In a significant development for individuals with hearing impairments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for Apple's latest "Hearing Aid Feature." This revolutionary feature, set to be delivered through a free software update in the fall, will enable Apple AirPods Pro 2 owners to access amplified sounds, catering to those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The introduction of this feature comes two years after the FDA authorized the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, aiming to make them more accessible to the public. With more than 30 million American adults experiencing some level of hearing impairment, it is concerning that only a small fraction of these individuals actually utilize hearing aids due to various barriers such as high costs, limited availability, customer dissatisfaction, and societal stigmatization.

Research shows that untreated hearing loss can lead to detrimental health consequences, including social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and frailty. Conversely, studies indicate that using hearing aids can alleviate the severity and frequency of these health problems, and potentially extend an individual's lifespan.

With Apple's new Hearing Aid Feature, AirPods Pro 2 owners will be able to self-assess their hearing abilities through a simple five-minute test at home. This personalized feature will then adjust sound settings based on the individual's specific hearing requirements. By transforming AirPods Pro 2 into customized hearing aids, the feature focuses on enhancing essential sounds such as speech and elements present in the user's environment.

Meredith Resnick, a spokesperson for the Hearing Loss Association of America, believes that Apple's initiative will contribute to reducing the stigma associated with hearing loss and raising awareness among individuals who may require support. However, she acknowledges that over-the-counter (OTC) devices, including Apple's offering, primarily cater to those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Despite the availability of OTC options, traditional hearing aids remain expensive, with prices ranging from $99 to $7,000. In comparison, AirPods Pro 2 is priced at $249. The Hearing Loss Association of America hopes that OTC hearing aids will encourage individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss to seek treatment earlier, even if it is only required on a situational basis rather than throughout the day.

The FDA approval comes following a clinical study involving 118 participants with mild to moderate hearing loss. The study's results demonstrated that Apple's hearing aid feature provided comparable benefits to professionally fitted devices, with no adverse events observed.

Dr. Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating that the approval of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product promotes the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

As Apple prepares to roll out the Hearing Aid Feature, individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss can look forward to a more affordable and user-friendly solution that harnesses the power of technology to enhance their auditory experience.