AirPods Pro 2 can now function as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for users who need them.
Apple believes that a commonly used product like the AirPods, can not only help people identify hearing loss, but also help people suffering with it.
Apple has developed a one-of-its-kind Hearing Test that will use the iPhones as well as the AirPods to test the hearing health of its users.
Apple, in its Glowtime event, announced that AirPods Pro 2 can now function as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for users who need them. It quoted the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and claimed that around 80 pct adults in the US have not had their hearing checked. Apple believes that a commonly used product like the AirPods, can not only help people identify hearing loss, but also help people suffering with it.
To ensure this, Apple has developed a one-of-its-kind Hearing Test that will use the iPhones as well as the AirPods to test the hearing health of its users. The functionality will be available later this year in over 100 countries and can be a game-changer for the health tech industry.
Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, stated, “We’re introducing this innovative capability to assist over 1 billion people worldwide with mild to moderate hearing loss.”
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How Apple’s Hearing Aid Will Work
Apple has apparently created its own version of the traditional hearing test. Instead of visiting the doctor, and using bulky equipment, the AirPods Pro and iPhone can deliver a similar experience. Apple says the combination of these devices can offer a test comparable to what you’d receive from an audiologist.
- The users will see a Hearing Health Section on their iPhone’s Settings Menu.
- The system will check if your AirPods fit properly or not.
- It will also check if the environment is quiet enough for accurate results.
- If everything is fine, the hearing test will begin.
- Once the test begins, active noise cancellation (ANC) is activated, and you’ll tap the iPhone screen when you hear tones in each ear.
- You will get your results on the iPhone screen as soon as the test is over.
Apple says the test is developed by analysing 150,000 real-world audiograms and running millions of simulations to ensure it is not only quick and easy but also precise. The final result will inform the users if they gave any hearing loss in each of the ear.
In case the loss is minimal, the software may suggest minor adjustments to the Media Assist settings to enhance your experience during phone calls or when listening to audio. If the loss ins mild to moderate, the test might recommend using the AirPods Pro’s Hearing Aid feature to improve daily listening and communication.
The results of the test will be available within the Health app. You can access them anytime you want, you can also take the test as many times as you want.
Is It An Absolute Solution?
No really. Anyone using AirPods as an hearing aid needs to understand this is a software-based solution that can only enhance certain frequencies so that you hear enhanced sounds on the AirPods Pro. A solution like this will work for people who have low to mild hearing loss but those who have severe hearing loss, will eventually have to visit the audiologist for further assistance.
It’s still a welcome move. “I’m thrilled Apple is introducing important tools to support people’s hearing health. These tools will help people protect their ears from noise pollution, be aware of changes in their hearing over time, and have important conversations with their healthcare providers when they need additional support,” said Rick Neitzel, University of Michigan School of Public Health’s professor of Environmental Health Sciences and principal investigator of the Apple Hearing Study.
It will be available this fall with an iOS 18 update.
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