Hearing aid earbuds and headphones

In recent years, a new category of hearing technology has begun to reshape the way we think about hearing support: hearing aid earbuds. These innovative devices combine the advanced sound-processing capabilities of hearing aids with the sleek, modern design of wireless earbuds—offering a discreet and lifestyle-friendly alternative for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which often require professional fitting and come with a medical appearance, hearing aid earbuds are typically sold over the counter and look just like the wireless earbuds many people already use for music and phone calls. This design shift has helped reduce stigma around hearing loss, particularly among younger or tech-savvy users who may be reluctant to wear conventional hearing aids. Brands like JLab, Bose, and others have begun to develop devices that merge the best of both worlds. These models offer features such as ambient sound enhancement, background noise reduction, directional microphones, and Bluetooth streaming—all in a compact, in-ear format. Some also include preset listening modes and app-based adjustments, allowing users to personalise their hearing experience with ease. The rise of hearing aid earbuds also reflects changing regulations. In the UK and elsewhere, the market is slowly opening up to more accessible and affordable hearing solutions, without the need for prescriptions or in-person fittings. As technology continues to evolve, hearing aid earbuds may become the go-to option for a wider audience—particularly those who want subtle, effective hearing support without compromising on style or everyday functionality. This new model represents more than a trend—it’s a step toward normalising hearing care and giving people more control over how they manage their hearing health.

With the rise of personal audio technology, many people are asking whether devices like Bose earbuds can double up as hearing aids. Specifically, the question arises: Can Bose earbuds be used as hearing aids? While they’re not medically classified hearing aids, certain models—such as the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds—offer features that can support people with mild hearing difficulties.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are primarily designed for high-quality music streaming and hands-free calling. However, they also include OpenAudio technology, which allows users to remain aware of ambient sounds while listening to audio. This feature, while not equivalent to full hearing aid functionality, can enhance speech perception in quiet environments or help amplify external sounds in a subtle way.

Using Bose earbuds as hearing aids may work in limited cases, especially for people with very mild hearing loss or specific situational needs. The earbuds sit outside the ear canal, which avoids blocking natural sound entirely. Combined with volume control and ambient awareness settings, they can provide a modest boost to everyday listening.

It’s important to note that Bose earbuds are not medical devices and do not offer the advanced sound processing, background noise reduction, or personalisation that traditional hearing aids provide. For anyone experiencing persistent hearing loss, it’s essential to seek professional advice from an audiologist.

While Bose Ultra Open Earbuds might offer some help in casual situations, they are not a substitute for properly fitted hearing aids. However, they may be a useful audio enhancement tool for those who are not yet ready for full hearing aids or who are looking for a more discreet way to support their listening experience in certain settings.

The Signia Active X ITE Earbud Hearing Aids, including the higher-end Active Pro X, represent an innovative hybrid between high-performance hearing aid and modern earbud, ideal for users seeking discretion, comfort and advanced functionality. They are instant-fit, requiring no moulds, and offer Bluetooth streaming for connection to smartphones, TVs and more, with both telecare support and AI-powered sound processing included. Starting from approximately £570 including VAT, the base Active X model supports mild to severe hearing loss and includes essentials such as domes, wax filters, charger and a two-year UK warranty. The Active Pro X version enhances speech clarity in environments with significant background noise—such as busy streets, open-plan offices or restaurants—while operating with natural, life-like sound quality thanks to AI assistance and noise reduction technology.

• Users can expect up to 25 hours of battery life per charge, with the portable charging case and remote fine-tuning via telecare, plus ongoing firmware updates for performance and compatibility improvements.
• A single user review rated these hearing aids 5 out of 5, praising the comfortable, modern design—resembling AirPods—and the ability to stream audio directly through them after just two weeks of use.
• Although this model bridges the gap between hearing aids and consumer earbuds, professional consultation remains crucial. A proper assessment ensures optimal programming and fitting tailored to your hearing profile. Notably, the availability of telecare reprogramming and long warranty support helps ensure continued performance and adjustment as needed.

