Recently I had a routine decompression back surgery and everything went great and recovering very well, but then I developed a fever two weeks into my recovery. I was hospitalized for four days, as they were worried I had sepsis or meningitis ( I did not have either) I had a viral infection. The day after I had gotten home from the hospital, I lost all the hearing in my left ear. The following morning I had about 10% hearing and noticed slight improvements.
I saw a specialist immediately and was started on steroids and antivirals, and I have since gradually gained some hearing. Currently I have lost between 30% and 40% of the hearing in my left ear.
So what does this have to do with Apple and AirPods? Apple Accessibility and AirPods have helped me with my current situation.
Hearing loss -
I have started using my AirPods as a temporary hearing aid.
In Settings>Accessibility, I go to Audio & Visual. (Make sure you have your headphones in and connected to see all the menus)
In Audio & Visual I select Headphone Accommodations. Here I can select a custom audiogram (I use an app called Mimi Hearing Test) or a standard setting. and then select Transparency mode at the bottom. Now I can use the AirPod as a microphone to boost my hearing and it will boost frequencies that I choose. I can reduce the ambient noises, and adjust balance if I am wearing both earbuds.
I use this a lot when at home or watching a movie.
Tinnitus
The ringing in my left ear can be hard to cope with at times. Again, Apple Accessibility features offer some relief. Under Audio & Visual, I turn on Background sounds to have a sound playing in the background as a distraction.
These two features have helped immensely as the deal with my hearing issues. There is also a short cut to access these tools in Control Center.
Bonus tip
Also under Audio and Visual you can set a balance for your AirPods so you have a balance between the ears when using your headphones for normal use.
June 10, 2024
Just amazing Brian - you certainly have tapped into the accessibility features and taught me a thing or two. Appreciate it!
Thanks for the personal share that can help others. I hope for your continued recovery and look forward to more of your wonderful shares and ideas in the Apple Education Community as you get back on your feet.
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