Studies have found that a significant portion of PD patients are elderly, with many falling into the 65-75-year age range or older. In a WSJ article 9/14-15/2024, Ben Cohen wrote an article titled “Apple’s Most Useful New Product Launch.” The lead graphic is from this source and the following uses the same as reference.
From the lead sentence and the graphic, it is easy to ascertain that statistically almost 50 to 75% of those of us on PD are also suffering from hearing loss. Thus any new technical breakthrough in this area should be of interest to PD patients and by association readers of this blog.
Cutting to the chase, the FDA recently approved Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 as an OTC hearing aid. A software update rolling out this fall is touted to make AirPod Pro 2 into a medical device essentially making it into a hearing aid. While they can cost upwards of $249 from Apple sources, I priced one at $38.xx on eBay here.
This is what Perplexity had to say about this:
Based on the search results, here are the key points about using Apple AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids:
- FDA Authorization: The FDA has authorized a software called Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) that will allow AirPods Pro 2 to function as hearing aids when paired with an iOS 18-compatible iPhone or iPad[2].
- Hearing Test Feature: Apple is introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature with AirPods Pro. Users can take a 5-minute test at home, which uses pure-tone audiometry and provides an easy-to-understand summary of results[4].
- Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid: AirPods Pro 2 will have an over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. It uses the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test to make real-time adjustments[4].
- Cost-Effective: AirPods Pro 2 retails for $249, which is significantly less expensive than traditional hearing aids that can cost thousands of dollars[2][5].
- Reduced Stigma: As AirPods are widely used, experts believe this could help reduce the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids[5].
- Availability: The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to be available in the fall of 2024, pending marketing authorization from global health authorities[4].
- Personalization: The hearing profile can be used to personalize the AirPods Pro listening experience, even for those with little to no hearing loss[4].
- Media Assist: A new feature that helps boost certain parts of speech on phone calls or instruments within soundtracks[4].
- Clinical Validation: The Hearing Aid feature was clinically validated in a controlled, randomized study[7].
- Current Workaround: Some users are already using AirPods Pro 2 as makeshift hearing aids by adjusting settings, even before the official feature release[1][8].
It’s important to note that while this technology shows promise, it’s not yet officially available and may not be suitable for all types or degrees of hearing loss. Users should consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice on managing hearing loss.
Citations:
[1] https://www.soundly.com/blog/airpods-as-hearing-aids
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-approves-apple-airpods-2-as-hearing-aids/
[3] https://www.resetera.com/threads/fda-approves-apple-airpods-pro-2-for-use-as-hearing-aids.980367/
[4] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2/
[5] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apples-new-airpods-pro-double-hearing-aid/
[6] https://education.apple.com/discussion/250016863
[7] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-groundbreaking-health-features/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1ffjwt8/use_your_airpods_pro_2_as_hearing_aids_now/
GREAT news!