good for listening to music so I use Google Pixel Buds. They don’t have a microphone or good EQ adjustments, though.
I'd really like to hear the oppinion of some audiologists on this decision.
I admit that I don't know that much about hearing aids, but from my understanding they're basically specialized amplifiers that specifically affect the frequencies that the listener has lost the ability to hear while leaving the ones they can hear alone, and I always thought the reason for that was to prevent damaging hearing on those other frequencies. And if these are over-the-counter, how can they make that kind of adjustment? Doesn't this have a chance of making a person's hearing worse?
The FDA is limiting the power for the over the counter models. Not sure how much.
Regarding hearing tests, Costco will do them. They are already relatively low-cost providers of hearing aids. Also, much like with glasses, you don't have to buy the hearing aids at the same place you get your hearing tested, although many people do.
I tried Costco but ultimately went with Kaiser. I wasn't able to decide if I liked the hearing aids just by walking around the store (which is noisy) and I went with a slightly higher-end model.
I'd really like to get a hearing aid where I can adjust the EQ myself. I generally don't like them turned up to the point the hearing exam calls for.
The ones I got have very bad Android and iOS apps, making me wonder about open source hearing aids.
I have almost no information in this field, but here is my 2 cents.
“Over the counter” doesn’t necessarily mean you can grab it in a box without talking to anyone. It just means you don’t have to get a prescription from a doctor. For example, to buy pseudoephedrine, you must talk to the pharmacist and jump through some hoops. If what you say is true, I could see something similar being applied to hearing aids. You would have to talk to a pharmacist who would give you a hearing test. I am sure they have fully automated/computerized tests. Then they program your aids and send you on your way. The FDA change would simply mean you can do that at a pharmacy instead of a doctor.