Michele DiStefano, Director of Hearing Services
Here's exciting news about a technology update by Apple that could inspire more people to address their hearing issues.
The FDA has approved a new software feature that transforms AirPods Pro 2 into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The feature will be available in iOS 18 when it's released to the public (sometime soon).
Apple's New Hearing Assistance Features
Once activated, the new technology will enable AirPods Pro 2 users to access more sound during daily social interactions and while streaming and talking on the phone. Key features include:
Transparency Mode: Amplifies sounds around you while filtering out background noise, allowing for clearer conversations in busy areas.
Customizable Sound Settings: Users can manually adjust audio settings, like boosting high or low frequencies, to better suit their hearing needs.
Built-In Hearing Test: Helps assess individual hearing levels and automatically calibrates the AirPods Pro 2 settings for personalized audio enhancement.
Automatic Noise Reduction: The built-in microphones reduce background noise and prioritize speech clarity, ideal for crowded or noisy environments.
Health App Integration: Syncs with Apple’s Health app, allowing users to monitor noise exposure and adjust their hearing settings based on their environment.
If you have older AirPods, you still will be able to enhance listening while streaming music, watching videos, or talking on the phone. But you'll need AirPods Pro 2 for the complete OTC hearing aid experience.
Are AirPods Pro 2 OTC Hearing Aids Right for You?
I'm really excited about this innovation and its potential to increase hearing aid usage. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact our physical, mental and emotional health. So, the more people who take action to address their hearing issues, the healthier we'll all be.
It's important to remember that over-the-counter hearing aids are for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have a more significant hearing loss, you will not experience a satisfactory benefit from OTC aids and instead will need to be fitted with prescription hearing aids by an audiologist or other hearing health professional.
Also, I'm seeing instances where people with a moderate hearing loss aren't getting the benefit they need from OTC aids. It's always best, therefore, to partner with your audiologist to determine the technology solution that's most suitable for you.
Role of the Audiologist
Audiologists play an essential role in helping clients navigate their hearing needs. A licensed audiologist is skilled in providing personalized and comprehensive assessments to evaluate hearing loss and determine just the right devices to best meet individual hearing and communication needs. This partnership includes education on device usage, adjustments, and ongoing support—all necessary measures to ensure clients make informed decisions that enhance communication and quality of life.
I strongly encourage everyone to get an annual hearing test (which is typically covered by insurance). You'll want to see a licensed audiologist for a comprehensive hearing assessment, including testing of different pitches and word understanding. Anyone experiencing a sudden change in their hearing needs to see an audiologist immediately.
We're Here for You
At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), we see hearing tech innovations as a step forward in making hearing care more accessible for everyone. If you have questions about how these features could benefit you or need guidance in setting up your AirPods Pro 2, our audiologists are here to help.
Contact us to make an appointment in NYC at 917-305-7766 or in Ft. Lauderdale at 954-601-1930. Use the Ask the Experts feature to submit any and all questions.
We're pleased to be your partner in healthy hearing!
About the Author
Michele DiStefano, AuD, CCC-A, is Director of CHC's Shelley and Steven Einhorn Audiology Center and Berelson Hearing Technology Center. Dr. DiStefano joined CHC in 2017 with expertise in pediatric audiology honed at Beth Israel Medical Center, Clarke Schools, and New York Eye and Ear. A graduate of the audiology program at CUNY-Brooklyn College, Dr. DiStefano sees children and adults at CHC with a focus on comprehensive diagnostic testing, fitting of amplification/FM systems, post-fitting counseling and Early Intervention.
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