Apple AirPod Pro 2s can now work as hearing aids
Apple plans to enhance AirPods Pro 2 with a clinical-grade hearing aid feature, allowing users to create personalized sound profiles at home, pending FDA approval, priced at $249.
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Apple is set to enhance its AirPods Pro 2 with a new "clinical-grade" hearing aid feature, which will provide a more accessible and affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids. This update, pending FDA approval, will be available as a free software update this fall. Users will be able to take a five-minute hearing test at home and create a personalized hearing profile to adjust sound amplification based on their specific needs. The AirPods Pro 2 will also automatically adjust audio settings across Apple devices, making them a versatile solution for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. This development follows the FDA's 2022 approval of over-the-counter hearing aids, allowing consumers to bypass medical consultations. The AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249, are significantly cheaper than many other OTC hearing aids, which can cost upwards of $995. However, they do have limitations, such as a shorter battery life compared to other options, which may affect users with more severe hearing loss. Despite these drawbacks, the AirPods Pro 2's widespread availability and discreet design could help reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids, potentially reaching millions of users who may not have sought assistance otherwise.
- Apple is introducing a hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2, pending FDA approval.
- The feature allows users to take a hearing test and create personalized sound profiles at home.
- Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids.
- The update aims to reduce stigma around hearing loss by providing a discreet solution.
- Limitations include shorter battery life compared to other hearing aid options.
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11 commentsTo give folks a sense of the cost difference, here are some numbers:
My most recent pair of hearing aides cost $4,400 in 2020. And no, these are not covered by any kind of insurance.
AirPods Pro 2 cost $250, about a 95% reduction in price.
My most recent service on one of my hearing aides that was failing cost $280.
Also, I'm really looking forward to being able to manage things like audio curves myself, vs having to go through an audiologist for every adjustment.
The only thing I'm waiting for here before making a switch is better battery life, really want 18/24hours there.
Plus hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia. So this is big!
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This is why you can buy 'hearing aids' from costco now, without ever seeing an audiologist.
I think this is great that the tech is more accessible, IF the consumers are informed about how and why things changed.
Adam Currey (of the No Agenda podcast / headbangers ball fame) did a really good critique about this when it happened, and it was one of Nancy Pelosi's pet projects that made her a bunch of money.
He made a strong case (as a person deaf in one ear and an audio specialist given his work with tech, MTV, inventing podcasts, and suffering from hearing issues himself).
I would be very very wary of any device claiming it is a hearing aid that is not tuned by an audiologist, as you may just make your hearing problem worse.
This is what set this trainwreck into motion (picked at random with a quick search): https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/16/health/fda-hearing-aids.h...
When you just change the definitions of words for everything and anything, all the sudden nothing matters because nothing can be trusted.
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