Apple Gets FDA Authorization for AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature

[MacRumors]

Apple will soon allow the AirPods Pro 2 to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid, and the company has now received FDA clearance for the feature.

As noted by TechCrunch, the FDA today announced that it has authorized Apple to add OTC hearing aid functionality to the AirPods Pro 2, and it marks the first product that the FDA has allowed to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid software device.

An update coming to the AirPods Pro 2 will add the Hearing Aid functionality. Users will take a short Hearing Test using the AirPods and an iPhone, and if hearing loss is detected, a personalized sound profile is created that allows the AirPods Pro 2 to make dynamic sound adjustments to increase sound as needed.

Apple says that the clinical-grade hearing aid feature will help people better engage in conversation and stay connected to the people and environment around them.

Personalized hearing profiles are automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls without the need to adjust any settings. For those with little to no hearing loss, the Hearing Test will also help with specific adjustments at individual frequencies.

Apple plans to roll out the Hearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 this fall.

Article Link: Apple Gets FDA Authorization for AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature

 

[CloneBB]

This is gonna be huge.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Amazing Apple. Saving lives and health helping everyone. Thank you Tim and Apple!

 

[gleepskip]

This is fantastic news! I can't wait to try it out.

 

[vertsix]

Just FYI - this means you can likely* use FSA/HSA funds from your insurance to purchase them.

Are Hearing Aids FSA Eligible? - GoodRx

Yes, hearing aids are FSA eligible. You can also use FSA or HSA money for other costs relating to hearing aids, such as batteries and equipment.

www.goodrx.com

*YMMV.

 

[jz0309]

That’s good news…

 

[TheMountainLife]

I wonder if Apple will be forced to create an Android app to accommodate all users. Win win for everyone.

 

[jonjames505]

We used the AirPods Pros as a form of hearing aid with my grandmother before she passed. We could speak into the iPhone and it would amplify in her ears through the AirPods. It was amazing watching her light up when she could finally hear us again.

 

[jimimac71]

I can only hope this feature will be compatible with iPad OS 18.
I don't have or want an iPhone.

 

[citysnaps]

Excellent news.

Had a feeling this would soon be coming... with a hearing test/assessment and resulting frequency equalization being controlled through one's iPhone.

 

[jz0309]

I wonder if Apple will be forced to create an Android app to accommodate all users. Win win for everyone.

And who would “force” them???

 

[jz0309]

This might actually entice me to get the APP2 when they’re on sale… my APP1 still do fine for me…

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Excellent news. This is why I got the Airpods Pro 2 this fall...

 

[lyngo]

This is a pretty amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to read the stories that come out of this announced news from today.

 

[I7guy]

Wonder what markets this will cut into.

 

[Will Co]

Such a great idea. I don't believe I have any hearing loss, but I'll be intrigued to try it out.

 

[FoxBJK]

Wonder what markets this will cut into.

Hearing Aid Makers Shares Slip After Apple Air Pods Release, but None Sound Alarms

European manufacturers feel some aftershocks from the product launch in Cupertino, but analysts don't hear the bell tolling for them.

www.inc.com

There's no stigma wearing AirPods all day, and by contrast no one wants to wear hearing aids. This could be devastating for the market.

 

[Mikeske]

This is something I wanted for years as I have a 70-80% hearing loss in my left ear (normal hearing in the right ear) and always wanted individual volume control for my AirPods with this I might be able to have a solution to my problem. I just could not justify the cost of a hearing aids that were thousands of dollar and Medicare only paying for less then half the cost of a decent set of hearing aids.

 

[TheMountainLife]

I wonder if Apple will be forced to create an Android app to accommodate all users. Win win for everyone.

And who would “force” them???

I haven't looked into how this works but I imagine things at an FDA level has to be accessible to everyone. My partners hearing aids can work with or without a phone present though a phone is needed if you need to make adjustments / apply updates.

Edit: To the people giving thumbs down, why are you guys so against Apple products being inclusive?

 

[joshwithachance]

This is HUGE... And arguably the best thing to come out of Monday's keynote.

 

[xnu]

It will make for an interesting social experiment where someone is wearing headphones and is criticized for being inattentive and distracted, but protected under the ADA for a disability. Fun times shall ensue.

 

[TheMountainLife]

It will make for an interesting social experiment where someone is wearing headphones and is criticized for being inattentive and distracted, but protected under the ADA for a disability. Fun times shall ensue.

Coming up next...skin tone matched AirPods lol.

 

[GDF]

That is really cool. Now make the Airpods Pro 3 even smaller and less conspicuous.

 

[eoblaed]

I cannot wait for this update to go live. If this works well, I have multiple family members that will greatly benefit from it.

 

[GrayFlannel]

In reality this merely gives Apple authorization to market it as a Hearing Aid Featue.