AirPods become hearing aids.

If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, AirPods may be the right hearing aid for you.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved software that turns the latest AirPods Pro into over-the-counter hearing aids. The hearing aid feature will be available on eligible devices via a software update in the coming weeks.

AirPods Pro 2 will become an over-the-counter hearing aid for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Photo: Washington Post

Two years ago, the FDA approved over-the-counter hearing aids for the first time, providing more hearing loss support for many Americans.

According to Apple, the feature works by amplifying certain sounds, such as speech, while reducing the volume of others, such as background noise.

Users can check their hearing in the Apple Health app, and the AirPods will automatically adjust based on the results. However, this feature is only available on AirPods Pro 2.

The FDA stated that it tested Apple's hearing aid feature in a clinical study on 118 subjects who believed they had mild or moderate hearing loss.

Accordingly, those who set up AirPods through Apple's hearing test found similar benefits to those who had the headphones set up by a professional.

Audiologists say that over-the-counter hearing aids are best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They will be a bridge for those who cannot yet seek help due to factors such as cost or aesthetics.

Jackie Clark, a clinical professor of audiology at the University of Texas, shared: "Even with mild hearing loss, an individual's quality of life is still diminished because some isolate themselves from their community."

Apple is one of the most popular headphone brands in the world , holding a 19.2% global market share, according to research firm IDC.

Some people might find AirPods Pro 2 more appealing than traditional hearing aids because they require testing, prescriptions, and the expense of thousands of dollars.

Jitesh Ubrani, research director at IDC, believes that many brands want to enter the over-the-counter hearing aid market because there is a customer segment – ​​often over 40 – facing hearing loss but unwilling to wear hearing aids because it makes them look older. By incorporating this feature into AirPods Pro 2, Apple could create a lasting impact on the market.

However, consumer headphones are not a good solution for people with severe hearing loss, and most over-the-counter hearing aids still require professional adjustment.

(According to the Washington Post)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/airpods-tro-thanh-may-tro-thinh-2322209.html