Apple has secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to introduce a new feature allowing its upcoming AirPods Pro to function as hearing aids, potentially shaking up the hearing aid market.
The AirPods Pro 2, recently added to Apple’s lineup, will soon include a software upgrade enabling users to test their hearing and use the devices for assisted listening in everyday situations and while streaming content.
A study cited by the FDA showed that users found the AirPods as effective as professional hearing aids. “Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans,” said Michelle Tarver, FDA’s acting director, adding that Apple’s software enhances access to hearing support for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 2 are significantly more affordable than traditional clinical-grade hearing aids. The upcoming feature will allow users to create a personalized hearing profile stored in the Apple Health app, which can be applied automatically across calls, music, and media without needing adjustments.
Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, called the development “a big step forward,” as millions of people already own AirPods.
Apple plans to roll out the hearing aid functionality in over 100 countries, pending regulatory approval. This is part of the tech giant’s broader push to integrate health features into its devices, with Apple Watch already offering tools like heart rhythm monitoring and sleep apnea detection.
