Apple
AirPods Pro 2 with Hearing Aid Feature
FDA-cleared OTC hearing aid software
By severity
Profound hearing loss
PTA 91–120 dB HL (Pure Tone Average at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz)
Beyond hearing aid range for most users. Cochlear implants may be appropriate — consult an ENT and audiologist. Power BTE hearing aids may help select users.
This band is beyond the FDA's OTC scope — professional fitting is the appropriate route. Why OTC devices stop at moderate loss.
What you typically experience
- Cannot detect most speech sounds without amplification
- May rely primarily on sign language or lipreading
- Cochlear implant candidacy evaluation recommended
Recommended device classes
- ✓ Independent audiologist fitting
This severity is beyond what most Costco aids can handle. An audiologist will fit with appropriate Power BTE or BTE form factors.
Many people overestimate their loss — the 2-minute severity quiz gives a free estimate. If you land in the moderate range, these are the strongest self-fit options.
The most capable OTC self-fit options
Best entry point
At $199 with FDA-cleared hearing aid software (DEN230081), the AirPods Pro 2 turn an iPhone you may already own into a legitimate mild-to-moderate hearing aid. Lowest-risk way to start.
Best dedicated OTC value
Lexie
B2 Plus Powered by Bose
Variant of parent K-number
Bose-tuned, rechargeable, self-fitting via the Lexie app, with a 45-day trial. $899 — a fraction of the audiologist price for the same mild-to-moderate range.
Best premium OTC
Sennheiser
All-Day Clear ADC1
FDA-cleared OTC self-fit
Built by Sonova (the company behind Phonak), the All-Day Clear is a true QUH self-fit hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming and a 2-year warranty — around $949 street.
Picks are based on FDA regulatory pathway, price, and severity fit from our verified product database — not on which brand pays the most.
Adjacent severities
Next step
For a personalized device-class recommendation with matched products, run your audiogram through the interpreter. If you already have a Costco Kirkland aid and want to know who made it, use the Translator.