Apple’s New AirPods Serve as Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

Apple’s innovative AirPods Pro 2 are set to introduce a groundbreaking feature aimed particularly at American adults dealing with hearing loss. The latest iteration of these wireless earbuds now offers capabilities that extend beyond music listening, transforming them into a device that could significantly assist those with hearing impairments.

This development is largely viewed by medical professionals as a potential game changer. Traditionally, many individuals who could benefit from hearing assistance have faced challenges, including financial burdens and social stigma. Experts have highlighted these issues to CBS MoneyWatch, noting that Apple’s forthcoming enhancements to the AirPods could greatly ease these burdens.

As of late 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took steps to allow Americans to purchase hearing aids over-the-counter, a move aimed at reducing costs associated with hearing assistance. Now, Apple’s upgraded AirPods could provide a more affordable choice for those experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. At the company’s annual tech launch, it unveiled features aimed at this audience, including hearing protection, a built-in hearing test, and the introduction of an over-the-counter hearing aid functionality, which Apple states will simplify access to hearing aid solutions.

While these new features promise much, it’s important to note that they have not yet received FDA approval. Nevertheless, experts believe that they could significantly impact the lives of many, particularly as the World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 billion people across the globe contend with hearing loss.

Dr. Sujana Chandrasekhar, an esteemed otologist and neurotologist at Mount Sinai, voiced her frustration over the limited uptake of over-the-counter hearing aids, indicating that a majority of people who could benefit from these devices are currently not doing so. According to Dr. Chandrasekhar, untreated hearing loss can create issues such as social seclusion, leading to depression and potentially even dementia over time.

She compared the current market offerings of over-the-counter hearing aids to inexpensive reading glasses found in convenience stores yet noted a crucial difference: the social perception surrounding their use. “People are willing to wear stylish glasses, and no one looks twice. However, hearing aids still carry the stigma of age,” she explained. With Apple’s sleek AirPods design, users may overcome this hurdle; they look and feel like regular earphones rather than traditional hearing aids.

The AirPods Pro 2 will feature a hearing test that amplifies sound based on the user’s specific hearing loss needs. This design could encourage more individuals to seek help without the fear of stigma, as having devices in one’s ears is virtually normalized in contemporary society.

In terms of affordability, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 stand out. Traditional technologically advanced hearing aids can cost upwards of $3,000, a price that can be prohibitive for many. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 are offered at a more accessible price of $249. Though these earbuds are currently available, the anticipated hearing assistance features are pending FDA approval.

Barbara Kelley, the executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, emphasized the importance of having a product that not only serves the mainstream market but also aids individuals with hearing loss. She stated that Apple’s entry into the market could spotlight the importance of hearing health as an integral part of overall wellness. She further suggested that users who find AirPods engaging might be encouraged to explore further treatments for hearing loss sooner.

However, not all experts view this development as entirely beneficial. Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, an ear, nose, and throat specialist based in Illinois, raised concerns about the social implications of using AirPods. He noted that people may avoid initiating conversations with someone wearing AirPods, assuming they are preoccupied. Furthermore, older adults—who are typically the group that requires hearing aids most—often have larger ear canals, which might result in an improper fit for the AirPods. Lastly, while traditional hearing aids are built to last throughout the day, the battery life of AirPods could be a limiting factor for users needing extended assistance.

As Apple moves forward with these enhancements, the broader implications for hearing health and accessibility remain to be seen.

Source: CBS News