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Just days after Apple announced a new hearing aid feature for the second-generation AirPods Pro, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the software that powers this functionality. In a press release, the FDA describes Apple’s solution as “the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device.”
The feature “was evaluated in a clinical study with 118 subjects with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss,” according to the FDA, and “the results demonstrated that subjects who used the HAF self-fitting strategy achieved similar perceived benefit as subjects who received professional fitting of the same device.”
Enabling the AirPods Pro to double as clinical-grade hearing aids is one of several new features that Apple is bringing to the second-gen AirPods Pro this fall as part of the company’s continued focus on hearing health. The earbuds will also gain a Hearing Protection mode that allows them to safeguard your ears in loud environments like concerts. Hearing Protection will be enabled by default and preserve “natural and vibrant” sound at live performances.
Additionally, AirPods Pro owners will be able to access a new Hearing Test that asks them to tap the screen when they hear a variety of tones played through the earbuds. Test results will appear in Apple’s Health app and will be used to create a personalized audio profile for the hearing aid feature.
The feature “was evaluated in a clinical study with 118 subjects with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss,” according to the FDA, and “the results demonstrated that subjects who used the HAF self-fitting strategy achieved similar perceived benefit as subjects who received professional fitting of the same device.”
Enabling the AirPods Pro to double as clinical-grade hearing aids is one of several new features that Apple is bringing to the second-gen AirPods Pro this fall as part of the company’s continued focus on hearing health. The earbuds will also gain a Hearing Protection mode that allows them to safeguard your ears in loud environments like concerts. Hearing Protection will be enabled by default and preserve “natural and vibrant” sound at live performances.
Additionally, AirPods Pro owners will be able to access a new Hearing Test that asks them to tap the screen when they hear a variety of tones played through the earbuds. Test results will appear in Apple’s Health app and will be used to create a personalized audio profile for the hearing aid feature.
Apple gets FDA authorization to turn the AirPods Pro into hearing aids
Apple’s earbuds are “the first OTC hearing aid software device.”
www.theverge.com