FDA Grants Approval for Apple AirPods to Be Used as Hearing Aids
On Thursday, Apple obtained approval from U.S. regulators for a new feature that will enable the upcoming AirPods Pro ear pieces to function as hearing aids.
TroibNews 
On Thursday, U.S. regulators granted Apple clearance to incorporate a feature into its upcoming AirPods Pro models that would allow them to function as hearing aids.
This announcement follows the recent addition of AirPods Pro 2 to Apple's product range, with a forthcoming software update that will allow users to assess their hearing capabilities and utilize assisted listening for both everyday interactions and digital streaming.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this new capability, citing studies that demonstrate these devices provide benefits comparable to those of professionally fitted hearing aids.
"Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans," FDA acting director Michelle Tarver commented.
According to Tarver, Apple's software "advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."
The new AirPods Pro 2 are set at a retail price of $249, which is significantly less expensive than standard clinical-grade hearing aids, though users will need to commit to using Apple's devices.
These upgraded AirPods can also work with iPhones or iPads to test hearing capabilities and establish a personalized hearing profile securely stored on the Apple Health app.
The hearing assessment, designed to last roughly five minutes, prompts users to tap their device screen upon hearing different sounds at assorted loudness and frequencies.
The information gathered is then utilized to customize the hearing aid settings.
Moreover, this hearing profile is "automatically applied to music, movies, games and phone calls across their devices without needing to adjust any settings," according to Apple. Traditional hearing aids generally do not offer such adaptation for streamed content or phone communication.
"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked," stated Apple’s Vice President of Health, Sumbul Desai.
The company also noted that research shows over a billion people globally suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
"We are very excited about the new announcement by Apple," Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, expressed to AFP.
"The fact that a product that millions of people already own will offer hearing help and protection is a big step forward."
Apple further plans to expand the availability of these features to over 100 countries soon, awaiting the necessary approvals from each country's health regulators.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
This announcement follows the recent addition of AirPods Pro 2 to Apple's product range, with a forthcoming software update that will allow users to assess their hearing capabilities and utilize assisted listening for both everyday interactions and digital streaming.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this new capability, citing studies that demonstrate these devices provide benefits comparable to those of professionally fitted hearing aids.
"Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans," FDA acting director Michelle Tarver commented.
According to Tarver, Apple's software "advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."
The new AirPods Pro 2 are set at a retail price of $249, which is significantly less expensive than standard clinical-grade hearing aids, though users will need to commit to using Apple's devices.
These upgraded AirPods can also work with iPhones or iPads to test hearing capabilities and establish a personalized hearing profile securely stored on the Apple Health app.
The hearing assessment, designed to last roughly five minutes, prompts users to tap their device screen upon hearing different sounds at assorted loudness and frequencies.
The information gathered is then utilized to customize the hearing aid settings.
Moreover, this hearing profile is "automatically applied to music, movies, games and phone calls across their devices without needing to adjust any settings," according to Apple. Traditional hearing aids generally do not offer such adaptation for streamed content or phone communication.
"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked," stated Apple’s Vice President of Health, Sumbul Desai.
The company also noted that research shows over a billion people globally suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
"We are very excited about the new announcement by Apple," Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, expressed to AFP.
"The fact that a product that millions of people already own will offer hearing help and protection is a big step forward."
Apple further plans to expand the availability of these features to over 100 countries soon, awaiting the necessary approvals from each country's health regulators.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
