Apple gotFDA approval forAirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature - The feature was announced earlier this week
- The feature will rollout later this year
Earlier this week, Apple hosted its much-awaited 'It's Glowtime' event and during the presentation, we all got a glimpse of the AirPods Pro 2. The all-new Airpods were introduced more than just a pair of TWS earbuds this time. Apple had said that people with mild to moderate hearing loss could use the Airpods as a hearing device. However, this had been pending of an approval from the US Food and Drug Administration at the time. Now, Apple has received the
Apple gets FDA approval
As mentioned already, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have been approved by the FDA to function as over-the-counter hearing aids. This approval, which comes through a software update, marks the first time a mainstream consumer device has received such authorisation, opening up new possibilities for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The software update is expected to roll out later this year and will be available in over 100 countries.
What can the AirPods Pro 2 do?
With this feature, users of the AirPods Pro 2 can now enhance real-time sound, making conversations clearer and boosting environmental awareness. This innovation comes as a solution to the millions worldwide living with hearing loss, helping people hear more effectively without the need for traditional hearing aids.
Apple had announced this update durings the It's Glowtime event, explaining how AirPods Pro 2 could be “transformed” into hearing aids. The FDA’s recent authorisation now allows this feature to be fully integrated, providing a significant boost to accessibility. Unlike conventional hearing aids, the AirPods Pro 2 will allow users to enhance sounds without undergoing a medical exam or visiting an audiologist.
This development follows the FDA’s 2022 decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Apple’s new feature aligns with this trend, enabling more people to access hearing assistance directly.
Other features of AirPods Pro 2
During the event, Apple had also acknowledged that hearing loss is a significant concern worldwide, with 1.5 billion people affected. The company added that it has designed an all-in-one solution to prevent, monitor, and assist with hearing health.
One of the highlights of the new AirPods Pro 2 is the Active Hearing Protection feature. This helps users minimise their exposure to loud environmental noises, which can contribute to hearing damage over time. The system operates across all listening modes by default.
To raise awareness about potential hearing issues, Apple also introduced a self-administered Hearing Test feature that works in sync with the AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad. This clinically validated test mimics the standard pure-tone audiometry used in clinical settings.
Apple also said that users can take the test in just five minutes from the comfort of their home, and once completed, they receive a detailed summary of their results. The results, which include an audiogram, are stored in the Health app, allowing users to share them with healthcare providers for further consultation.