In this article, Apple announced that its AirPods Pro 2 headphones will soon be transformed into an FDA-cleared hearing aid through a software update. This update will allow adults with mild or moderate hearing loss to use Apple earphones to amplify specific sounds they want to hear better. Apple’s vice president of health, Sumbul Desai, explained that after taking a hearing test, the AirPods Pro will be personalized to boost specific sounds in real time, such as speech or environmental elements.
This move is part of Apple’s strategy to enter the health industry, which is projected to be a $15 trillion market by 2030. Apple has been developing FDA-cleared features for its wearable products, offering alternatives to more expensive medical devices. Features added to the Apple Watch since 2020 include a notification service for irregular heartbeats, an atrial fibrillation reader, and an electrocardiogram reader.
The new hearing aid feature will be available as a free software update for select AirPods models and will be included with the $249 AirPods Pro 2. This offering is significant as traditional hearing aids can be much more expensive, with prices ranging from $799 to thousands of dollars. Apple’s entry into the hearing aid market is seen as a step towards making such technology more accessible and mainstream.
To use Apple’s hearing health experience, users will need a pair of AirPods Pro headphones and an iPhone. The process involves a built-in hearing test in the Settings app, where users are required to tap the screen when they hear specific tones. This information is used to create a personalized profile that can be applied to the AirPods Pro to function as hearing aids.
Apple’s hearing aids have been cleared by the FDA, with the agency stating that the hearing test results were comparable to professional fittings. While Apple’s AirPods offer a convenient and accessible option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, individuals with severe hearing loss are advised to consult a licensed audiologist for appropriate care.
Despite the benefits of Apple’s technology, some critics argue that it is not a substitute for professional medical devices. The entrance of Apple into the health market has sparked discussions about the role of tech companies in providing healthcare solutions.
