The AirPods Pro 2 also have functions to emphasize sounds coming directly toward someone, adjust the overall volume, and adjust the balance of each range, but these are difficult for anyone who is not the wearer to set, and we didn’t test them in depth. Nevertheless, it is a useful feature if the wearer knows how to use it.
Limited Use Outside
Although the AirPods Pro 2 worked well at home, its use when my grandmother went outside was more limited. When she went to her fitness center to work out, she was worried that they might get in the way or that she might lose them. There were also occasions when she felt awkward about wearing the earphones in the first place, like when she was having dinner with friends or attending a music recital.
Even I, as someone two generations younger, have a habit of taking my earphones out when talking to someone. It’s not surprising that someone her age, part of a generation with few people who wear wireless earphones in the first place, might be even more self-conscious wearing AirPods.
There are also limitations because of battery life. Hearing aids typically have batteries that are designed to last a full day, while the AirPods Pro 2’s charge lasts for up to six hours according to the official website. Forgetting to sufficiently charge the AirPods and then losing the hearing aid function would be disruptive.
Consider Manual Dexterity Too
Photograph: Timothée Lambrecq
In addition, there were some operational issues. For example, the AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Aid function is only available when the External Sound Capture mode is enabled, but the pressure-sensitive sensor on the shaft used to switch between settings was a little difficult for my grandmother to operate.
As far as taking the earphones in and out of the case, which she found tricky at first, she became more comfortable with the process over time. I was still worried, however, about her dropping them outside, and we considered attaching a chain to them, though it would then be difficult to attach and remove the chain every time the AirPods needed to be recharged. Before purchasing them, you may want to consider your family member’s dexterity and hand strength.
After her one-week trial of the AirPods Pro 2, my grandmother says she will continue to use them at home. She praised them as earphones and the fact that they’re comfortable to wear. It appears, however, that she will continue to use her hearing aids when she leaves home, at least for the time being.
This article originally appeared in WIRED Japan.