Last Updated on August 15, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Discover the differences between consumer hearables like Apple AirPods Pro and medically regulated hearing aids, and why one cannot truly replace the other.
Introduction to Hearables and Hearing Aids
In recent years, a new category of tech called hearables has emerged. These devices, ranging from Apple’s AirPods Pro to Bose Hearphones, are designed to enhance listening experiences—but they also offer features that seem helpful for people with mild hearing loss.
As these products improve, many wonder: can earbuds or OTC hearables replace hearing aids? To answer that, we must first understand what each device is designed to do.
- Hearing aids – Medically regulated devices tuned to an individual’s hearing profile by a licensed audiologist.
- Hearables – Consumer devices for general listening and communication, sometimes with basic sound enhancement features.
The Rise of Consumer Hearables
The hearables market has grown rapidly. With the popularity of wireless earbuds soaring, major tech brands now integrate features appealing to older adults and those with mild hearing loss.
- Apple AirPods Pro – Introduced Conversation Boost, using beamforming microphones to isolate voices in front of you.
- Bose Hearphones – Now discontinued, but once a leader in personal sound amplification.
- Sony LinkBuds, Nuheara IQbuds, Jabra Enhance Plus – Other hearables offering sound enhancement for daily life.
OTC Hearing Aids vs Traditional Hearing Aids
A major shift came in 2022 when the FDA approved OTC hearing aids. These devices are for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a prescription.
Traditional hearing aids are custom-programmed by audiologists using your audiogram. OTC hearing aids are regulated medical devices, but they lack the precision tuning and ongoing care of professionally fit aids.
Key Differences Between Hearables and Hearing Aids
| Feature | Hearables | Hearing Aids |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General listening, calls, music | Medical-grade hearing correction |
| Regulation | Not regulated | FDA regulated |
| Customization | Basic app settings | Full audiologist tuning |
| Amplification Range | Mild to moderate | Mild to profound |
| Feedback & Noise Control | Basic | Advanced, adaptive |
| Battery Life | 4–6 hours | 24+ hours |
| Cost | $200–$500 | $1,000–$6,000 |
Performance Comparison in Real-World Use
In quiet environments, AirPods Pro with Conversation Boost can help focus on a speaker. But in noisy environments, hearing aids use directional microphones and advanced DSP to separate voices from background noise—something most earbuds still can’t match.
Customization and Fitting
Hearing aids offer full customization through professional fitting, follow-up adjustments, and changes as your hearing evolves. Hearables rely on basic app adjustments and cannot match medical precision.
Advanced Features Breakdown
Hearables Include:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency/Ambient Mode
- Bluetooth streaming
- Basic directional microphones
Hearing Aids Include:
- Speech prioritization algorithms
- Adaptive feedback suppression
- Tinnitus masking
- Binaural syncing
- Extended battery life
Cost and Accessibility
| Device Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hearables (AirPods Pro) | $200 – $300 |
| OTC Hearing Aids | $300 – $1,000 |
| Prescription Hearing Aids | $1,000 – $6,000+ |
Apple AirPods Pro’s Conversation Boost vs Hearing Aids
Apple’s Conversation Boost isolates the voice in front of you using microphones but has limitations:
- No advanced background noise reduction
- No individualized hearing profile adjustment
- Performance varies by environment
It’s a short-term aid, not a replacement for medical-grade hearing correction.
Bose Hearphones and Similar Devices
Bose Hearphones offered adjustable amplification, noise control, and app-based personalization. They’re now discontinued, but similar devices from Nuheara, Jabra, and Sony still can’t match professional hearing aids for precision and adaptability.
Health and Safety Considerations
Relying solely on hearables can:
- Delay diagnosis of progressive hearing loss
- Risk hearing damage from over-amplification
- Miss detection of conditions like Meniere’s or otosclerosis
Always seek a professional hearing test before using any amplification device long-term.
Who Should Use Hearables for Hearing Help?
They may help if you:
- Have mild, situational hearing difficulty
- Need short-term amplification
- Want occasional enhancement for specific environments
Technological Innovations Bridging the Gap
- AI-based environment sound adjustment
- Self-fitting technologies
- Hybrid devices like Jabra Enhance Plus and Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX
Expert Opinions from Audiologists
“Hearables are great for enhancing listening—but not treating hearing loss.”
“Amplification without diagnosis is like taking medication without knowing your condition.”
Real-World User Testimonials
Tom, 62, Florida: “Helpful in quiet rooms, but useless in noisy dinner parties.”
Linda, 45, California: “Great at home, but chaos in crowds.”
Mark, 70, Texas: “The difference after getting hearing aids was night and day.”
FAQs About Hearables vs Hearing Aids
- Can I use AirPods instead of hearing aids? Yes, but only for mild needs.
- Are OTC hearing aids good enough? For mild to moderate hearing loss, yes—with professional testing.
- Are hearables FDA-approved? No.
- Can hearables damage hearing? Yes, if overused or over-amplified.
- Are there hybrid devices? Yes, but results vary compared to hearing aids.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Hearables Replacing Hearing Aids
For mild hearing challenges, hearables might provide temporary support. But for moderate to severe loss, hearing aids offer the personalized tuning, clinical accuracy, and long-term support you need. The smartest move? Get your hearing tested and discuss options with an audiologist.