Apple introduces hearing aid functionality to AirPods Pro 2

Apple has unveiled a new feature for its AirPods Pro 2, transforming them into over-the-counter hearing aids. This announcement was made during the company's product launch event, where Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple's vice president of health, explained that the new function is designed to assist more than 1 billion people globally who experience mild to moderate hearing loss. The feature enhances specific sound frequencies, making them “clearer and more vibrant,” and uses machine learning to adjust in real-time based on environmental changes.

Priced at $249, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offers a cheaper and more accessible option compared to traditional prescription hearing aids, which can cost thousands of dollars. However, they are not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to require prescriptions for users under 18.

Apple’s hearing aid feature comes two years after the FDA approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, allowing adults to purchase devices without a doctor’s visit. Apple expects FDA clearance for its AirPods hearing aid feature “very soon,” with availability in over 100 countries by fall.

Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, praised Apple’s innovation, saying, "This is what we wanted in the market... technology innovation to really get people to pay attention to their hearing health."