Thursday, 24 April 2025
29.8 C
Singapore
31.5 C
Thailand
25 C
Indonesia
28.7 C
Philippines

AirPods Pro 2 to become clinical-grade hearing aids this fall with a software update

AirPods Pro 2 will soon function as clinical-grade hearing aids with an update this fall, offering enhanced hearing for users with mild to moderate loss.

Apple announced earlier today that the AirPods Pro 2 will soon offer a groundbreaking feature: the ability to function as a clinical-grade hearing aid. With a software update expected this fall, the popular wireless earbuds will be transformed into personalised hearing devices. This marks a significant advancement in Apple’s long-standing focus on hearing health, which began with innovations like the Noise app on the Apple Watch and the iPhone’s headphone audio level monitoring.

Transforming AirPods into hearing aids

The upcoming update will introduce a new feature called the Hearing Test, allowing users with mild to moderate hearing loss to turn their AirPods Pro 2 into over-the-counter hearing aids. These hearing aids will be customisable with an audiogram created by a hearing health professional. Apple says the Hearing Test and hearing aid functionalities are scientifically validated, not just experimental features. Both are based on extensive studies and backed by scientific evidence, offering a reliable solution for hearing assistance.

This personalised hearing aid capability will adjust dynamically to the sounds around you, boosting speech and environmental sounds in real-time. Whether you’re in a conversation or listening to your surroundings, the update will make it easier for you to stay engaged with those around you. Moreover, this personalised hearing profile will extend beyond regular hearing aids, including improved audio experiences for music, movies, and phone calls across Apple devices.

Making hearing aids more accessible

This new feature is expected to have a profound impact on people with hearing impairments. By integrating hearing aids into a widely used device like the AirPods, Apple is making hearing assistance more affordable and discreet. Instead of using bulky or traditional hearing aids, users can now wear AirPods, which are already commonplace and accepted as part of modern tech culture. This update could help reduce any stigma associated with wearing hearing aids in public.

However, Apple’s hearing health focus isn’t limited to those diagnosed with hearing loss. The company’s research indicates that many people are unknowingly at risk of damaging their hearing. In a study conducted by Apple, it was revealed that one in three people is regularly exposed to high levels of noise that can negatively impact hearing. To address this, Apple is adding more health-related features to the AirPods Pro 2, such as a default hearing protection setting designed to minimise background noise exposure.

Enhanced hearing for all

The update will benefit individuals with hearing loss and those without any diagnosed impairment. The Hearing Test can offer personalised audio adjustments across different frequencies, enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, a new feature called Media Assist will improve the clarity of specific sounds during phone calls or music playback, making it easier for users to hear speech or distinguish instruments.

Apple has confirmed that this update, including the hearing aid and hearing test features, will soon receive approval from the global health authority. Later this fall, these new functionalities will roll out in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.

Hot this week

Chinese tech companies race to expand AI services using new open-standard protocol

Chinese tech firms race to adopt MCP, boosting AI agent use and shaping the future of smart services in payment, maps, and cloud tools.

ASUS introduces the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking

ASUS launches VivoWatch 6 Aero, the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking, powered by advanced health AI.

Tenable uncovers critical privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Composer

Tenable exposes a GCP vulnerability in Cloud Composer that allows privilege escalation through interdependent cloud services.

Zoho partners with Cradle to boost Malaysia’s startup ecosystem

Zoho and Cradle are partnering to provide RM44 million in software credits to 4,400 startups, supporting Malaysia's tech innovation drive.

Rivian adds Cohere CEO to its board, showing confidence in AI direction

Rivian welcomes Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez to its board, marking a big move into AI and advanced tech for future vehicle innovation.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories