Apple Introduces Groundbreaking Features for Hearing Loss

Apple has announced that its latest AirPods Pro will come with built-in hearing aids, designed to help over 1 billion people globally with mild to moderate hearing loss.

• The AirPods Pro will feature a personalized hearing aid function that adjusts sounds in real-time based on individual hearing tests conducted on iPhones or iPads.
• Users will take a 5-minute hearing test, and the results, including audiograms, will be stored privately in the Health app.
• The AirPods Pro will make "personalized dynamic adjustments" to boost sounds to prescribed levels, helping users better engage in conversations and stay connected to their environments.

Seamless Integration with iPhone and iPad

The personalized hearing settings from the hearing test will automatically apply to any media the user listens to, including phone calls and music, through the AirPods Pro.

Noise Reduction and Hearing Loss Prevention

In addition to the hearing aid feature, the AirPods Pro will also include a passive noise-reduction functionality that automatically dampens ambient loud noises while retaining audio integrity. This feature is designed to help prevent further hearing loss and would be particularly useful at live concerts.

Addressing a Global Health Issue

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 billion people globally live with some degree of hearing loss. Apple aims to drive more awareness around hearing health and empower individuals with customizable tools to stay connected.

• "For decades, Apple has led the way in designing products for everyone and supporting users with a broad spectrum of hearing abilities," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives.

Sleep Apnea Detection on Apple Watch

Apple also announced new Apple Watch features to detect sleep apnea. The device will use a "Breathing Disturbances" metric to trigger sleep apnea notifications, a feature expected to roll out this month after approval from global health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Accessibility and Health at the Forefront

These new health features on the AirPods Pro and Apple Watch demonstrate Apple's commitment to accessibility and providing innovative solutions to address global health issues, such as hearing loss and sleep disorders.