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For those even remotely hard of hearing, the “transparency” mode on the Airpod Pro model _improves_ awareness of surroundings.

• ghaff 6y ago
  I admit I just got a pair but haven't really tried them out yet. I imagine it would take a lot of habit breaking for me to get comfortable with them walking around. If you're actually listening to music etc.--i.e. actually have a reason to have them in your ear--I think I'd still find it isolating.
• loudmax 6y ago
  Mythbuster Adam Savage has spoken about the improvement to his quality of life that hearing aids brought him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Ptuq85R8Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Ptuq85R8Y Not Airpods, but I wouldn't be surprised if Airpods offered similar qualities.
  • ogre_codes 6y ago
    AirPods which have transparency mode can work as low end hearing aids. Not a suitable replacement for people who require hearing aids, but for people who have light to moderate hearing loss they help. https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingnewswatch/2020/airpods-amplification-hearing-ios14/ https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingnewswatch/2020/airpo...
• mgkimsal 6y ago
  Similar to the Bose QC20. I have both, and am starting to prefer the APP, but batteries don't last as long. I keep using the QC20 wired some each week too. In both cases those 'transparency modes' do filter out a bit of useless noise, and I do feel a bit more 'aware' of things/people outside me with that mode on. I've often thought that's also at least partially because I intentionally switch to that mode for a reason (then switch back to full noise cancelling when done).