While Apple’s long-expected iPhone 16 was the main hero of the “It’s Glowtime” event, the very main disruptive announcement came completely from another direction: Apple announced a software update coming to AirPods Pro 2, one that could change the face of the hearing aid industry.
The high-end AirPods Pro 2 will soon become over-the-counter hearing devices after the FDA greenlighted the software update that makes them qualified to fit into such a category. This is a great moment not only for Apple but also for millions of people suffering from hearing loss.
FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids
In that respect, the FDA announced on Thursday that, due to a software update-dubbed the “Hearing Aid Feature”-Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 would now officially be considered an over-the-counter hearing aid. With this precedent-setting approval, a new era in accessible, affordable hearing support through a widely employed consumer product has taken a monumental leap for the hearing health community.
“Hearing loss is a significant public health concern affecting millions of Americans,” said Michelle Tarver of the FDA. She added, “Today’s marketing authorization of an OTC hearing aid software on a commonly used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.”
This approval follows an earlier decision in October of 2022, when the FDA allowed the sale of hearing aids without a prescription. A decision that dramatically opened up the market for hearing devices, including over-the-counter ones. You might want to get more about the work FDA is doing to make hearing aids accessible from the official page they have prepared for the subject of hearing aids.
AirPods Pro: The New Age of Accessible Hearing Aids
This software update sees Apple turn its successful AirPods Pro 2 into dual-purpose devices for top-of-the-line wireless audio and legitimate hearing aids. This capability will be enabled in iOS 18, where users will first engage in a native hearing test. The test will mark whether users have mild to moderate hearing loss, after which a user can turn on the hearing aid feature on their AirPods Pro 2.
Moreover, if a user has already gone through a hearing test by a doctor, they can upload those results to their iOS device and use this feature.
The fact that Apple is entering the market for hearing aids shouldn’t raise any eyebrows at all. The company has lately been focused on health and wellness, and an already Wearable Apple Watch has been credited by several users for being a lifesaver since it can detect irregular heartbeats and warn about further health risks. This update to AirPods Pro 2 is just the latest example of how Apple’s technology can help to improve everyday health.
A Game Changer in the Hearing Aid Industry?
By some estimates, according to the NIDCD, 37.5 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids were expensive and complicated, thus beyond the reach of many, until recently. With new regulations put forth by the FDA and an influx of over-the-counter hearing aids, this treatment option is now being opened to more available and reasonably priced devices.
If Apple enters this space, it could create a seismic shift in the market. Traditional hearing aids can cost well into the thousands of dollars, and accessibility has always been the issue. Given that AirPods Pro 2 is available at about $249, Apple provides a much more affordable option for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss.
This compares to the cost of regular hearing aids that range in price from $1,000 to $6,000. If Apple can offer this for a fraction of that cost, it may force other manufacturers of hearing aids to reconsider how much they charge and what they are selling.
Want to learn more about AirPods Pro 2 and how they will help you hear better? Go to Apple’s official product page now.
How Apple’s New Hearing Test Works
Apple’s hearing test is available with iOS 18 through settings when the AirPods Pro 2 are connected. During this test, the technology will check how well the user is capable of hearing different sounds. If the test detects hearing loss from mild to moderate, then the hearing aid action engages.
Alternatively, if one already has a professional hearing test, that can be uploaded into the system so as to cut to the chase, go ahead and use its hearing aid capabilities straightaway without needing to repeat the test.
What this update goes to show is how far Apple will go to stretch its arms in bringing technology, health, and wellness together in day-to-day living products.
What This Means to Users
Now is a great time for those reliant on hearing aids or recently diagnosed with any form of hearing loss. The fact that the AirPods Pro 2 also double as OTC hearing aids means millions of people will be afforded high-quality hearing support in the same product they may already own. With that said, AirPods Pro 2 are certainly within reach for those who could have otherwise been priced beyond the market for hearing aids.
Apple AirPods Pro Receives FDA Approval to Double as Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Now Your AirPods Pro Can Have Revolutionary Hearing Aid Capabilities
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 16 might have been the showstopper of the “It’s Glowtime” event, but the most revolutionary announcement was in an entirely other direction. At the event, Apple announced a software update for AirPods Pro 2 that could dramatically change the industry of hearing aids.
