Should AirPods Be White? Hollywood Figure Franklin Leonard Weighs in on Headphones' Hearing Function.
The founder of the Black List recently shared his experiences related to his hearing loss.
Franklin Leonard, founder of the Black List, has recently shared his experiences with hearing loss that have affected his life and work. As a recognized film producer and contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Leonard faces the daily need to make the most of his senses, as his job involves reading, writing, watching movies, and participating in interviews. However, two years ago, an illness caused him to lose 50% of his hearing in his left ear, greatly complicating his day-to-day life as he could no longer follow conversations or understand dialogues in films.
Leonard expressed his frustration on social media, emphasizing how inadequate the disability policy system is in his country. Although he considered the option of obtaining hearing aids, the high cost of these devices, which are not covered by health insurance despite the documented need, led him to seek alternatives.
Recently, his parents gifted him AirPods enabled as hearing aids, approved by the FDA, which he described as a "game changer." Leonard mentioned that, despite his positive experience with the AirPods, he would still like to see options in skin tones, so they are less visible as hearing assistance devices.
In a conversation about how technology can help those with sensory disabilities, Leonard stated that creating inclusive products is not only a positive movement but also a smart business decision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 4 Americans reports having some type of disability, highlighting the importance of developing solutions that assist them.
In his account, Leonard mentions that his mother, hearing his desire for the AirPods, ensured he received them as a Christmas gift. When trying them out at various parties, he was surprised to find that he did not have to strain to follow conversations, which represents a significant improvement in his quality of life.
On the other hand, he reflected on the dual role that technology can play in modern life, acknowledging that while there are negative aspects associated with it, such as misinformation on social media and the impact of artificial intelligence, there are also innovations that benefit people, like the AirPods with hearing assistance.
Leonard remains optimistic, and while he does not believe that technology is inherently good or bad, he hopes that those who control it will act positively.
