PP411 - Electroacoustic Verification Comparisons of AirPods Pro: 1st and 2nd Generation

Abstract:
Electroacoustic analysis and real-ear measurements were performed to compare the amplification performance of the 1st and 2nd generation Apple AirPods Pro (AP1 and AP2). Using verification methods for traditional hearing aids, the AirPods were set to transparency mode and evaluated for two flat hearing losses (mild and moderate) and for a mild-to-moderate high-frequency sloping hearing loss. Both AP1 and AP2 met target amplification for mild hearing loss but not for moderate hearing loss, showing similar amplification performance across both models. These findings suggest that while AP may support mild hearing loss, limitations exist for addressing moderate hearing loss effectively.

Summary:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amplification capabilities of Apple AirPods Pro, with a particular focus on the newly FDA-approved 2nd generation model, which Apple has marketed as suitable for individuals with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Despite this, it remains unclear whether the AirPods Pro 2nd generation (AP2) can meet established hearing aid prescriptive targets, such as NAL-NL2. This study provides comprehensive analysis by comparing the amplification performance of AP1 and AP2.

To verify amplification, three audiograms were selected: one representing flat, mild hearing loss, another representing flat, moderate hearing loss, and a third representing mild-to-moderate high-frequency sloping hearing loss. Electroacoustic analysis was conducted using FONIX 8000, and speech mapping real-ear-measurements were performed with the Audioscan Verifit 2 (version 4.26.3) using a standard female speech signal at an average level of 65 dB SPL. Real-ear measurements were performed on both KEMAR and a human ear, with the amplification aligned to the NAL-NL2 targets for the respective hearing loss severity.

The electroacoustic analyses using the FONIX 8000 were conducted by positioning the AP to the HA1 coupler as typically done with custom aids. The real-ear-measurements were successfully performed on the Verifit 2, but were not possible on KEMAR for AP2, although it was feasible for AP1. For AP2, amplification is only functional when positioned on a human ear. Further investigation is needed to understand the reason behind this limitation.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
For Speech Mapping Real-Ear-Measurement, both AP1 and AP2 demonstrated good target matching for the mild, flat hearing loss. However, for the moderate, flat hearing loss, both devices showed amplification 6 to 15 dB below NAL-NL2 targets. In case of mild-to-moderate, high-frequency sloping hearing loss, amplification was also below targets above 2k Hz when the hearing loss exceeded 40 dB HL. For maximum power output (MPO), AP2 demonstrated up to 10 dB HL less output than AP1. Overall, the AirPods Pro do provide differential output based on the audiogram entered but may be best suited for those persons with only a mild hearing loss.