With a recently approved software update from the FDA, these premium AirPods Pros 2s will become over-the-counter hearing aids. This is no less than a monumental move by Apple for millions of people who suffer from hearing loss.
FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids
In a press statement issued Thursday, the FDA said it will recognize Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 as an over-the-counter hearing aid once the company releases software to make the devices compliant with the agency’s rules on do-it-yourself hearing aids. This decision is revolutionary for the hearing health community. It starts bringing in a new world of accessible, affordable hearing support through a consumer product already in prevalent use.
“Hearing loss is a significant public health concern affecting millions of Americans,” said Michelle Tarver of the FDA. “Today’s marketing authorization of an OTC hearing aid software on a commonly used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.”
This approval follows the FDA’s earlier move in October 2022 to allow hearing aids without prescriptions, which further opened up a wider market for hearing devices, even over-the-counter ones. If you want more about the FDA’s role in making hearing aids more accessible, you can consider going to their official page about hearing aids.
AirPods Pro: The New Generation of Accessible Hearing Aids
With this software update, Apple is turning already quite successful AirPods Pro 2s into two-in-one devices: top-notch wireless audio and functional hearing aids. This feature will go live through iOS 18, through which users will be able to take a built-in hearing test to find out whether they have mild to moderate hearing loss, which they can then use to turn the hearing aid function on with their AirPods Pro 2s.
Besides, users who have had a hearing test with their doctor can import those results into the iOS device to apply this innovative feature.
While surprising, Apple’s foray into the world of hearing aids isn’t completely unforeseen. Having recently taken an interest in health and wellness, the Apple Watch has become a lifesaver for several people who’ve been able to detect irregular heartbeats and get warnings of other potential health hazards. This latest update to the AirPods Pro 2 is just another example of how Apple is using its technology to improve everyday health.
A Potential Game Changer for the Hearing Aid Industry
According to the NIDCD, approximately 37.5 million adults in America have some degree of hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids were too expensive and bulky, with the whole process of getting them being quite inconvenient. Fortunately, with the new FDA regulations and provided OTC options for hearing aids, the doors are finally open toward more available and affordable means.
This could be a major coup for the market upon entry, seeing as traditional hearing aids have had many thousands of dollars in cost, with accessibility having always been one big concern. For users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, Apple offers the radical alternative that is the AirPods Pro 2, available for about $249.
For comparison, traditional hearing aids can range in cost from $1,000 to $6,000. Introducing AirPods Pro 2 with the same hearing aid capabilities at a fraction of this cost, and the pressure will likely be on to make other hearing aid makers revisit their pricing and product offerings.
How Apple’s New Hearing Test Works
The hearing test from Apple is also included in iOS 18, which becomes available through settings once AirPods Pro 2 are connected. It will check an individual’s ability to recognize different sounds; once it detects mild or moderate hearing loss, it automatically toggles the hearing aid on.
If there has already been a professional hearing test, a user can upload their results into the system and access directly the functionality of the hearing aid without having to go through testing in any way.
It summarizes how well Apple has continued to push boundaries towards the integration of health and wellness within your products.
What This Means for Users
That’s exciting news for those reliant on hearing aids or who have recently been diagnosed with the condition. Considering AirPods Pro 2 will now double as OTC hearing aids, millions will be able to receive high-quality hearing support affordably, within a product that many may already own. For this reason, AirPods Pro 2 is a highly accessible option for individuals who might otherwise have been priced out of the market.
The Future of Hearing Health
Bold, pathbreaking, and definitely something that will leave its mark, Apple’s entry into the hearing aid industry is going to be a wonder to behold. In fact, as technology continues to develop, consumers will enjoy many benefits by getting entertainment and health functions combined in a single tool.
The future is indeed bright for those looking for more accessible, affordable hearing aid solutions or to enhance their hearing experience with the AirPods Pro 2. And Apple just keeps breaking down barriers that have, for too long, kept hearing aids out of the reach of so many.
For deeper insight into the future of hearing health and OTCs, make sure to explore the latest from the Hearing Industries Association.
