Apple AirPods are poised to revolutionize the world of hearing aids with a new ‘clinical-grade’ feature that could make them accessible to a billion people globally. The tech giant has unveiled plans to upgrade its popular wireless earphones into cutting-edge auditory assistance devices, challenging the stigma often attached to traditional hearing aids. Research suggests numerous benefits for individuals using hearing aids, such as improved relationships, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced feelings of loneliness and depression.
According to statistics from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, there is a significant gap in the utilization of hearing aids in the UK, where around seven million people could benefit from them, yet only two million currently use such devices. Professor Kevin Munro from the University of Manchester’s audiology department believes that Apple’s initiative could appeal to individuals who are noticing hearing loss but are hesitant to seek professional help or NHS aids. He likened the potential adoption of AirPods for hearing assistance to buying reading glasses without visiting an optician, suggesting it could bridge the gap between recognizing hearing loss and seeking support.
Apple recently received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids. Priced around £230, the AirPods Pro 2 will feature a Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) designed for individuals aged 18 and above with mild to moderate hearing loss. Clinical trials involving 118 participants demonstrated that the device is as effective as traditional prescription hearing aids for non-severe hearing loss. The HAF software will analyze a user’s hearing abilities and adjust the AirPods’ amplification of ambient sounds to compensate for any impairment, with plans to launch the Hearing Aid feature in over 100 countries.
The potential impact of Apple’s AirPods as hearing aids extends beyond technological innovation to potentially destigmatizing hearing assistance and increasing accessibility for those in need. With its affordability compared to traditional hearing aids, Apple’s foray into the clinical-grade hearing aid market could mark a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.