Yes—**some Samsung Galaxy Buds models can work as basic *hearing enhancement devices* for people with mild to moderate hearing loss**, but they are **not FDA‑approved hearing aids** and do not match medical devices in performance.

🔊 What Galaxy Buds Can (and Can’t) Do

• Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro feature an enhanced Ambient Sound Mode, accessible through the Galaxy Wearable app under accessibility settings. This mode allows users to *boost environmental sound* using built-in microphones, with up to **five adjustable levels per ear** and tone customization (soft, clear, balanced).
• * Clinical trials conducted by Samsung Medical Center and the University of Iowa found that this feature **significantly improved speech perception** in quiet environments for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• * Despite these benefits, these earbuds are still classified as **PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products)**—consumer electronics designed to enhance external sound, but **not regulated medical hearing aids**.

✅ Pros

• * Affordable, especially if you already own the earbuds
• * Easy setup via the app (Activate *Enhance Ambient Sound* under Accessibility)
• * Adjustable tone and volume settings for each ear
• * Useful in quiet environments such as one-on-one conversations or watching television

❌ Limitations

• * Not FDA-approved as medical hearing aids
• * No custom fitting based on individual hearing tests
• * Lacks advanced processing features like directional microphones, feedback suppression, or background noise reduction
• * Amplifies all sounds—including unwanted ambient noise—so effectiveness decreases in noisy environments
• * The snug seal of the earbuds can cause occlusion effects like muffled speech and unnatural sound

📌 Bottom Line

• Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro can serve as **basic hearing boosters** for those with mild hearing loss in everyday, quiet situations. While they offer **convenient, situational support**, they **should not be relied upon as substitutes for proper hearing aids**. For consistent, long-term help—especially with moderate to severe hearing loss—FDA-cleared over-the-counter hearing aids remain the better choice.

Hearing aids and earbuds serve very different purposes—while hearing aids are medical devices designed to assist people with hearing loss, earbuds are consumer electronics primarily intended for listening to audio content like music, podcasts, and videos.

🎧 Earbuds: What They Are & Their Limitations

• Earbuds are popular for their portability, wireless convenience, and features such as noise cancellation and touch controls. However, they do not offer support for hearing loss. They amplify all sounds equally and lack any personalisation based on an individual's hearing profile. This makes them ineffective at enhancing speech clarity or compensating for specific hearing challenges. Furthermore, regular use of earbuds at high volumes may pose long-term risks to ear health, potentially contributing to hearing damage over time.

🩺 Hearing Aids: Designed for Hearing Support

• Hearing aids, in contrast, are specifically designed for people with hearing impairments. They use advanced digital technology such as directional microphones, background noise reduction, and frequency shaping to provide clear, customised amplification. These devices can be tailored to different levels of hearing loss and come in various styles—such as behind-the-ear or in-the-canal—to suit individual needs and preferences.
• Although hearing aids may require more maintenance and are typically more expensive than earbuds, they provide reliable and clinically effective solutions. Some models are now discreet and stylish, with options at different price points, from entry-level aids to premium, feature-rich devices.

✅ Summary

• While earbuds may offer basic sound amplification, they are not substitutes for hearing aids. They do not address the underlying issues of hearing loss or improve communication in challenging environments. For anyone experiencing difficulty hearing, properly fitted hearing aids remain the most effective and medically appropriate solution.

Over-Ear Headphones with Hearing Features

• Some over-ear models now include personal sound amplification. These allow users to amplify ambient sounds or speech in real time while also streaming music or media. They’re useful for watching TV, taking calls, or hearing conversations more clearly in quiet environments.

Wireless Earbuds with Hearing Support

• Products like Apple AirPods Pro 2, Signia Active Pro, and Jabra Enhance earbuds look like everyday headphones but include hearing aid technology, such as speech amplification, background noise reduction, and custom sound profiles based on hearing tests.

TV Listening Systems

• These are specially designed headphones that wirelessly connect to TVs and offer clear dialogue enhancement—great for people who struggle to hear speech over background noise. Some models allow individual volume control without affecting others watching.

