Can I use AirPods Pro 2 as standalone hearing aids without an Apple device?

Hi rosamundfrompoole

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community

Am no expert in this area, yet your questions deserve some response.

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Re: Recently bought APP2 .... How can I use them just as hearing aids?

If available in your country or region:

You can: Take a Hearing Test with AirPods Pro 2 - Apple Support

and

Use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2 - Apple Support

Else : Seems you always need a device to boost the incoming sounds.

Eg: you can use the iPhone as a microphone to better hear conversations

See: Use Live Listen with AirPods or Beats - Apple Support

Eg: Customize Transparency mode on your AirPods Pro

and Use Conversation Boost on your AirPods Pro

See: Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Re: I thought that I could use them to watch TV.

Seems you can with Apple TV: Use AirPods or Beats with Apple TV - Apple Support

or

Browse through this Third-party {non-Apple article for your brand of Tv: How to Connect AirPods to a TV:

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Resource:

AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

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More support . info. if needed:

AirPods Support Website: Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods...

AirPods Support - Official Apple Support

All the best :-)