In a groundbreaking move, Apple has secured approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to incorporate hearing aid features into its latest AirPods Pro 2. This development marks a significant step in making hearing support more accessible and affordable for millions.
Unveiled earlier this week, the AirPods Pro 2 will receive a software upgrade that enables users to test their hearing and receive assisted listening both in daily activities and while streaming online content. Priced at $249, these devices offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional clinical-grade hearing aids, though they require users to adopt Apple's ecosystem.
FDA acting director Michelle Tarver emphasized the public health importance of this approval, stating, \"Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans.\" She highlighted that Apple's advancements enhance the availability and accessibility of hearing support for adults experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.
Using an iPhone or iPad, users can conduct a quick five-minute hearing test by tapping the screen in response to various tones. The results help calibrate the AirPods Pro 2, creating a personalized hearing profile stored privately in the Apple Health app. This profile is seamlessly applied across all Apple devices, enhancing the listening experience without the need for manual adjustments, a feature not typically available in standard hearing aids.
Apple Vice President of Health, Sumbul Desai, remarked, \"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked.\" The company noted that over a billion people worldwide suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, underscoring the potential global impact of this innovation.
Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, praised Apple's initiative, stating, \"The fact that a product that millions of people already own will offer hearing help and protection is a big step forward.\"
Apple plans to roll out these features in more than 100 countries in the coming months, pending approvals from relevant health authorities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
