Apple redesigns AirPods Pro 2 as affordable hearing aids.

During its "It’s Glowtime" event this month, Apple unveiled several new products. While the iPhone 16 lineup garnered the most attention, the most intriguing announcement came from a different product line. The Cupertino-based company in California announced that its top-tier earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2, will now double as over-the-counter hearing aids through a software update. This feature, which has also received FDA approval, is a significant addition to the AirPods Pro 2's capabilities.

AirPods become more than just wireless earbuds

Apple unveiled the new hearing aid feature on the iPhone 16, which is designed to help people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Although Apple mentioned that the feature was still pending FDA approval at the time of the event, the FDA recently cleared the software-based hearing aid technology on Sept. 12.

"The FDA's Michelle Tarver stated that hearing loss is a major public health concern affecting millions of Americans. The marketing authorization of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a popular consumer audio product is a step towards increasing the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."

The FDA approved AirPods after rigorous testing

The FDA has approved Apple's hearing aid feature after conducting a clinical trial with 118 participants in the US who had mild to moderate hearing loss. The study revealed that users obtained comparable results when they self-fitted the AirPods, compared to those who received a professional fitting.

The FDA stated that the device's performance in tests measuring ear canal amplification and speech understanding in noise was comparable. Additionally, no adverse events related to the device were observed during the study.

This feature, when activated, utilizes the data from the Hearing Test to deliver a clinical-grade hearing aid experience. It dynamically adjusts sound levels in real-time based on the user's surroundings. Additionally, Apple stated that users can customize the Hearing Aid feature with an audiogram from a hearing healthcare professional for even more tailored settings.

The feature can save people a ton of money

The cost of behind-the-ear hearing aids can vary from $1,000 to $6,000, while the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $249.89. Although the hearing aids are more expensive, the AirPods deliver similar results, as noted by the FDA. This is great news for people with hearing issues, as they can now get effective assistance without breaking the bank.

The hearing aid feature in iOS 18 can be accessed through the settings when connected to AirPods Pro 2. It is expected to launch in over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. However, the exact release date for the update remains unclear and is expected to drop sometime this fall.

FDA cautions: OTC hearing aids are not a substitute for professional care

The FDA advises that over-the-counter hearing aids are not a substitute for professional medical evaluations or prescription hearing aids. While OTC hearing aids offer increased accessibility for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, they have limitations and are not suitable for everyone with hearing impairment. The FDA emphasizes that OTC hearing aids are intended only for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, not for children or those with more severe hearing loss. For individuals with more significant hearing difficulties or complex hearing needs, prescription hearing aids fitted by hearing health professionals remain the recommended option.

Kurt’s key takeaway

The AirPods Pro 2 is equipped with various features such as transparency mode, conversation awareness, noise cancellation, and more. By incorporating the hearing aid feature, they become a comprehensive solution. Given that many individuals wear AirPods throughout the day, those with hearing loss may find them more comfortable than traditional hearing aids.

Do you have mild to moderate hearing loss and would you consider using AirPods as a hearing aid? Please share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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