Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Phonak Hearing Aids: A Comparative Hearing Evaluation and Real-Ear Measurement Study
This study compares Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Phonak hearing aids by evaluating hearing thresholds and real-ear measures, helping to understand which option works better for improving hearing.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid
+ Hearing aid, air conduction
Ear Diseases+6
+ Hearing Disorders
+ Nervous System Diseases
Treatment Study
Summary
Study start date: September 11, 2025
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.This study focuses on comparing the effectiveness of Apple's new hearing features in the AirPods Pro 2 with traditional hearing aids from Phonak. Hearing loss is a widespread issue, affecting millions globally, yet many do not use hearing aids due to high costs and limited access to audiologists. Over-the-counter hearing aids, like those potentially offered through Apple's technology, could provide a more accessible option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. This research aims to assess how well Apple's hearing test feature and hearing aid feature perform compared to standard audiologic evaluations and established hearing aids, which could signify an important advancement for those who struggle to access conventional hearing aids. Participants in this study will use the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for a self-administered hearing evaluation. The results from this test will be compared with traditional hearing tests and the performance of Phonak hearing aids. By doing this, the study will measure the accuracy and effectiveness of the Apple devices in providing hearing support. Participants will be monitored to see how their hearing experience with the AirPods compares to using professional hearing aids, with the potential to highlight any differences in outcome or user satisfaction. The study will focus on both objective measures, such as hearing test results, and subjective experiences, like personal comfort and ease of use.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.21 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Treatment Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.From 18 to 89 Years
Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking, * Normal otoscopy * Mild to moderate hearing loss Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking, * Active ear infection at time of appointment, * Outside the normal range (score \<71) on the XpressO Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Study Plan
Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.2 intervention groups are designated in this study
This study does not include a placebo group
Treatment Groups
Group I
ExperimentalGroup II
Active ComparatorStudy Objectives
Primary Objectives
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location
The University of Arizona Hearing Clinic
Tucson, United StatesOpen The University of Arizona Hearing Clinic in Google Maps