HIPAA applies to any entity that process patient information and is required to keep that information private at all costs.

Your airpods are a recording device that was actively in use by being in your earsregardless of what you were doing. They are a medical facility.

While HIPAA doesn't apply to you directly it does apply to.them. there can be an argument made that they are in the right.

Now someone is going to counter with cell phones. A cell phone in your pocket is out of sight and no way to prove if your phone is on you or in your car until you take it out. They can't take action on what they don't see. However that doesn't mean they can't have a no cell phones on premises policy.

Either way, just take the L and learn your lesson.