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Apple Gets FDA Authorization for AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature
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Hearing aids... both audiologist prescribed and over the counter. A game changer, in my opinion.
I wonder if these will also support any of the frequency filtering and white noise generation used in "regular" hearing aids to help alleviate tinnitus issues.
Might be a good time to unload hearing aid manufactures stock. This is really big. From someone who needs moderate hearing aids. Very good for those on the beginnings of hearing loss. Plus the automatic earplug will help prevent or limit hearing loss. Huge!
I don't see why not. A great idea! I can see letting the user shape the white noise somewhat to fine-tune tinnitus alleviation (if that would indeed work - I don't know).
And of course for normal frequency equalization to alleviate hearing loss.
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This is probably a stupid question...but I'm curious! With the new AirPods 4 having the same chip as the AirPod Pros 2, is there something else preventing this capability on the new AirPods 4?
The $179 pair comes with so many of the same features, I'd love to see the hearing aid feature also be available simply because I can't tolerate the pressure of the tips on the Pros 2.
The $179 pair comes with so many of the same features, I'd love to see the hearing aid feature also be available simply because I can't tolerate the pressure of the tips on the Pros 2.
The best news to come out of the keynote by far.
Now I’m just wondering if the feature will be available globally. Could be huge for my mum, but I don’t think it’s launching yet in the UK.
Now I’m just wondering if the feature will be available globally. Could be huge for my mum, but I don’t think it’s launching yet in the UK.
Well, either way having Android support would be nice or at least allowing it to be managed over that or MacOS.
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It will be interesting to see what the design of the AirPods Pro 3 will look like. Perhaps the stems will be gone, making them even more likely one would wear these most of the day. I will be using them for hearing augmentation regardless, however.
"Personalized hearing profiles are automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls without the need to adjust any settings."
Possibly stupid question but, does it work for the sounds around you? Does it work with the transparency setting? It seems like it would but I haven't seen it written explicitly.
Possibly stupid question but, does it work for the sounds around you? Does it work with the transparency setting? It seems like it would but I haven't seen it written explicitly.
Yeah, I think it is absolutely the best thing to come from the keynote. This is just awesome.
I think I'm missing a few frequencies in one ear, so now I have to decide if I really want to know the answer.
My audiologist is awaiting my feedback on how well using the Air Pods Pro works.
She points out that part of the strategy of hearing aids is that they should be worn all the time as hearing is not a linear mechanical thing. The brain is trained and adapts to the information coming in. When the aids are not worn all the time the results are not optimal due to the brain's lack of a consistent signal.
I will be giving this a go, for sure. I already have entered my audiogram into my iPhone for my APP, and look forward to seeing how they sound and feel.
PS I loved the iPhone progression in your signature. I believe I have the same but for having gotten the 8 Plus and using it for the 6 weeks or so before the X was shipped. I passed along the 8 Plus to my wife. I do remember the 8 Plus as being beautiful and loved its amazing screen.
I find it funny when people say an iPhone upgrade is not significant enough, it's just an iteration on what was already available. I have found every iPhone upgrade to help me be more productive and creative. Very excited to order my new 16 Pro Max tomorrow!
The FDA told Apple, "Okay, your check cleared. Nice doing business with you!"
Check? Lol boy you’re really dating yourself.
Maybe the added functionality will allow some colors that are not as obvious?
Battery life as a hearing aid would be like 3 hours?
Not a replacement for people with severe audition loss neither safe for them for this reason.
However is a nice addition for casual use.
Not a replacement for people with severe audition loss neither safe for them for this reason.
However is a nice addition for casual use.
You can also think of it as a tool to see who needs hearing assistance and a short term bridge to longer lasting aid.
I don't think the AirPods are meant to be full-time hearing aids. They're for people who have mild hearing loss, and might sometimes have trouble understanding others, which this feature can fix.
Hearing aids are basically equalizers. You have trouble hearing at around 1700Hz for example, so they amplify 1700Hz so you hear it at the same level as 1500Hz. It's replacing the bits of the audio spectrum that you've lost.
Now if you have severe hearing loss where you can't understand anyone at all without it in then it makes sense to have something dedicated, but for mild hearing loss this is going to be huge.
I wonder how long it will take for Canada to approve it?
Apple will soon allow the AirPods Pro 2 to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid, and the company has now received FDA approval 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
I’m 45 and I’m quite sure I’m missing some of my hearing. I’ll still take the test to see what’s up.