This is actually one of the most significant features of the AirPods Pro 3, even though it doesn't get as much attention as things like noise cancellation. Yes, they can function as FDA-authorized hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
This Is a Big Deal
Traditional hearing aids cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 per pair. And there's a stigma around wearing them. Many people who need hearing help don't get it because they don't want "hearing aid" devices.
The AirPods Pro 3 flip that script. They're $249, they look like normal earbuds that millions of people wear every day, and they're FDA-authorized to help with hearing loss. That's genuinely groundbreaking.
How It Actually Works
It's not just making everything louder. Here's the process:
- You take a hearing test built into your iPhone (takes about 5 minutes in a quiet room)
- The test measures your hearing at different frequencies
- If you have mild to moderate loss, the hearing aid feature becomes available
- The AirPods then boost specific frequencies based on YOUR hearing profile
So if you've lost some high-frequency hearing (super common as we age), the AirPods amplify those frequencies while leaving lower frequencies alone. It's personalized to your ears.
Setting It Up
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing on your iPhone. You'll need iOS 18.1 or later. Take the hearing test when prompted, and if your results show mild to moderate loss, you can enable hearing aid mode.
What It's Good For
- Conversations: The real-time processing helps you hear people talking more clearly
- Phone calls: Your hearing profile is applied to calls
- TV and music: Media gets adjusted too
- Transparency mode: Hear the world around you better
What It's NOT Good For
- Severe hearing loss - this is designed for mild to moderate cases only
- Replacing a professional audiologist evaluation
- All-day use with limited battery
The Honest Take
If you have significant hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 3 won't replace proper hearing aids fitted by a professional. But for the millions of people with mild hearing loss who haven't done anything about it? This is an accessible, affordable, stigma-free option that might actually help.
đ„Deals for AirPods Pro 3
View All Deals
đMore About AirPods Pro 3
Considering the AirPods Pro 3?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the AirPods Pro 3, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
Where is the best place to buy AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249. Where you buy affects price, warranty, and returns.
Retailers Compared
Apple Store
- Price: $249 (rarely discounts)
- Returns: 14 days
- Benefits: Free engraving, easy AppleCare+, guaranteed authentic
- Best for: Personalization, gifts, support
Amazon
- Price: Often $20-40 off during sales
- Returns: 30 days
- Benefits: Fast Prime shipping, frequent deals
- Caution: Only buy "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com"
- Best for: Savings, Prime members
Best Buy
- Price: Matches Amazon, price-matches competitors
- Returns: 15 days (60 for Totaltech)
- Benefits: In-store pickup, trade-ins, try first
- Best for: Hands-on experience
Costco
- Price: $20-30 off retail
- Returns: Very generous (effectively unlimited)
- Best for: Costco members wanting peace of mind
Target
- Price: 5% off with RedCard
- Returns: 30 days
- Best for: RedCard holders
Best Times to Buy
- Black Friday: Best deals, often $199
- Prime Day: Similar pricing
- Back to school: Good deals late summer
Avoid
- Third-party Amazon sellers (counterfeits)
- Suspicious eBay/Facebook prices
- Unknown "refurbished" sources
Tip
Apple certified refurbished offers significant savings with full warranty when available.
Can I use one AirPod Pro 3 at a time?
Yes, you can use one AirPod Pro 3 at a time. This extends battery life and keeps you aware of surroundings.
How It Works
Take one from the case, leave the other charging. Active AirPod connects automatically. Swap when lowâtransition is seamless.
Audio Behavior
Stereo converts to mono automatically. All content from both channels plays through the single AirPod.
Features Available
- ANC (reduced effectiveness vs both)
- Transparency mode
- Siri voice commands
- Phone calls
- Stem controls
- Heart rate tracking (each has a sensor)
Battery Advantage
One in ear, one charging effectively doubles listening time. With 8+ hours per AirPod and quick charging, near-continuous use is possible.
Use Cases
- Staying alert while walking or working
- Long calls with one ear free
- Continuous listening via rotation
- Hearing colleagues or family
Considerations
- ANC works better with both creating full seal
- Spatial Audio effect is reduced
- Alternate ears to prevent fatigue
Siri Setup
Configure which AirPod activates Siri in Settings > [Your AirPods]. Useful for single-ear users.
What is Conversation Boost on AirPods Pro 3?
Conversation Boost on AirPods Pro 3 helps you hear people speaking directly to you more clearly, especially in noisy environments.
How It Works
Uses computational audio and microphones to focus on the person in front of you. Amplifies their voice while reducing background noise for easier face-to-face conversations.
Who Benefits
- People with mild hearing difficulties
- Anyone struggling in noisy environments
- Those wanting clearer conversations without removing AirPods
How to Enable
Settings > Accessibility > AirPods > Audio Accessibility Settings > Conversation Boost
Or: Settings > [Your AirPods] > Hearing Assistance
Customization
Adjust voice amplification level, background noise reduction, and tone emphasis for different frequencies.
vs Hearing Aid Feature
Conversation Boost is lighter, focused on conversations. Hearing Aid provides comprehensive, continuous assistance based on your audiogram.
Best Results
Use with Transparency mode enabled. The feature needs to hear external sounds to amplify them.
Battery Impact
Minimal compared to regular Transparency mode.
Effectiveness
Helps significantly in moderately noisy environments (restaurants, cafes). Extremely loud settings may overwhelm the feature.
đ„ Trending Deals
Loading trending deals...
Latest Deals
Footer 1
Get ShopSavvy
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!