Apple AirPods could become affordable 'clinical-grade' medical device
Apple has hinted that its popular AirPods might well be the hearing aids of the future. The company has announced intentions to morph its wireless earbuds into "clinical-grade" auditory assistance devices, with claims that this innovative move could aid up to one billion people worldwide.
Labelled as a "groundbreaking" development by Apple, the upcoming iteration of wireless AirPods seeks to challenge the stigmas associated with traditional hearing aids. Research indicates significant advantages for those who utilise hearing aids, including enriched relationships, improved sexual health, stronger social connections, and heightened cognitive functioning.
Not only do users report benefits such as these, but they are moreover less inclined to experience loneliness or depression.
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The statistics by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People suggest a gap in hearing aid usage: around seven million individuals in the UK might benefit from such devices, yet merely two million currently employ them. Professor Kevin Munro from the University of Manchester's audiology department sees potential in Apple's strategy, proposing that it might appeal to those noticing their deteriorating hearing but reluctant to seek medical advice or obtain free NHS aids.
He commented: "It may be a bit like how people go out and buy reading glasses without going to an optician. It could bridge the gap between first noticing hearing loss and going to get professional help.", reports the Mirror.
He also suggested AirPods could potentially destigmatise the use of hearing aids, noting: "And it may break down some of the barriers and reduce the stigma attached to hearing aids. No one minds wearing smart AirPod earphones, do they? ".
A pair of AirPod Pros, priced around £230, are significantly more affordable than most traditional hearing aids, which can run into the thousands. This week, Apple received the green light from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its AirPods Pro 2 as over-the-counter hearing aids.
The AirPods Pro 2 will come equipped with a Hearing Aid Feature (HAF), designed for individuals aged 18 and above who have mild to moderate hearing loss, according to Apple. The HAF software will assess a user's current hearing ability and adjust the AirPods' amplification of ambient sounds to offset any hearing impairment.
Clinical trials involving 118 subjects revealed that the device is as effective as a standard prescription hearing aid, provided the hearing loss isn't severe. The Hearing Aid feature is expected to be launched in over 100 countries.