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Apple continues to push the boundaries of tech-enabled accessibility with its latest hearing enhancement features in AirPods. A major software update can now change the AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids. The move is not only a breakthrough in consumer electronics, but also an innovative approach to addressing hearing loss.

Understanding hearing loss

Hearing loss is a significant, widespread condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, with at least 430 million requiring rehabilitation services for moderate to severe levels.

By 2050, WHO projects that these numbers could rise to 2.5 billion globally if no action is taken. Hearing impairment affects people of all ages, with a notable increase among older adults. In the U.S., about one in three people between 65 and 74 have hearing loss, rising to nearly half for those over 75, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports.

Despite the scale of the issue, there are often accessibility challenges for traditional hearing aids because of social stigma, high costs, and limited insurance coverage. (While you don’t need a prescription for hearing aids anymore, buying them over-the-counter can still cost around $500, per AP News.) The latest innovation for Apple’s AirPods Pro offers an accessible solution for anyone who experiences mild to moderate hearing loss.

“We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and center.” —Sumbul Desai, MD

How does the hearing aid feature on the AirPods Pro 2 work?

For now, the hearing aid feature is only available with the AirPods Pro 2 model. Users will need an iPhone or iPad to set it up. The feature setup starts with built-in hearing loss tests to determine whether or not users have hearing loss. If they do, they can then set up their own customized amplification levels.

The test is meant to be convenient, taking less than five minutes to complete. Afterward, users will receive comprehensive test results and recommendations, according to Apple. The results are also saved in Apple’s health app and can be shared with a healthcare provider for further treatment and discussion.

“Hearing health is an essential part of our overall well being, yet it can often be overlooked—in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s vice president of health, tells Well+Good.

“We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and center, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss.”