Sometimes, the most impactful solutions come from unexpected places. For a 95-year-old grandfather in India, struggling with decades of hearing loss, a pair of AirPods and a little-known feature turned out to be life-changing. Here’s how a modern technology rekindled his ability to communicate and reconnected him with the world.
A Lifetime of Diminishing Hearing
Known as Aba to his family, this grandfather thrived on engaging conversations and staying connected to the world. However, years of living with otitis media—a condition caused by recurring ear infections—gradually took away his hearing. Though he invested in expensive hearing aids, Aba found them overwhelming and uncomfortable. He often expressed frustration, saying they amplified all sounds rather than isolating the voices he wanted to hear. Over time, even these devices became ineffective, leaving conversations reduced to shouting and repeated questions.
A Game-Changing Technology
During a visit in 2022, Aba’s curiosity was piqued by his grandson’s AirPods. This moment sparked an idea: Apple’s Live Listen feature could be a potential solution. Available on iPhones, Live Listen transmits audio directly to AirPods, making it easier to focus on specific sounds in noisy environments. After placing the AirPods in Aba’s ears and activating Live Listen, his grandson spoke into the phone’s microphone. The effect was immediate—Aba’s face lit up with a smile, and he excitedly exclaimed that he could hear clearly for the first time in years.
Making Hearing Help More Accessible
In the U.S., traditional hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, placing them out of reach for many. In contrast, AirPods, while not cheap, offer a more affordable alternative, with Apple’s most expensive model priced at $249. Research from Taiwan supports this potential, showing that AirPods can perform comparably to premium hearing aids in certain situations for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. While AirPods are not a replacement for medical devices, they provide an accessible way for individuals to experience improved hearing.
An Overlooked Feature with Big Impact
Although Apple doesn’t market Live Listen as a hearing aid, the feature has proven to be a valuable tool. Apple has also been exploring other health-focused applications for AirPods, such as monitoring posture, tracking body temperature, and enhancing hearing capabilities. This subtle integration of health features highlights how everyday technology can address significant challenges for many people.
Rediscovering Connection
The impact on Aba’s life was profound. With his own pair of AirPods connected to an older iPhone, he could finally hold meaningful conversations again. For the first time in years, he spoke clearly and confidently, sharing stories from his childhood, discussing politics, and reflecting on the sweeping changes in his country. The barriers that once limited their communication dissolved, allowing him to fully express himself and reconnect with loved ones.
Breaking Through Isolation
The emotional benefits of Live Listen went beyond just hearing. Aba found himself engaging with family and friends in ways he hadn’t for years. Whether reminiscing about his younger days or discussing his favorite topics, he felt less isolated and more connected to the world around him.
Addressing a Widespread Need
The National Institute on Deafness reports that nearly 30 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, yet only a small percentage use them. This is often due to the high cost or the stigma associated with hearing aids. Simple tools like Live Listen offer a more approachable solution for people to regain a sense of connection.
A Life Reimagined
Today, Aba and his AirPods are inseparable. He interacts more, smiles more, and enjoys conversations without strain. Reflecting on this newfound clarity, he wondered aloud why no one had introduced him to the solution earlier. For Aba’s family, the answer didn’t matter. What mattered was witnessing the joy and confidence he gained through a simple yet transformative tool. The ability to hear and be heard is priceless, and for Aba, it was a gift that gave him his world back.
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