Most of Apple’s Glowtime event was about the new iPhone 16 series, Apple Intelligence and the otherwise usually glamorous things. However, Apple also used the stage to upgrade its complete portfolio of AirPods and launched the new AirPods 4 while adding useful functionalities to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max. One of the most important announcements though was a feature for the latest AirPods Pro, positioning them as a medical device. Apple says that the AirPods Pro 2 can now function as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for users who need them.
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.”
According to WHO estimates there are approximately 63 million people in India who are suffering from Significant Auditory Impairment. The professional grade hearing aids are usually expensive and sometimes difficult to afford for everyone. The AirPods Pro 2, Rs 24,900, provides an affordable alternative for those with hearing loss.
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.
Also, a feature like this, which is still new and work in progress, will take time to learn, improve and evolve. It will be available this fall with an iOS 18 update.