A study conducted by WHO found that about 20% of the entire human population, or 1.5 billion people, have some hearing loss. Instead, Apple made a plan years back to aid those with hearing disabilities. Recently, they finally made good on that plan with the announcement of the new software update for AirPods Pro 2, which has become the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aid.
Hearing aid update
During Apple’s biggest event, they revealed the new iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and Apple Watch Ultra, along with some hardware and software changes. Most notable is the software update as a hearing aid on the AirPods Pro 2. This update comes from the Apple Hearing Study, which included about 160,000 participants. The goal was for the company to learn more about the issues surrounding hearing disabilities, resulting in the software update to help those with hearing disabilities.
Related story: Apple Literally Has Lots to Lose with AirPods
Traditionally, hearing aids are expensive and can make users conscious of their disability. According to a study, people with a hearing disability feel almost embarrassed to wear them. There’s also the maintenance cost and overall upkeep of these devices. Integrating the hearing aid functionality into the AirPods Pro 2 will make those with hearing issues more comfortable wearing them in public.
Other updates for the AirPods Pro 2 include head gesture controls, enhanced voice isolation, adaptive audio controls for fine-tuning, and lower latency. It also allows users to create a personalized audio profile with the TrueDepth camera for a more immersive gaming experience. With the introduction of its hearing aid features this fall for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the earbuds have become a lot more inclusive.
Hearing test
Users can take a five-minute hearing test to create a personalized hearing profile. This profile will adjust the audio settings of the AirPods Pro 2 to enhance specific sounds, such as speech, based on the user’s hearing needs.
Real-time adjustments
The AirPods Pro 2 automatically adjusts sound settings in real time, enhancing or reducing sound for the best experience.
Providing good and ideally affordable aid to augment their life and quality of living with technology is a noble mission, which was not always the focus of companies. Perhaps this is a suitable approach that does not sacrifice the bottom line.
YouTube: Apple’s AirPods Pro get FDA approval as hearing aids
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Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Apple and were made available as part of a press release.
Source: FDA press release
