Technology
Apple Airpods Now With FDA-Approved Hearing Aid Feature
The newest AirPods are a part of a growing group of hearing aids available over-the-counter.
Apple’s latest Airpods could help those with hearing impairments. The tech company’s software update has been approved by the FDA to be used as hearing aids.
The FDA approved Apple’s hearing aid feature on September 12. The free update, available on AirPods Pro 2, will amplify sounds for the hearing impaired. However, the feature is simply available to adults 18 and older with an iPhone or iPad compatible with iOS 18.
“Today’s approval of over-the-counter hearing aid software for a commonly used consumer audio product is another step that will increase the availability, affordability, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Dr. Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in a press release. obtained by .
They confirmed the feature’s use after a clinical trial with 118 participants. The results showed that users “achieved similar perceived benefits to those who received a professional fit on the same device.” Apple also announced the brand new development just days before the agency’s approval.
“Hearing health is an essential part of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked — in fact, according to Apple’s Hearing Study, as many as 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, vice chairman of Health at Apple. press release“We’re excited to deliver breakthrough software features in AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health first, offering new ways to test and get help for hearing loss.”
What’s more, Apple intends its recent AirPods to supply a “world-first” hearing health experience. Noting that 1.5 billion people suffer from hearing loss, the device also goals to forestall and detect hearing problems.
“Your AirPods Pro will transform into your own personalized hearing aid, amplifying the specific sounds you need in real time, such as parts of speech or elements of your environment,” Desai added in a video announcing the event.
The latest AirPods are a part of a growing variety of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. They usually are not only more accessible, but additionally significantly cheaper than prescription medical devices. While they’re designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, they’ll initially treat those with limited abilities.
AirPods Pro 2 is available now for $249.