Image Credit: Apple
Apple has just upped the game for their wildly popular AirPods Pro 2, and it’s not just about crisper sound or noise cancellation anymore. The tech giant is now positioning these earbuds as tools that can function as ‘clinical-grade’ hearing aids. Yes, you read that right—your stylish wireless earbuds could soon serve a much bigger purpose than just blasting your favorite playlist.
During a recent announcement, Apple highlighted a significant upgrade in the AirPods Pro 2’s hearing-related capabilities, claiming the device is not only for casual music listening but can be a powerful assistive device for those with hearing impairments. This comes in response to new features introduced in the latest firmware update, which enhance their capacity to amplify ambient sounds and help with conversation clarity. So, in some cases, people who struggle with mild to moderate hearing loss could actually rely on AirPods Pro 2 instead of traditional hearing aids.
Now, to be clear, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are not officially classified as medical devices, so they haven’t gone through the same rigorous FDA approval process that traditional hearing aids require. That said, the tech giant is confident enough in the performance of the Pro 2 to state that they meet many of the standards for clinical-grade hearing aids. Apple’s confidence is bolstered by the AirPods’ new features like Conversation Boost and Adaptive Transparency, designed to isolate and amplify voices in noisy environments while reducing background noise.
The AirPods Pro 2 uses advanced algorithms and adaptive software to personalize sound output based on the user’s environment. When paired with an iPhone, users can set up what Apple calls “Personalized Spatial Audio,” which tailors the sound to individual hearing profiles through the Health app. Essentially, the device uses its high-tech microphones and onboard processing to deliver clearer, more natural sound at lower volumes, which can be a game-changer for anyone with mild hearing challenges.
The new Conversation Boost feature, for example, allows the earbuds to zero in on a person’s voice while quieting background sounds, much like high-end hearing aids. Combine this with their Adaptive Transparency feature—designed to reduce harsh environmental noises like sirens—and it’s easy to see why Apple is pushing the AirPods Pro 2 as an assistive hearing device.