Apple’s New Earbuds: A Medical Feature for the Hearing Impaired

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In an effort to go beyond being just a listening device, Apple has announced a series of important updates focusing on hearing health for users of the AirPods Pro Double. These updates include a new feature that serves as a medical-grade hearing assistant for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.

This development follows the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2022 for the hearing assistant feature, allowing users to purchase over-the-counter hearing devices that offer customized amplification of surrounding sounds.

The new feature in Apple's earbuds uses machine learning technology to adjust sound frequencies, providing clearer and more vibrant audio based on the user's specific needs. The earbuds are capable of making instant adjustments during daily tasks, making them especially useful for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Significantly Lower Cost

While traditional hearing aids can cost up to $3,000, Apple’s earbuds are available for just $249, giving them a significant price advantage.

Regarding the new earbuds' price, Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, said, "The price point is much lower than some of the other high-quality over-the-counter products available."

She added, "With Apple entering this field, they are drawing significant attention to hearing health and addressing hearing loss, which is a key aspect of public health."

Experts told CBS MoneyWatch that the new earbuds could make a real difference, as 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization.