Experts say it is not yet clear whether the rule change will work. But turning AirPods into hearing aids was the kind of creative move advocates were hoping for. Here’s what you need to know about hearing loss, hearing aids and Apple’s new option.

Approximately 15% of Americans report having difficulty hearing. Most people with hearing loss are over the age of 60, but hearing problems don’t just affect older people. One study found that men and people living in rural areas were more likely to suffer from hearing loss.

And it has been linked to many health effects beyond the ear. Experts say this contributes to isolation, depression and cognitive decline. It increases the risk of dementia and restructures the brain. It is also linked to an increased risk of falls, a major health problem among older adults.

“Everything we do, all our relationships, whether personal or business, involve hearing speech,” said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America. “We now understand that the sooner people take care of their hearing health, the better.”

Before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 rule change, everyone had to see a doctor and get a prescription to get a hearing aid. Now, they exist without one.

“We hope that as more are sold, prices will come down,” said Elizabeth Stangl, an audiologist at the University of Iowa. “But we haven’t seen a huge rush to get them.”

Even if you buy them without a prescription, a good hearing aid can easily run you $400 to $500, said Stangl, who studies how well people adapt to using hearing aids. And some of the cheaper options are actually just “cheap amplifiers” and lack the personalized level settings and noise canceling features that make hearing aids truly useful.

The hearing aid feature is available on AirPods Pro 2 models and requires an iPhone or iPad to set up. It starts with built-in tests that will help users determine if they have hearing loss, set up the feature if they do, and set personalized amplification levels.

The headphones sell for $249 on Apple’s website, sometimes cheaper at other retailers.

While there are many other headphone-type devices that can work the same way, experts agree that the AirPods add-on is a good device because it can help normalize hearing loss.

“It’s just mainstream,” Kelley said. The ubiquity of AirPods may cause people to worry about the appearance of hearing aids and be more open to using them.

However, it may also have some disadvantages. Fit and comfort may be an issue during long-term use. While other hearing aids are built to last all day or longer, Stangl said the AirPods’ battery life won’t allow that. He also noted that wearing headphones can send the message to others that the person does not want to be disturbed or spoken to.

“But we’re hoping more people will try it and realize, ‘Yes, these things work,'” he said.

Stangl recommends people do plenty of research before purchasing. He said Facebook and Reddit forums can be especially useful in reviewing devices. Hearing Tracker and Soundly websites also have reliable reviews and resources on choosing hearing aids, he said.

The Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Academy of Audiology have guides on purchasing hearing aids on their websites. If you’re stuck, consult a hearing care professional.

Look for devices that allow you to adjust different pitches. Most people with hearing loss have the most difficulty hearing high pitches; so look for a device that can adjust the amplification between frequencies.

To avoid the ear-splitting whistle of feedback, purchase a device with a “feedback manager.” Fit is key, but be careful: It may not be the most comfortable at first, so take your time.

Pre-tax money stored in flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts can be used to purchase hearing aids, including those available over-the-counter.

Does this mean you can buy a new set of AirPods Pro2 with pre-tax money? Experts say this is a gray area that hasn’t been tested yet, so proceed with caution. You may even need a letter of medical necessity. It’s best to consult an accountant before trying.

Even if you can’t afford the latest and greatest technology, your smartphone can be a tool to protect and improve your hearing.

Most phones can now convert speech to text, which can help make conversations easier. iPhone’s “Live Listen” feature turns your phone into an amplified microphone that can beam your dinner date’s audio directly to your ear, even if you’re in a noisy restaurant.

Beyond hearing aids, there are also many apps and websites that can help. Some apps can make your phone vibrate when the alarm goes off or the dog barks. The University of Iowa collects educational resources through the Auditory Education Resource Center. Free apps like the World Health Organization’s “hearWHO” app offer hearing tests, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Sound Level Meter App lets you measure whether noise levels are dangerous.

“The majority of people have smartphones and are unaware of all their phones can do, including serving as a good amplifier for people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Catherine Palmer, MD, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. and past president of the American Academy of Audiology. “This has made hearing care accessible to many people.”

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