PP308 - Verification of AirPods Pro with Customized Settings for Three Audiograms

Many people are searching for economical ways to address hearing challenges. AirPod Pros can now be customized for headphone accommodations in the iPhone settings based on an audiogram. Using KEMAR, the FONIX 8000, and Verifit 2, electroacoustic verification was performed on AirPods Pro’s output using 3 audiograms from normal hearing to moderate hearing loss. When AirPods Pro were set to transparency mode and noise cancellation and tested in conjunction with the Live Listen feature on the iPhone, the expected increase in output as hearing loss settings increased was observed but DSL Adult targets were not always met.

Summary:

As of iOS 14, in “Audio/Visual” under the “Accessibility” tab in the settings, iPhone users can now input their audiogram and get custom headphone accommodations for their AirPods Pro. In addition, there’s an option to turn on “Live Listen” where the iPhone can be used as a remote microphone and have the signal go directly to the AirPods Pro. The output of the AirPods Pro was measured using a customized-designed Simulated Head and Pinna System (SHAP) that allows output measurements from headphones or other assistive technology. For all tests, the AirPods Pro were set to noise cancellation mode and volume full on unless stated otherwise.

The first purpose was to examine the output when using the “customized headphone accommodation feature” and “suggested settings” on the iPhone 12 (iOS 15.0) native app. Three audiograms (flat 0, 30, and 60 dB HL) were entered and the output of the AirPod Pro (1^st generation) placed in the SHAP left ear when receiving music streamed from the iPhone was evaluated using the FONIX 8000.As expected RMS output increased as hearing loss increased (61.8 to 75.5 dB SPL).

The next purpose was to compare electroacoustic results by placing the iPhone (set to Live Listen) in the testbox to transmit the signal to the AirPod Pro that was inserted in left pinna of SHAP. Results from ANSI S3.22 showed an expected increase in full on gain and OSPL 90 as degree of hearing loss increased. (-0.3, 8.0, 11 dB for full on gain, respectively; and 107 dB SPL for OSPL 90, for all).

The purpose of the final measurements measurements was to explore speechmapping for each loss (0, 30, 60 dB HL). Real ear tests were completed using KEMAR, the female standard stimulus, and DSL Adult targets on the Verifit2

1. The first test completed was the AirPod Pro when set to transparency mode on KEMAR. Targets were not met with the AirPods Pro alone for any of the three hearing loss levels.


2. Second test was the AirPod Pro on KEMAR, and with the iPhone held beside AirPod Pro using the Live Listen feature. Max volume setting was needed in order to match target with the 60 dB HL loss but this volume level exceeded targets for the 30dB HL loss.


3. Third test was the same set up as test two, but with the phone’s volume at 50%. Targets were met for the 30 dB HL loss but were not met for the 60 dB HL loss.


4. Using the same set up as the first test, the final test was comparison of the Maximum Power Output (MPO). The output of the AirPod Pro was below the MPO targets for all three audiograms.

In summary, the AirPods Pros may serve as an assistive listening device when used with iPhone’s Live Listen feature for those with mild hearing loss if they set the volume to a preferred listening level and can tolerate the delay caused by Bluetooth transmission.