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This feature offers a personalised hearing profile through an integrated test.
Apple has introduced a significant software update for its AirPods Pro 2 in the United Kingdom, transforming these popular earbuds into personalised hearing assistance devices. This update empowers users to conduct a self-administered hearing test directly through their AirPods Pro 2, in conjunction with a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Last year, Apple introduced a range of hearing health features for the iPhone, including the hearing aid functionality for AirPods Pro, which is now being gradually implemented based on regulatory approvals.
Users initiate the feature with a hearing test determining their ability to perceive specific sounds to identify potential mild to moderate hearing loss. This data is subsequently saved on the iPhone for diverse uses.
Upon completing the personalised hearing test, the iPhone or iPad records and stores the user’s unique hearing profile. This profile isn’t just a general assessment it pinpoints specific frequency ranges and patterns where the user experiences diminished hearing sensitivity.
This functionality extends to real-world listening, allowing the AirPods to amplify environmental sounds for improved clarity.
Apple stated that millions in the UK experience mild to moderate hearing loss and referenced research indicating that neglecting this condition can negatively impact health and wellbeing, potentially leading to social isolation and increased dementia risk.
Integrating this hearing assistance feature into a widely used consumer device could encourage individuals hesitant about traditional hearing aids to address their hearing needs.
According to Apple’s health vice president, Dr. Sumbul Desai, the company’s vision is to empower healthier lives through technology, and they are excited to introduce the hearing aid functionality to UK users, providing a complete hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2.
Users will have a more comprehensive hearing health experience as the new features are added to existing tools that protect hearing, such as a loud sound reduction system that minimises loud noises while maintaining audio quality.
The introduction of hearing aid capabilities in AirPods Pro 2 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal audio and hearing assistance. This advancement is not merely a technological feat; it’s a glimpse into the future of personalized healthcare. As Apple continues to refine its hearing health ecosystem, we can anticipate further innovations that will redefine the boundaries of what’s possible.
Integrating sophisticated hearing assessment and real-time audio processing within a compact, everyday device signals proactive and preventative healthcare trends. This update serves as a catalyst, prompting a broader conversation about the role of technology in addressing hearing loss and improving overall well-being. Looking ahead, we can expect an even greater consumer electronics and healthcare convergence, paving the way for more accessible and personalised solutions.
