The AirPods Pro 2 also have features for highlighting sounds coming directly at someone, adjusting the overall volume, and adjusting the balance of each area. However, these features are difficult to adjust for someone who is not the wearer and we have not tested them in depth. Still, it’s a useful feature if the wearer knows how to use it.
Limited outdoor use
Although the AirPods Pro 2 Worked well at home, use when my grandmother was outside was more limited. When she went to her gym to workout, she was worried that they would get in the way or that she would lose them. There were also situations in which she initially felt uncomfortable wearing the headphones, such as when having dinner with friends or attending a music concert.
Even I, being two generations younger, have the habit of taking out my headphones when I’m talking to someone. It’s not surprising that someone her age, from a generation where there are few people wearing wireless headphones to begin with, might be even more confident wearing AirPods.
There are also limitations due to battery life. Hearing aids typically have batteries designed to last a full day, while the AirPods Pro 2 charge up to six hours, according to the official website. Forgetting to charge the AirPods sufficiently and then losing hearing aid functionality would be disruptive.
Also consider manual dexterity
Photo: Timothée Lambrecq
In addition, there were some operational problems. For example, the AirPods Pro 2’s hearing aid feature is only available when external sound recording mode is enabled, but the pressure-sensitive sensor on the stem used to switch between settings was a bit difficult for my grandmother to use.
As for inserting and removing the headphones from the case, which seemed difficult at first, she became more comfortable with the process over time. However, I was still worried about her dropping them outside and we considered attaching a chain to it, although then it would be difficult to attach and remove the chain every time the AirPods needed to be charged. Before purchasing them, you should consider your family member’s dexterity and hand strength.
After her week-long trial of the AirPods Pro 2, my grandmother says she will continue to use them at home. She praised the headphones and how comfortable they were to wear. However, it appears she will continue to use her hearing aids when she leaves the house, at least for now.
This article originally appeared in WIRED Japan.
