Why Apple’s AirPods Pro (2) Are a Game Changer for Me as an Autistic Traveler

What It Is

The AirPods Pro (2) are Apple's second pro generation of noise-cancelling earbuds, but for me, they’re more than just a high-end audio gadget. They’ve become a critical tool in managing my sensory sensitivities and auditory processing difficulties, especially when I travel.

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What I Use Them For

When you travel frequently, airports, public transit, and crowded places can be overwhelming. For an autistic person like me, that means a lot of stress. Not only due to the common stressors of travel, but also because of the unknown situations, which often involve getting information and communicating with people who don’t speak your language.
It's already quite difficult to understand what people say to me, even when we speak the same language. But when I need to pay attention to someone speaking in a foreign language in an unfamiliar environment, I feel completely lost.

The AirPods Pro (2) help me manage that surprisingly well. They feature three different modes:

• Transparency Mode: Does what it should—although I rarely use it.
• Noise Cancelling: Helps me block out noise, reducing sounds by up to half. I use it on planes, when commuting, or when I’m overwhelmed.
• Adaptive Hearing Mode: This has been a game changer. Adaptive Hearing Mode allows me to hear important sounds like announcements or conversations while filtering out sudden noises that trigger my misophonia or overwhelm me. It also amplifies direct conversation, making it much easier for me to distinguish spoken information from background noise, which is usually a big issue due to my auditory processing difficulties.

I also frequently use the Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. They work great, but I always feel somewhat isolated and stand out in social situations. Plus, during the summer, they get too hot. Earplugs are my go-to for extreme situations, sometimes even paired with the headphones, but they cut me off from my surroundings completely—not ideal when traveling and navigating various cultural contexts.

The AirPods Pro are subtle enough to wear all day in any social context but powerful enough to cancel out most noise so I don’t get overwhelmed too quickly.

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5 Annoying Things about the AirPods Pro (2)

1. Battery Life: It’s okay, but for long flights or busy days, it’s not enough. They last about 6 hours before needing a charge. Luckily, they charge quickly.
2. Fit Issues: They can feel loose at times. Finding the right silicone tip size is a process, and even then, they don’t always feel secure.
3. Cost: Let’s be real—they’re expensive. Not everyone is ready to spend $250 USD on earbuds.
4. Wind Issues: On windy days, the sound can get distorted, especially in adaptive transparency mode.
5. Silicone Tips: If you’re sensitive to certain softeners or acrylates, the silicone tips might cause a skin reaction. I solved this by switching to third-party tips.

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5 Cool Things about the AirPods Pro (2)

1. Noise Cancelling: For small earbuds, the noise-cancelling is impressive.
2. Adaptive Hearing Mode: As I mentioned, it helps me stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed or missing half of what’s said to me.
3. Portability: Compared to over-ear headphones, the AirPods Pro are easy to carry around and don’t stand out too much when in use.
4. Spatial Audio: While I’m not an audiophile, the immersive sound is really enjoyable.
5. Find My Feature: I often lose small things, so this feature has been a lifesaver more than once! (It’s currently only available for iPhone users.)

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How Much Is It?

At around $249 USD, they aren’t cheap. But if you’re like me and rely on them daily for travel and sensory management, they’re well worth the investment.

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Conclusion

The AirPods Pro (2) have become an essential tool and hearing aid in my life. They help me navigate auditory processing difficulties and sensory overload without cutting me off from the world, something I struggled with before. 

They aren’t cheap, but they’ve made traveling and day-to-day life much more manageable.

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#Should You Avoid Them? Shortlist Them? Buy Them?

If you’re looking for more basic noise protection, there are cheaper options like silicone foam earplugs or Loop earplugs. 

But if you experience challenges similar to mine when it comes to sensory sensitivities or processing, I’d say absolutely give them a try.

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