"AirPods Pro can help with hearing loss," reads a brand new Apple pop-up when users connect their AirPods Pro 2 devices. "Your AirPods Pro can be used as a clinical-grade hearing aid."
That's right. AirPods Pro are now considered an "over-the-counter" option for those in need of external devices for hearing loss, the company unveiled at its keynote "Glowtime" event. "This first-of-its-kind software-based Hearing Aid feature brings users the ability to fine-tune their experience at any time," Apple explained, "making access to hearing assistance easier than ever at an approachable price point."
Apple kept major changes to its line of AirPods to a minimum this go-around, opting instead to invest more in a series of in-ear device features designed to build out a "hearing health" ecosystem. In addition to new, automatic Loud Sound Reduction, Apple's new Hearing Aid mode is bolstered by a "scientifically validated" Hearing Test module, which provides an at-home assessment option for users based on what is known as "pure-tone audiometry." The results of this test can then be used to further customize audio settings in normal listening mode, as well as when AirPods are placed into Hearing Aid mode. Users can also upload their own audiograms to create custom Hearing Aid profiles.
The official hearing aid release builds on a series of audio-enhancing updates made to AirPods over the last few years, including the option for "Live Listening" and "Conversation Boost."
"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” wrote Apple’s vice president of Health Sumbul Desai. Wearables for noise-cancelling or noise-enhancing have become increasingly popular among users in public spaces, including over-ear bluetooth headphones and in-ear plugs used to help those with sensory processing disorders.
For some, Apple's introduction of a "free" hearing aid add-on signals an even greater normalization — possibly universalization — of hearing devices, an often inaccessibly-priced accessibility device for those who are Deaf or have partial hearing loss.
The feature, like the company's other new health features, are still pending FDA approval, but are expected to debut to AirPods Pro 2 in an upcoming software update. Apple added a fleet of new accessibility features in May, including eye-tracking and motion haptics for users who are blind.
