One week in from apple iOS 18.1 setting airpod2s as hearing aids (fda certified). I’d give it a thumbs up. I have mild hearing loss in one side. And been using it in social settings (out shopping, during md appt, etc) still not quite up to trying in personal social sessions). It does help and longer term use will see how well. The adjustments to setting are pretty straightforward. My md asked a really good question, since they are fda certified as low or moderate hearing loss, will insurance companies cover the cost of an AirPod pro 2? Really good question I thought.

Haven’t heard of any insurance that will cover otc hearing aids. Maybe that will change in the future.

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PeterW
Haven’t heard of any insurance that will cover otc hearing aids. Maybe that will change in the future.

My ENT doc friends thought it would only be a matter of time, as these OTC products should be cheaper. And hopefully better.

Or at least be able to buy them with an FSA/HSA. Costco notes which items are FSA eligible but doesn't show the AirPod Pros 2 as eligible (yet? - Costco still notes the hearing aid functionality as coming in Fall 2024, so maybe once they update that, they might update the FSA eligibility, if it is eligible).

They do show the Lexie "Powered by Bose" OTC hearing aids as FSA eligible, but those are $880!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2024 04:21PM by Gareth.

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PeterW
Haven’t heard of any insurance that will cover otc hearing aids. Maybe that will change in the future.

Our United Healthcare Medicare Advantage program covers 9 different OTC hearing aids with a co-pay. For example, the Lexie B2 Plus OTC hearing aids cost $900 for a pair from Lexie. The co-pay through United Health Care is $398 for a pair. Some aren't as good a deal. For example, the Eargo SE OTC aids are $1490 direct from Eargo; they're $1198 through United Healthcare.

I suspect that since the AirPod pro 2 hearing aid functionality is so new, that making them eligible (or not) will lag significantly. And that putting them on a list is something that get done by outside certification lab. And that the hearing aid maker/seller has to pay for it. Apple certainly has the umph, clout & money to do it if they feel inclined to. So I think it is going to be sooner rather then later. A $250 apple hearing aid certainly sets a new price point especially when you consider all the normal functions that an AirPod has going for it.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2024 06:47PM by pqrst.

How long do the batteries last?

Yeah, that’s the killer. AirPods are only good for 4-5 hours before needing recharging. Not nearly good enough for everyday use.

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PeterW
Yeah, that’s the killer. AirPods are only good for 4-5 hours before needing recharging. Not nearly good enough for everyday use.

They are very small. Could have two and just swap in the case when needing recharging.

As I recall, the airpod pros are paired to the case. You need the second case to recharge the second airpod pros. Not if you are only looking to add the second pair to extend usage and not worried about recharging the second pair, though.

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As I recall, the airpod pros are paired to the case.


I think that applies to all AirPods.

I found that out with my original and AP2.

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WHiiP
As I recall, the airpod pros are paired to the case. You need the second case to recharge the second airpod pros. Not if you are only looking to add the second pair to extend usage and not worried about recharging the second pair, though.

That's fine.

I currently carry a Bose Quiet Comforts II and an AirPods Pro2 when I fly. I swap out the Bose for the APP when the Bose run out.

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Wags
How long do the batteries last?

The hearing aid function does use up batteries.
For me, 6 hours on hearing aid vs 9 hr normal