ByTim BajarinContributorTim Bajarin covers the tech industry’s impact on PC and CE markets.Follow Author
Apple’s AirPods dominate the wireless earbud market, but they are about to become an important part of the tech giant’s overall health vision.
At its annual Apple event on Monday, the company announced that later this fall it will add a software upgrade that enables AirPod Pro 2 users to take a clinical-level hearing test, making the AirPods Pro 2 approved over-the-counter hearing aids.
AirPod Pro 2 accesses three new features that include a Hearing Test, a Hearing Aid capability, and active Hearing Protection using just AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone or iPad.
“Hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans age 12 and older,” according to the National Council on Aging (report November 2023). “About 15.5% (44.1 million) of American adults age 20 and older have some level of hearing loss.” Some interesting data from the report:
• As many as 31.1% of adults 65 and older and 40.3% of those 75 and older experience hearing loss.
• About 70 million people globally have complete hearing loss, and about 28.8 million American adults could significantly benefit from wearing a hearing aid, studies find.
• Only 16% of people age 20 to 69 have ever used a hearing aid, while just 30% of those age 70 or older have done so.
• The number of people affected by hearing loss is growing in the United States and is expected to almost double by 2060.
Currently, people have to see an audiologist to get an in-office hearing test to determine the level of hearing impairment they may or may not have. This testing is an important first step in determining if someone needs a hearing aid. Hearing aids have traditionally been quite expensive, with some over $3,000 per ear, especially fitted models.
However, many people have low-level hearing impairment and could benefit from some type of hearing assistance. Using Apple’s hearing test, one can determine the level they might need and seek some form of aid to enhance hearing.
This was partially behind the Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 ruling that allowed over-the-counter hearing aids to be more accessible for millions of Americans.
Jabra, Eargo, Audicus, MD Hearing and others currently offer OTC hearing aids. Now, Apple AirPods Pro 2 has entered the realm of OTC hearing aids and is poised to become an essential part of extending Apple’s health and wellness vision to hearing-impaired individuals. Apple’s AirPod Pro 2 are listed on Apple’s site at $249.
That’s important not only because of the lower cost but also because of the historical stigma associated with hearing aids, which deters some who need hearing assistance from seeking them out.
But millions of people already wear AirPods, and they are well accepted — even stylish — in the world of earbuds used for music, listening to audiobooks, podcasts and more. Adding the hearing aid feature is indistinguishable from these other uses.
That’s why this is a big deal. It could become an important part of Apple’s commitment to making products that impact health and wellness and provide a significant contribution to Apple’s bottom line.
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