Apple's latest AirPods doubling as hearing aids might potentially spare you substantial financial expenditures.
"They're integrating an innovative feature aimed at assisting over a billion individuals dealing with mild to moderate hearing issues," mentioned Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple's health vice president.
Apple revealed that its hearing aid functionality would enhance frequencies, thereby making sounds more distinct and vivid for your ears. This feature would also leverage machine learning to make real-time adjustments, adapting as you go about your day.
Prescription hearing aids often cost a fortune. Apple's AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249, could be a more affordable and accessible option for those dealing with hearing loss, although they may not work for everyone. Here's what you need to know:
Apple's announcement coincides with FDA changes
Approximately 30 million adult Americans suffer from some level of hearing loss, with only about one-fifth seeking help, according to the FDA.
Individuals with untreated hearing loss may experience a reduced cognitive decline rate and lowered depression risk, the FDA suggests. However, the high cost of doctor visits and hearing aids have deterred some from seeking treatment.
Two years after the FDA authorized the sale of OTC hearing aids, those with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase them directly from retailers or manufacturers without a doctor's prescription.
To access the new hearing aid functionality, AirPods Pro 2 users will need to undertake a hearing test that analyzes their hearing loss by playing a sequence of tones.
"After completing a hearing test, your AirPods Pro transform into a customized hearing aid, enhancing specific sounds that you require in real-time, such as speech parts or your surrounding environment," explained Desai.
However, OTC hearing aids like these may not always be a suitable solution for hearing loss. The FDA still requires minors under 18 to purchase hearing aids by prescription. Over-the-counter hearing aids, including Apple's offer, are not intended for "severe or profound" hearing loss, according to the FDA. Those with significant hearing loss should still consult a healthcare professional.
Apple expects to receive FDA clearance "very soon," meaning that the AirPods Pro 2 would become a regulated medical device. This fall, hearing assistance features will become available through a software update in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan, the company announced.
Apple has prior experience in the healthcare sector. Apple Watch can identify irregular heart rhythms related to atrial fibrillation or AFib, which can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure, according to the American Heart Association.
On Tuesday, Apple announced that its latest Apple Watch 10 can also alert users to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep.
Expected impact of Apple's new hearing aid feature
Barbara Kelley, the executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, had anticipated such an announcement following the FDA's market opening to over-the-counter options two years ago.
"This is what we hoped for in the market, witnessing technological innovation in attention to hearing health," Kelley stated.
Kelley hoped that Apple's new product would inspire more individuals to tackle their hearing loss issues.
"There's still a stigma attached to hearing loss and its link to aging," Kelley commented. "However, I've seen elementary school students wearing AirPods. If it can also serve as a hearing aid, I think that's truly exciting."
Apple's announcement was generally well-received on social media by hearing aid users, but many noted that traditional hearing aids have a battery life that exceeds AirPods' 3-6 hours.
"As someone with hearing impairment, this was the most thrilling announcement from today's event," one Reddit user posted Tuesday. "I hope they can improve battery life beyond 3-6 hours. It'd be great to reach 8 hours."
The integration of this innovative feature by Apple could potentially disrupt the tech-business of traditional prescription hearing aids due to the affordability of their AirPods Pro 2.
Furthermore, with Apple's new hearing aid functionality, the tech industry is now venturing into the business of addressing hearing loss, opening up a new realm for technological solutions.
