Apple unveiled new products at their recent fall product reveal event, including the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10. However, one of the most significant announcements was the addition of hearing aid functionality to the Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. This new feature, approved by the FDA, will make the AirPods Pro 2 one of the most affordable over-the-counter hearing aid options on the market.
Experts are calling this new hearing aid feature a game changer, as it can benefit the more than 30 million Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss. The AirPods Pro 2 will automatically adjust to the user’s hearing level, providing crystal-clear audio and reducing ambient sounds. Additionally, the earbuds offer active noise cancellation and the ability to act as hearing protectors.
To access the hearing aid feature, users will need to pair their AirPods Pro 2 with an Apple iPhone and complete a clinical-grade home hearing test. The test results will personalize the AirPods Pro 2 settings to the user’s specific hearing needs. The firmware update for this feature is expected to be released in October and will be a free upgrade for existing AirPods Pro 2 owners.
In addition to the hearing aid functionality, the AirPods Pro 2 offer features like adaptive audio, pro-level active noise cancellation, and a transparency mode. These earbuds are IP54 rated for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for use during workouts or at the gym. The adaptive audio feature allows the AirPods Pro 2 to automatically adjust to different environments, providing a customized audio experience for the user.
While the hearing aid feature will only be available for the AirPods Pro 2, other Apple AirPods models do not offer this functionality. The AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, and AirPods Max headphones will not receive the hearing aid update.
Overall, the addition of hearing aid functionality to the Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds represents a significant step towards making hearing assistance more accessible and affordable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The combination of advanced features and a budget-friendly price point makes the AirPods Pro 2 a compelling option for those in need of hearing assistance.