Apple’s earbuds came out with the iPod in 2001, but became iconic in the 2003 “silhouettes” ads—dancing shadows against bright backgrounds with white headphone cords. The message was clear: these little headphones connect you to music you love.
Twenty years later, we don’t have the cords anymore, but people can’t live without them.
The devices that once helped people ignore the world around them can now actually help us experience our surroundings better.
Noise canceling shuts out background noise when you need to focus, and ‘transparency’ modes amplify outside noise to make it sound like you aren’t wearing headphones at all.
It’s now normal to wear earbuds all the time. People don’t judge you for having “speakers stuck in your ears” anymore. In fact, someone wearing earbuds might hear you better than someone without them.
Apple recently received FDA approval for its new “Hearing Aid” feature for AirPods Pro 2. Delivered as a free software update, it helps to amplify noise for those with mild to moderate hearing impairment. Additionally, it offers the ability for users to take a validated hearing loss test and receive instant results, all from their home.
Reducing the barrier to entry for this first step of the process makes it more approachable and means more people might take a test earlier in life.
Importantly, the hearing test and hearing aid work together to respond to each person’s hearing needs. They customize the sound to reduce stress from straining to hear, whether you’re talking to people in person, listening to media, or making phone calls.
Taking care of your hearing is a key part of staying healthy as you age. When people can’t hear well and start avoiding social situations, they have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Most people don’t think about hearing health until they notice problems, but proactive protection can make a big difference.
When we talk openly about hearing loss, it’s easier for everyone to get help and prevent damage. Taking my first hearing test made me nervous—but doing it at home without an appointment made it much easier. Now I can share my experience with others and encourage them to try it. I also have a starting point to track my hearing in the future.
We need to start talking about simple actions like this that can change our lives later on. Tell your family, especially older relatives, about protecting or enhancing their hearing.
Eliminate the stigma and normalize the discussion.
If you already have these AirPods, take the hearing test. If you don’t have them, think about getting a hearing test – they’re easily accessible at ENT offices, audiology clinics, and even wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club.
Or, use this technological advancement as an excuse to get a new pair of earbuds.
About the Author:
Jack Cohen (he/him) is passionate about doing work that makes a positive impact on the people around him. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, and received his Bachelors in Arts at the University of Puget Sound in Political Science and Philosophy.
At SE2, he’s utilized a variety of skills including web development, video editing, GIS mapping, and more to connect clients with the people they serve in a meaningful and effective way. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him enjoying the Colorado sunshine, obsessing over the details of a photo edit, or bouldering with friends.
