AirPods vs. hearing aids: which helps you hear better in a crowd?

NCT ID NCT06840015

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas at Dallas Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether Apple AirPods can help adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss understand speech in noisy places. Twenty-four participants will compare AirPods, hearing aids, and wireless microphones in a single lab session. Researchers will measure how well people hear, how much effort it takes, and which device people prefer.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: AirPod Pro (2nd and 3rd generation) as hearing assistive device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that AirPods are a cheaper, more accessible option for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to hear better in noisy settings.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early study with only 24 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and AirPods are not medical-grade devices, so they may not work as well as hearing aids for all users.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hearing loss disorder presbycusis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEARING AIDS HEARING LOSS, ADULT-ONSET

Contacts and locations

Locations

Callier Center for Communication Disorders
RECRUITING

Richardson, Texas, 75080, United States

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