Apple’s AirPods Pro just became more than just wireless earbuds. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new software that turns AirPods Pro into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This groundbreaking update means that people with mild to moderate hearing loss can now use their AirPods Pro as hearing aids without needing a prescription or a trip to the audiologist.
Apple AirPods Pro: A New Way to Help with Hearing Loss
Earlier this week, Apple made an exciting announcement. With the upcoming software update, users of AirPods Pro 2 will be able to transform their earbuds into personalized hearing aids. The software will allow these popular headphones to boost specific sounds in real time, such as parts of a conversation or background noises from the environment.
This is big news for millions of people who experience hearing loss. According to the FDA, more than 30 million American adults deal with some degree of hearing impairment. This can be due to aging, exposure to loud sounds, or even certain health conditions. The new AirPods Pro hearing aid feature could make hearing aids more accessible to these individuals.
The FDA’s Authorization of Apple’s Hearing Aid Software
On Thursday, the FDA officially authorized the new AirPods Pro software, making it the first OTC hearing aid software for a major product like Apple’s wireless earbuds. This software will be available to users of AirPods Pro 2 in over 100 countries and regions starting this fall. Once installed, the software will allow users to customize the sound settings based on their specific hearing needs. This means that AirPods Pro can be personalized to amplify sounds for users who are 18 years or older and have mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The software is set up using an iPhone, with hearing levels assessed from the iOS HealthKit. This allows the software to tailor the AirPods to the user’s specific hearing abilities, providing a seamless experience that feels like it was designed just for them.
How This Software Helps People with Hearing Loss
The idea behind the new hearing aid software is to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. Traditionally, getting a hearing aid has been a lengthy and expensive process. People had to visit a doctor or audiologist, undergo tests, and then get a prescription before they could even buy one.
In 2022, the FDA approved the sale of OTC hearing aids, allowing people to buy hearing aids directly from stores or online without the need for a medical exam or prescription. Apple’s new software takes this a step further by allowing millions of people to use a product they already own—the AirPods Pro—as a hearing aid. This makes it much easier and cheaper for people with hearing difficulties to get the help they need.
A Solution to a Growing Public Health Issue
Hearing loss is a growing public health problem. Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, highlighted how significant this issue is, especially as more people experience hearing loss from aging and noise exposure. She said that the authorization of Apple’s hearing aid software is a major step forward in making hearing support more available and accessible to the public.
By approving this software, the FDA is not only helping people get the hearing assistance they need, but it’s also promoting the development of new, innovative solutions in the hearing health industry. Apple is leading the way in making hearing aids more user-friendly, convenient, and cost-effective.
What This Means for AirPods Pro Users
If you already own AirPods Pro 2, this new software will be available as a free update this fall. Once you download the update, you’ll be able to set up your AirPods as hearing aids using your iPhone. The setup process is simple, using the iOS HealthKit to assess your hearing levels and adjust the AirPods accordingly.
With this new feature, your AirPods Pro will help amplify important sounds in your surroundings, whether it’s a conversation with friends or environmental sounds like traffic. It’s an exciting development for anyone looking for a more affordable and convenient hearing aid solution.
