Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Philips HearLink 9050
Check out our comparison of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Philips HearLink 9050. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
HearingTracker Score
Apple AirPods Pro 3 combine excellent earbud features with adjustable hearing support and up to 10 hours in Hearing Aid mode. Fit, comfort, battery life, and controls remain important limitations.
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HearAdvisor SoundScore
Apple AirPods Pro 3 achieved a SoundScore of 3.3/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #49 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.
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Build Quality
The build quality is solid with a pocket-worthy portable case. AirPods 3 also have a slightly improved IP57 rating meaning they should offer better protection from debris and moisture. AirPods commonly last around 2-3 years.
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Battery
Airpods Pro 3 offer around 10 hours of use per charge with their Hearing Aid feature. This is an improvement over the previous generation. While this still may not be enough for all-day use, recharge time is fast with several quick-charge options.
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Bluetooth
I have found Bluetooth to work almost flawlessly on iPhones, offering a solid connection every time. I can't speak for Android devices though Apple reports they are fully compatible with other Bluetooth devices.
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App Features
AirPods Pro 3 offer impressive and useful features to aid speech clarity. I particularly like the ability to take an app based hearing test, or directly upload hearing thresholds. While the menu system is not user-friendly, you also have other options for personalizing your experience such as active noise cancellation.
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Comfort
AirPods Pro 3 are generally comfortable, though my initial impressions favor the fit of the previous Gen 2. With that said, Apple claims to have improved the overall fit with improved ergonomics and new foam-infused ear tips.
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Design
AirPods Pro are unmistakably Apple with their sleek, bright white, aesthetic. You will want to look elsewhere if you are searching for a discrete hearing solution. Furthermore, earbuds are commonly associated with being distracted or disconnected and people will not know that you are using them as hearing aids to stay present and engaged in conversation.
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Value
Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
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Handling
I find Bluetooth pairing and general use exceptionally easy. However, navigating the deeper personalization features, and touch controls, could be more user friendly.
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Pro Support
You can receive technical support from Apple, but no audiologic support is offered at this time. You may be able to find a hearing care provider willing to assist with programming your AirPods Pro based on your needs.
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Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
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Lab recordings not yet available
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HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Charger Plus miniRITE+1
A fast, portable charger for traveling light and charging on the go. Charge for a full day's power in 1 hour or get 4 hours of use from a quick 15-minute charge.
HearLink desk charger
A faster contact charger for a full day’s power in one hour, or up to four hours of hearing in only 15 minutes.
AudioClip+3
The Philips AudioClip is a hearing aid accessory that serves as a remote microphone to help you better hear one-to-one conversations in noisy environments or when listening to someone speak from a distance.
Remote Control
To turn the volume up and down on your hearing aids you can use the Philips HearLink app. In case you prefer using the Philips Remote Control we have this option as well.
HearLink 2 app+2
App allows you to change programs, adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, activate streaming options and personalize your sound. You can also use the app to connect with your hearing care specialist if you need to have your hearing aid settings adjusted remotely.
TV Adapter
Connect the Philips TV Adapter to your TV so you hear the sound from the TV directly in your hearing aids. This allows you to watch TV at your preferred volume.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- LC3
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
- Play/Pause
- Audio passthrough on/off
- Accept/end calls
- Accept/end calls
- Siri
Software Features
- Tuned based on hearing test through device
- Tuned based on audio preference selections
- Tuned by user directly