In a significant leap for accessible hearing technology, Apple has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to introduce a new feature that enables the upcoming AirPods Pro 2 to function as hearing aids.
Announced on Thursday, this development allows the latest AirPods Pro to provide assisted listening for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Users will soon be able to test their hearing directly through their devices, thanks to a forthcoming software upgrade that calibrates the earbuds to their specific hearing needs.
“Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans,” said Michelle Tarver, acting director at the FDA. She emphasized that Apple’s innovation “advances the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults.”
The FDA’s authorization comes after studies indicated that users found the AirPods Pro as beneficial as professionally fitted hearing aids. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, albeit within the Apple ecosystem.
The new feature includes a five-minute hearing test conducted via an iPhone or iPad, where users tap the screen upon hearing tones of varying volumes and frequencies. The results create a personalized hearing profile stored privately in the Apple Health app. This profile is then automatically applied to music, calls, and other audio content across the user’s devices, enhancing the overall listening experience without additional adjustments.
Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, noted, “Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked.” She highlighted that more than a billion people worldwide live with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, expressed optimism about Apple’s announcement. “The fact that a product that millions of people already own will offer hearing help and protection is a big step forward,” she said.
Apple plans to roll out these features in over 100 countries in the coming months, pending authorization from relevant health authorities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
