Summary of Apple says AirPods Pro 2 can be used as 'clinical-grade' hearing aids | TechCrunch

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    Apple's New AirPods Pro 2 Feature: Addressing Hearing Loss

    Apple has announced a new feature for its flagship wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2, that aims to assist individuals with hearing loss. This feature, described as "clinical-grade," utilizes the AirPods Pro 2 to function as hearing aids. However, it is important to note that the feature has not yet received FDA clearance, although Apple expects approval "soon."

    • The hearing aid feature dynamically boosts specific sounds, such as speech or environmental elements, in real-time.
    • It also applies a personalized hearing profile to music, movies, and phone calls across devices.

    How the Hearing Aid Feature Works

    The AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature leverages the device's advanced audio capabilities to enhance sound perception. The personalized hearing profile is designed to adapt to individual user's hearing needs, providing a customized listening experience.

    Apple's Approach to Hearing Loss

    Apple's commitment to addressing hearing loss goes beyond the AirPods Pro 2 feature. Alongside this innovative feature, the company has also developed a five-minute certified hearing test for iOS 18. This test, which utilizes the AirPods Pro 2, allows users to assess their current hearing health.

    Understanding the Hearing Test

    The hearing test is conducted by playing tones at different volumes and frequencies. Users are instructed to tap on their smartphone's screen after they hear the tones. The test analyzes these responses to generate a personalized hearing profile, which is then stored in Apple's Health app.

    • Users can optionally share this hearing profile with their healthcare providers.

    Personalized Hearing Profile and Media Assist

    The personalized hearing profile generated by the hearing test is used by the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature. It can also be utilized in conjunction with a feature called Media Assist. Media Assist enhances specific parts of speech during phone calls or instruments within a soundtrack, providing a clearer listening experience.

    • Apple highlights that even individuals with minimal or no hearing loss can benefit from Media Assist's frequency adjustments.

    Availability and Release Date

    Both the hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 and the hearing test for iOS 18 will be made available in over 100 countries and regions this fall via a software update. This signifies Apple's global commitment to making these tools accessible to users worldwide.

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