There’s plenty of discussion on the Airpods elsewhere. Here’s a small anecdote.
I don’t take my aids to the beach because it’s… you know… the beach. I’m down there on the weekend and try my luck at ordering something from the cafe counter. Normally that’s pretty safe. You give your order, they ask if that’s all, you bring out your card. This time, the girl starts talking to me. I get nothing. I ask her to repeat. Still nothing. I explain about the hearing loss and that I don’t have my aids and could we try it one more time. Still nothing and by now I’m seriously embarrassed.
Then I remember I’ve got the Airpod Pros in my pocket. I lunge for them, snap them in, look at the girl hopefully. “Would you like ice-cream or yoghurt with your smoothie?” I hear clear as a bell.
So there you go. They’re a safety net if nothing else.