You can make some of these adjustments by manipulating the stems of the earbuds, which now have even more functions to master. These hardware operations can be finicky, and in almost every situation, the app is a lot more foolproof and easier to use.
One of the key touted features is the new Media Assist mode, which applies your hearing aid settings to streamed music, video, and phone calls. It makes a big difference and solidifies why these wireless earbuds are so beloved for their primary function of listening to stuff. I don’t think I’ve had a better earbud experience than when using AirPods Pro 2 with the Media Assist mode on after properly tuning them to my audiogram—and this is where closed eartips shine. While not part of the Hearing Aid system, I also found the new Hearing Protection features to be a godsend, turning what would have been a deafening concert experience into a pleasantly approachable afternoon.
Photograph: Christopher Null
It’s no secret that AirPods are big: At 5.32 grams each, they’re now some of the heaviest hearing aids on the market. And yet I found them incredibly comfortable to wear, even for long stretches, which is probably a big part of why they’re so popular. Unfortunately, battery life is rather poor as far as hearing aids go: a maximum of six hours per charge, with 30 hours total available if you include top-ups when they’re dropped into the USB-C case. That won’t cut it for all-day hearing aid wearers, many of whom will likely find they need to recharge twice in a single day.
But the AirPod Pro 2 are probably not designed for the all-day hearing aid user. Instead, they’re for someone who needs an occasional boost to their hearing, maybe in certain scenarios, who also just so happens to have these earbuds in their messenger bag. Just pop in the AirPods when you need them, then stow them away again when you’re in a friendlier audio environment or are working alone.
Nothing to apologize for about that.