Apple Gets FDA Authorization for AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature

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Apple will soon allow the AirPods Pro 2 to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid, and the company has now received FDA clearance for the feature.

airpods pro 2 hearing aids
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.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

CloneBB Avatar
CloneBB
16 months ago
This is gonna be huge.
Score: 49 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonjames505 Avatar
jonjames505
16 months ago
We used the AirPods Pros as a form of hearing aid with my grandmother before she passed. We could speak into the iPhone and it would amplify in her ears through the AirPods. It was amazing watching her light up when she could finally hear us again.
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DelayedGratificationGene Avatar
DelayedGratificationGene
16 months ago
Amazing Apple. Saving lives and health helping everyone. Thank you Tim and Apple!
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vertsix Avatar
vertsix
16 months ago
Just FYI - this means you can likely* use FSA/HSA funds from your insurance to purchase them.

https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/ear/are-hearing-aids-fsa-eligible

*YMMV.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FoxBJK Avatar
FoxBJK
16 months ago

Wonder what markets this will cut into.
https://www.inc.com/reuters/hearing-aid-makers-shares-slip-after-apple-air-pods-release.html

There's no stigma wearing AirPods all day, and by contrast no one wants to wear hearing aids. This could be devastating for the market.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joshwithachance Avatar
joshwithachance
16 months ago
This is HUGE... And arguably the best thing to come out of Monday's keynote.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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