How Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can be used as hearing aids
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have a groundbreaking new health feature. However, there’s a catch for Aussie customers. See the video.
Business Technology
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Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can now double as hearing aids in a remarkable new development by hailed by the tech giant as groundbreaking.
At a fraction of the cost of conventional hearing aids, the AirPods, which also feature a hearing test, could be a cost-effective alternative for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The new health feature, however, remains unavailable in Australia due to a lack of regulatory approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration despite being accessible in dozens of countries including New Zealand.
The AirPods Pro 2 currently retail in Australia for $399.
With their sleek design — and that fact that are normally used as headphones — the AirPods could also overcome the stigma of wearing hearing aids, which can be an issue for some hearing-impaired people.
Although the AirPods, won't be replace hearing aids, they are good for people who have mild hearing lost and need help in certain situations.
To unlock Apple’s hearing aid, users will first need to update their iPhones or iPads to OS 18.1 or later.
They then use their iPhones to take a personalised hearing test.
The results are then applied to their AirPods Pro 2, allowing users to use them as a hearing aids.
Once the test is complete Apple will upload the results to Apple Health where users can see a history of all the tests they have taken.
Users can also upload a hearing test from an audiologist, either in print or as a PDF, directly into Apple Health.
Apple uses the device’s camera to scan the printout and convert it into a compatible hearing test.
Additional features include Conversation Boost, which activates microphones for clearer speech, and Swipe Controls, which enable volume adjustments with a simple swipe on the device.
Apple Australia has been contacted for comment.
Originally published as How Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can be used as hearing aids
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