New AirPods Pro 2 Can Double as Hearing Aids, FDA Says

Some people with hearing loss may soon be able to use the new Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds as over-the-counter hearing aids.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Apple’s “Hearing Aid Feature” software, which can amplify sound for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

 The software, which will be available in the coming weeks, works with AirPods Pro 2 earbuds that are paired via Bluetooth with a compatible iPhone or iPad.

“Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans,” Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in an FDA statement. “Authorization of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.”

More than 30 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss, according to the FDA. It’s most often caused by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noises, or certain medical conditions.

Left untreated, hearing loss can contribute to challenges with communication, relationships, mental health, and the ability to perform well at school or work. Hearing aid use has been linked to a reduced risk of developing or experiencing severe symptoms from a variety of medical conditions that can be exacerbated by poor hearing, such as depression and cognitive decline.