At its recent product announcement event, Apple introduced a new feature for its AirPods Pro model, revealing that the wireless headphones will now serve as over-the-counter hearing aids. This advancement aims to assist over 1 billion people globally who experience mild to moderate hearing loss. According to Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, the hearing aid feature will enhance sound clarity and vibrancy by boosting specific frequencies. Additionally, it will leverage machine learning for real-time sound adjustments throughout the day.
The feature has received authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be available to AirPods Pro 2 users through a software update this fall in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. At a price of $249, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 could provide a more affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids, which can be quite costly. However, these AirPods may not be suitable for everyone.
Approximately 30 million adults in the US experience some level of hearing loss, though only about 20% seek treatment, according to the FDA. Untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of depression. The high cost of traditional hearing aids and related medical visits has been a barrier to treatment for some individuals.
Apple’s initiative follows the FDA’s 2022 approval for over-the-counter hearing aids, which allowed adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase them directly without a doctor’s prescription. To utilise the new hearing aid feature, AirPods Pro 2 users must complete a hearing test that plays various tones to assess their hearing loss. This test will customise the hearing aid functionality, amplifying specific sounds needed in real-time, such as speech or environmental noises.
Nevertheless, over-the-counter hearing aids like the AirPods Pro 2 are not a solution for severe or profound hearing loss, and the FDA still mandates a prescription for individuals under 18. The feature represents a significant step towards improving accessibility and acceptance of hearing support, as noted by Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Centre for Devices and Radiological Health.
Apple’s entry into the health sector isn’t unprecedented. Its Apple Watch already offers features for detecting irregular heart rhythms and, with the latest Apple Watch 10, can now alert users to potential sleep apnoea. Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, expressed enthusiasm for Apple’s innovation, highlighting its potential to increase awareness and address hearing loss.
While the announcement received praise from some hearing aid users, a common concern raised on social media was the battery life of the AirPods, which is currently measured in hours rather than days. A Reddit user remarked that while the new feature is exciting, longer battery life would be beneficial for users.
