Apple AirPods Pro 2 approved by the US FDA as "over-the-counter hearing aids"
The US FDA has approved Apple's AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid software, allowing it to be used as an "over-the-counter hearing aid" for individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairment aged 18 and above. At the 2024 fall product launch event, Apple will introduce new features, including a hearing protection mode and a "clinical-grade" hearing aid mode. Users can conduct hearing tests through AirPods and iPhone, create personalized sound settings, and improve their hearing experience
According to the Zhitong Finance and Economics APP, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the hearing aid software for Apple (AAPL.US) AirPods Pro 2, allowing AirPods Pro 2 to be used as "over-the-counter hearing aids".
It is reported that the software is targeted at individuals aged 18 and above, or those with mild to moderate hearing impairments. At the 2024 Apple Fall New Product Launch Event, Apple announced that AirPods Pro 2 will introduce some new hearing health-related features, with the updates set to be released later this year.
The updates include a default-enabled hearing protection mode (providing passive noise reduction in noisy environments), as well as a "clinical-grade" hearing aid mode. Users will conduct a brief hearing test using AirPods and iPhone, and if hearing loss is detected, a "personalized sound configuration" file will be created. This allows AirPods Pro 2 to dynamically adjust sound according to the user's needs, making it easier for users to hear external sounds.
Apple stated that personalized hearing configurations will be automatically applied to scenarios such as music, movies, games, and calls without the need for any adjustments. These features can help individuals better engage in conversations and stay connected with people and their surroundings