Apple AirPods Pro 2 to Offer Breakthrough Hearing Aid Feature
Apple fans rejoice! The tech giant is about to roll out a groundbreaking "Hearing Aid" feature for AirPods Pro 2. This innovative feature, which includes hearing protection and a hearing test, is set to be released as a software update and comes at no additional cost to the user.
After Apple announced the feature three days ago, it was pending FDA authorization. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the nod, allowing Apple to market its AirPods Pro Hearing Aid feature as the first over-the-counter hearing aid software device.
This is a game-changer for the over-the-counter hearing aid industry and a milestone for Apple to be the first to gain such authorization. The FDA's acting director commented on the advancement saying, "Today's marketing authorization... advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."
The FDA's green light came after evaluating the feature in a clinical study with 118 subjects who reported experiencing similar benefits to those fitted professionally with the device.
The AirPods Pro's new feature is particularly significant for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, offering a more affordable solution as opposed to traditional over-the-counter hearing aids. Users can easily create a hearing profile using the Hearing Aid test and AirPods Pro 2 will adjust sound in real-time to enhance hearing.
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 2 will replicate a "clinical-grade hearing aid," with customizable settings for tone, volume, and balance. This FDA authorization also allows Apple to introduce a hearing test feature on AirPods Pro 2, adding to the device's health-focused capabilities.
Apple has announced that it will launch the Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features in over 100 countries this fall, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. The software update will be available for AirPods Pro 2 and requires an iPhone or iPad operating on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
With the FDA's official approval, users are one step closer to experiencing the innovative hearing improvements on their AirPods Pro 2. Stay tuned for this update in the fall, as Apple continues to transform the way we use our devices.
