In 2024, Apple released a new feature that allows your earbuds to officially function as hearing aids. At the end of that year, the AirPods Pro 2 were approved by Health Canada for use as hearing aids, but unfortunately, there were too many provincial regulatory stopgaps.
Nearly two years later, many Canadians are still waiting for provincial governments to greenlight OTC hearing aids. Last month, B.C. was the first to approve access to OTC hearing aids, including Apple AirPods.
The approval allows retail and online options to provide support for those with hearing loss. Now, in B.C., adults 18 years and older with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids without a prescription.
Meanwhile in Ontario, the government held consultations about allowing OTC hearing aids from April 28 to May 28. Now the government is considering feedback it received from individuals, industry partners, health organizations and others during the consultation before it makes any policy or regulatory decisions. It’s not clear when we’ll get a decision from Ontario, though if it follows a similar timeline to B.C., it could take around three months — in other words, we could get a decision sometime in August 2026.
Apple is obviously excited about the launch of OTC hearing aids without a prescription in B.C., and it expects to launch AirPods hearing aid features this year.
“Studies show roughly one in five Canadian adults experience hearing loss. At Apple, we believe technology can help you live a healthier life, and we applaud the province for taking steps to enable over-the-counter hearing aids for British Columbians,” the company told MobileSyrup. “We’re encouraged by this growing momentum and expect to bring AirPods Pro Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features to permitted provinces across Canada this year.”
To learn more about the benefits of OTC hearing aids, we reached out to Dr. Alyssa Davidson, a research audiologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she focuses on auditory processing, hearing aid outcomes, military hearing health and translating research into clinical practice.
OTC options like AirPods make hearing aids more affordable and accessible
What are OTC hearing aids, and how do they differ from prescription hearing aids?
Dr. Davidson: Over-the-counter hearing aids are self-fitting devices designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They provide a more affordable and accessible option for people who are experiencing hearing difficulties but may not yet be ready to invest in prescription hearing aids. OTC devices typically include a built-in hearing assessment that helps personalize the amplification. They aren’t intended for people with severe or complex hearing loss, but they can be an excellent step for many individuals. Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, are professionally fitted and programmed by an audiologist and can address a much wider range of hearing needs, particularly for people with more significant hearing loss.
What are the benefits of using AirPods as hearing aids compared with traditional hearing aids?
Dr. Davidson: One of the biggest advantages is that so many people already own AirPods Pro and use them every day. They’re familiar, easy to use, and don’t have the same perception that some people have of traditional hearing aids, especially among younger adults. Cost is another big advantage. Prescription hearing aids can cost upwards of US$5,000 – $6,000, so for someone who already owns AirPods Pro, the hearing aid feature can be a much more affordable way to address mild hearing difficulties.” [Editor’s note: In Canada, prescription hearing aids can cost between C$1,000 and $4,000 per device, while Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, start at C$329. Provinces can also offer coverage to assist with purchasing hearing aids.]
“I also find that some people are hesitant to try traditional hearing aids because they’re worried about how they’ll look or what others might think. AirPods Pro can be a great step because people are already comfortable wearing them. They can experience the benefits of hearing amplification without feeling like they’re wearing a medical device. Another advantage is that people can take a clinical-grade hearing test using their iPhone and use those results to personalize the hearing aid feature on their AirPods.
“That said, prescription hearing aids still have important advantages. They’re professionally fitted for an individual’s hearing loss and are the best option for people with moderate to severe hearing loss or more complex hearing needs. But for many people with mild hearing loss, AirPods Pro can be an accessible, cost-effective way to get assistance.”
What makes AirPods Pro a good choice for OTC hearing aids? Would you recommend them to patients?
Dr. Davidson: “AirPods Pro can be a great option for many people with mild to moderate hearing difficulties. I recommend that some patients consider trying them, particularly if they’re hesitant to take the step toward traditional hearing aids. They can be an easy, low-barrier way to experience hearing amplification and see whether it improves day-to-day communication.
“One practical advantage is that AirPods Pro serve more than one purpose. Patients can use the hearing support features for conversations or to better hear their surroundings, then use the same device for listening to music, podcasts, or taking phone calls. That convenience can make it easier to incorporate hearing support into everyday life.
“They’re also a good option for people who aren’t quite ready for conventional hearing aids or who have concerns about wearing them. Because AirPods are already part of many people’s daily routine, they can feel like a more natural introduction to hearing technology. If someone eventually needs prescription hearing aids, that transition is often easier because they’re already familiar with hearing amplification.”
In terms of auditory processing, are people using AirPods as OTC hearing aids missing out on anything?
Dr. Davidson: “People using OTC hearing aids may not have access to the full range of frequencies, especially in the higher ranges, and they won’t get the custom fit that professionally programmed prescription devices offer for complex listening environments. More studies would be needed in terms of localizing and temporal resolution abilities to better understand their capabilities.”
In Ontario, the existing regulations require hearing aids to be dispensed by prescription from a regulated health professional. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers up to 75 per cent of hearing aids for eligible residents up to a maximum of $500 for each aid. And while that’s a good amount, hearing aid costs are often very expensive, while AirPods are far more affordable.
Apple is eagerly looking forward to offering OTC hearing in more provinces, including Ontario. While Ontario is still trying to make the decision, it’s great that B.C. went ahead with the approval, and hopefully that will spur other provinces to greenlight OTC hearing aids.