• Discreet and stylish design
• No prescription needed (for most models)
• Bluetooth streaming for calls, music, and video
• Helpful for people not ready for full-time hearing aids

• Not suitable for severe hearing loss
• Lack the clinical precision of custom-fitted hearing aids
• Some devices may not work well in noisy environments
• Battery life and comfort may vary with extended wear

Turning standard earbuds into hearing aids is increasingly possible thanks to smartphone apps designed to enhance sound for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. While these apps cannot replace medically prescribed hearing aids, they can provide an accessible alternative for certain users. To begin, you’ll need a compatible smartphone (iOS or Android) and high-quality earbuds or headphones, preferably with noise-cancelling features. Several apps can then process and amplify ambient sounds in real time.

Recommended apps include:

• Apple’s Live Listen (iOS): Built into iPhones, this feature works with AirPods and some Beats headphones. It uses the phone’s microphone to capture nearby sounds and sends them to the earbuds.
• Petralex Hearing Aid App: Available for both Android and iOS, it offers personalised amplification after a short hearing test.
• Hear Boost and Sound Amplifier (by Google): These apps enhance environmental sounds and reduce background noise.
• To set them up, install the app, connect your earbuds, and follow on-screen instructions. Some apps allow you to customise frequencies or adjust amplification levels depending on your hearing profile.
• However, experts advise caution. These solutions are not regulated medical devices and may not suit everyone, especially those with significant hearing loss. Always consult an audiologist if you experience persistent hearing difficulties. For temporary use or in quiet environments, these apps can be a useful and affordable first step in improving hearing accessibility.

For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, Android smartphones combined with earbuds or headphones can act as basic hearing aids—thanks to accessible apps that capture, amplify and process ambient sound. While not classified as medical devices, these tools can offer practical and affordable support in certain situations. 

One of the most reliable options is Google's Sound Amplifier, which is built into many Android phones or available to download. After connecting a pair of compatible wired or Bluetooth earbuds, users can amplify quiet sounds, reduce background noise, and adjust audio settings for each ear individually. This is especially useful in quiet environments or during one-on-one conversations.

Other Android apps, such as Crisp Sound or similar "hearing enhancer" apps, use your phone's microphone to deliver real-time sound processing to your earbuds. Many offer a basic hearing test to tailor the experience to your needs. However, sound quality and reliability can vary.

Some earbuds—like the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro—include advanced Ambient Sound features that boost surrounding sounds. These have been studied in clinical settings and shown to support clearer hearing in controlled environments, especially when paired with a modern Android phone.

Despite these innovations, healthcare experts emphasise that earbuds and hearing apps are not substitutes for medically prescribed hearing aids. True hearing aids are professionally fitted and designed to support a wide range of hearing loss.

These earbud-based solutions may serve as a temporary option, but if hearing problems persist, a consultation with an audiologist is strongly recommended.

Apple’s iPhones, especially when paired with AirPods, offer advanced features that can support users with mild to moderate hearing loss. These tools are not a replacement for medically prescribed hearing aids, but they can provide meaningful assistance in everyday situations.

With iOS 18.2 and AirPods Pro 2, Apple has introduced features that mimic the basic functions of hearing aids. Users can take a built-in hearing test, which generates a personalised audiogram. The system then adjusts audio settings for both environmental sounds and media, tailoring the experience to each ear.

Key features include Live Listen, which uses the iPhone’s microphone to pick up nearby sounds and stream them directly to the earbuds. This is particularly useful in conversations or noisy spaces. Another tool, Conversation Boost, focuses on voices in front of the user, enhancing speech clarity.

These features are found in the Accessibility settings and can be quickly accessed via the Control Centre. They are designed to work seamlessly with AirPods and other Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing devices.

Additionally, third-party iOS apps such as Petralex or Volume Boost provide further functionality. These apps often include hearing tests, environmental sound presets, noise reduction, and adjustable amplification settings.

Although these tools can offer significant improvements in quiet settings, they are not regulated medical devices. For individuals with more severe hearing difficulties, or if symptoms persist, a professional hearing assessment and proper hearing aids remain the recommended course of action.