Apple’s announcement regarding the upcoming AirPods hearing aid capability has not only unsettled the share prices of existing brands but is also likely to bring about challenges to certain social norms.
In addition, the uncertainty of whether someone wearing a pair of AirPods indicates that they can or cannot hear you is likely to give rise to some comical moments…
AirPods hearing aid feature
Apple announced on Monday that a subsequent update to AirPods Pro 2 will enable these in-ear headphones to be utilized as clinical-grade hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These $249 wearable devices will serve as both a diagnostic tool and a cure.
The Hearing Test feature makes use of advanced acoustic science and offers users an interactive experience. After a user completes the test, they will obtain a straightforward summary of their results, including a number indicating hearing loss in each ear, a classification, and recommendations […]
Based on the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this new feature seamlessly transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid.
The headphone etiquette question
Technology has over the years brought about new dilemmas in etiquette. For instance, while taking pen-and-paper notes during meetings has never been considered impolite, some people have objected to typing on a laptop, either because the screen forms a physical barrier or because it is unclear whether the user is taking notes or doing something else, such as catching up on emails.
Wearing in-ear headphones has also been an issue that divides opinions.
Some hold a strict stance, suggesting that wearing them in any situation where someone else might wish to talk to you is impolite. This would include wandering around a store, for example, where an assistant might want to approach you to offer assistance.
Most do not go to such extremes, but many do think it is impolite to, for example, leave them in while making a purchase at a cashier or when an airline cabin attendant addresses you. I myself adhere to this view and always remove my headphones out of courtesy, even though transparency mode would allow me to hear just as well by double-tapping the mode button.
There is also a significant divide when it comes to wearing headphones at your desk at work. Some view headphones as a lifesaver for their concentration, whether it is by simply using the active noise cancellation features to block the sound of conversations around them or finding themselves more productive when listening to music.
However, others feel that isolating oneself from colleagues is impolite or presents an unprofessional image when in the presence of customers or clients. Indeed, some companies have gone as far as prohibiting the wearing of headphones in the workplace unless used for professional purposes such as video calls.
AirPods will challenge both norms and policies
Once the update is implemented, it will be impossible to determine whether someone seen wearing AirPods Pro 2 (and subsequent models) is listening to entertainment, enjoying the glorious sound of ANC-induced silence – or using them as hearing aids to ensure that they can hear people talking to them.
It would take a brave person to challenge someone for wearing them, as they risk objecting to someone using a disability aid.
It would require even more courageous HR departments to allow policies prohibiting the use of headphones when there is no way for a manager to tell whether someone is wearing headphones or a hearing aid.
There will likely also be comedy moments
One of the reasons why headphone use in public is sometimes considered impolite is the message it conveys. Essentially, someone wearing a pair of headphones is telling everyone around them “Don’t try to talk to me.”
But now we will not know whether it means that – or the exact opposite: “I’m wearing these to ensure that you can talk to me!”
What are your thoughts on how we will handle this new situation? Please let us know in the comments. (Thanks Gary!)
Top comment by Jason Kehrer
Liked by 10 people
As someone who has been hesitant to obtain actual hearing aids (although definitely experiencing some mild hearing loss), I am excited about what Apple has announced. And I think it is a valid point – the wearing of headphones or earbuds means different things in different environments. I would not typically advocate for a cumbersome solution – but it would make sense for Apple to include a subtle indicator light (red/music-ANC, green/listening) on the next generation of AirPods Pro3 to provide some indication to others.
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