Apple AirPods Pro 2 Now Function as Hearing Aids in Australia
So, here’s some big news for Australians—Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have just received the green light to be used as hearing aids. Yes, you heard that right! Thanks to an update pushed out by Apple following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), these wireless earbuds can now assist people with mild to moderate hearing loss. This is a game changer, but of course, experts are reminding us that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The idea is simple yet innovative. AirPods Pro 2 now include a built-in hearing test that allows users to assess their hearing and adjust their settings accordingly. The test follows the same principles as clinical pure-tone audiometry, which evaluates different frequencies crucial for understanding speech. Users can take the test through their iPhone or iPad, and the results are securely stored in the Health app. If needed, these results can even be shared with a doctor or audiologist for further consultation.
For many, this is a significant step forward in accessibility. Traditional hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, making them out of reach for many individuals. With the AirPods Pro 2 priced at around $399, this provides a much more affordable entry point into hearing assistance. Plus, it removes the stigma that some people feel when wearing conventional hearing aids—after all, AirPods are already a common sight in public.
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That being said, professionals are cautioning users against relying solely on AirPods as a replacement for proper medical care. Steve Williamson from Deafness Forum Australia highlighted the importance of professional guidance, emphasizing that while this update may encourage more people to acknowledge their hearing loss, it does not replace a full hearing assessment by an audiologist.
Dr. Nicky Chong-White from the National Acoustic Laboratories agrees. She believes that this feature could help people who aren’t quite ready for traditional hearing aids but still need some level of support in certain situations—like noisy restaurants or watching TV at home. In other countries where Apple has rolled out this feature, audiologists initially had concerns about its impact on their industry. However, it turns out that more people are now getting their hearing checked, which is ultimately a win for public health.
It’s also worth mentioning that Apple’s hearing aid feature was rigorously tested before launch, and it works best when used with the correct ear tip to create a tight seal. If the fit isn’t right, the device will let the user know. And while the AirPods Pro 2 can help amplify sound and enhance speech clarity, they are not meant for severe hearing loss.
At the end of the day, if there’s any company that can make hearing aids more mainstream and socially accepted, it’s Apple. This update has the potential to shift perceptions and encourage people to seek help for their hearing earlier than they might have otherwise. But as experts remind us, this is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing hearing health.
So, what do you think? Would you consider using your AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid? This could be the start of a new era in personal hearing technology!
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