I wonder how they can afford 7 k equipment, if they can’t afford 1 k.if anything this should make it more affordable and accessible. And the 700 + is also a phone that can do lot more than a hearing aid.
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Apple Gets FDA Authorization for AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature
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I’m not sure how many people are aware of this, but AirPods 2 have had some of these capabilities for a while. You can go into Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations, and if you have an audiogram of your hearing loss, you can enter it. This can allow you to use Transparency Mode like a hearing aid. In my opinion, the issue is it just doesn’t work that well. But I am only one hearing impaired person with one set of ears.
I know the hearing test functionality and the hearing protection features are new. What I am wondering if the hearing aid functionality is actually new and somehow improved, or if Apple is only rebranding and getting authorization for a feature already have (but most people don’t know they have).
I know the hearing test functionality and the hearing protection features are new. What I am wondering if the hearing aid functionality is actually new and somehow improved, or if Apple is only rebranding and getting authorization for a feature already have (but most people don’t know they have).
Used iPhones go for far less than $700... perhaps you’d pay $500 total, that’s quite a budget saver compared to the $7,000 my hearing aids cost (and that’s all out of pocket). 💲💲💲💲
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Roughly 1.4 billion people own an iPhone. That's a good start.
No matter the subject, you'll never find 100% perfection 100% of the time.
They're the same guy.
Do they need to be connected to a device to work as hearing aids?
Do you actually need to own an iPhone for it to work?
Asking for an older relative who owns no Apple products, nor even a smart phone.
Do you actually need to own an iPhone for it to work?
Asking for an older relative who owns no Apple products, nor even a smart phone.
The FDA authorization press release mentions that an iPhone or iPad ("iOS device") is needed for setup.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.
Does that mean that you can also use FSA/HSA funds for an iPhone or iPad?
I'm guessing the answer is no, but I'm trying to figure out the reason why it wouldn't be allowed.
There have been approvals of Prescription-only devices that include an iPhone and Apple Watch, like NightWare which presumably is reimbursable, but maybe OTC devices, and especially this new software device category is different.
I wonder if the software-only approval makes a difference for the eligibility of the FSA/HSA eligibility for the AirPods Pro 2.
I was strongly moved when they announced this during the recent event, a very strong wave of the feels. I have to imagine this will expand access to hearing aids for a large number of people. The recent change of making hearing aids over-the-counter was a major win generally, and this is the kind of thing that this shift allowed.
They should if it’s FDA approved. They allow massages for o be paid from HSA accounts.
I think Tim needs some hearing aids to hear our calls for a more innovative iPhone.
I don't speak out often, but I did email Tim Cook about my need for a slight hearing loss and asked for help - especially with the cost of hearing aids. Your welcome...
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
Jokes aside, I did email and was really hoping for this as my wife is tired of me saying what??? I know it is not a replacement yet for everyone - but it is a great and exciting step for me as an affordable option. I did a lot of research and while the cost was too much, I was really considering these - their ad was too good!
Just because you can withdraw money to pay for a massage from an HSA account, it doesn't mean that the massages are a qualified medical expense. It looks like massages are only eligible with a letter of medical necessity. You can end up claiming it on your tax return as qualified, but that's subject to audit by the IRS.
I'm also trying to figure that out. You can see the FDA's approval here for the "Hearing Aid Feature". The device approval is for the software itself, but not for the AirPods or iPhone/iPad. Since this is the first software device approved by the FDA, I suppose that means that all previous OTC hearing aids were for devices. Maybe this means that Apple doesn't need to get a new FDA approval every time they release a new compatible AirPods model?
Of course, you can withdraw money from an HSA to pay for anything you want, but if it's not a qualified expense it's subject to tax and potentially a 20% penalty.
The FSA should have the same rules for qualified medical expenses, but your plan administrator makes decisions as to whether or not it's an eligible expense. I assume we'll find out soon if plan administrators start approving or denying these claims.
Any tax experts in here?
Edit: I guess we'll probably know for sure once it's released and people start trying to get their AirPods reimbursed from FSAs.
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There is significant room for improvement. I wear these AirPods all day long, and I consider them the most important Apple gadget for me, right after my desktop computer. I work in the voice-over business, and I believe the different configurations - Off, Transparency, Adaptive, Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness - should be much more consistent in terms of equalization.
So, I have high hopes that the new firmware will bring a big improvement. Additionally, a yearly hardware update, similar to the iPhone, would be greatly appreciated.
So, I have high hopes that the new firmware will bring a big improvement. Additionally, a yearly hardware update, similar to the iPhone, would be greatly appreciated.
I wonder if the feature will in any way be limited by location? For example, the software version available in countries in which it is not approved simply omitting the feature. (Obviously, in detail there are several possible approaches.) Though it could simply prevent Apple making any marketing claims but leave the capabilities the same.
I agree. We all know that phones are now a fairly mature product and so we shouldn't really expect to see major feature changes. That's not to say that there isn't room, but I think less likely. This, however, is a great feature that will genuinely help folks. People who know they have moderate hearing loss can get some benefit - maybe not as much as several £k worth of custom hearing aids, but then it's just a £250 set of AirPods. Many people already have those 'pods so this is a freebie. And those who are undiagnosed can use this feature as a diagnostic of sorts. I can't see a downside, and yet, as usual, plenty of people want to bitch about it. <sigh>
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.
*YMMV.
Yeah I’d like to see if this gets approved. Would be great for FSA/Hsa
My own hearing has notches - left and right - and I really notice the lack of higher pitches on some devices. I actually find my iPad Pro the best device I have. (Though my Mi earpods have been surprisingly good and inexpensive.) And I have pretty much always had tinnitus.
If a device has something like a graphic equaliser, I can usually manage to get acceptable sound quality. And I don't need medical hearing aids - simply not bad enough to justify them.
But the ability of AAP2 to handle all sources is extremely appealing. And the avoidance of isolation from real world sounds.
If a device has something like a graphic equaliser, I can usually manage to get acceptable sound quality. And I don't need medical hearing aids - simply not bad enough to justify them.
But the ability of AAP2 to handle all sources is extremely appealing. And the avoidance of isolation from real world sounds.
What do you mean "but don’t need the mic when using as hearing aid" and how will you hear something when the mic is disabled ?
For those who have a high hearing loss in many frequencies I’m not sure this is going to work that well.
When I was fitted for hearing aids in both ears I had to have ones that could cover many, many frequencies. Cheaper hearing aids do not cover the same. As such I would find it difficult to believe that AirPod Pro’s can perform anywhere at the same level as a dedicated hearing aid, especially those that are for poor hearing.
Also, as to the pricing of hearing aids:- In the UK we are extremely fortunate. Our NHS system allows users to have a pair of hearing aids for FREE and ALL batteries are also FREE.
Further, my hearing aids are directly connected to both my iPhone and iPad Pro meaning I hear all conversations around me and if playing music or a video I alone hear the sound directly through the hearing aids, just the same as the AirPod Pro’s.
When I was fitted for hearing aids in both ears I had to have ones that could cover many, many frequencies. Cheaper hearing aids do not cover the same. As such I would find it difficult to believe that AirPod Pro’s can perform anywhere at the same level as a dedicated hearing aid, especially those that are for poor hearing.
Also, as to the pricing of hearing aids:- In the UK we are extremely fortunate. Our NHS system allows users to have a pair of hearing aids for FREE and ALL batteries are also FREE.
Further, my hearing aids are directly connected to both my iPhone and iPad Pro meaning I hear all conversations around me and if playing music or a video I alone hear the sound directly through the hearing aids, just the same as the AirPod Pro’s.