Apple’s latest surprise gives Australians a hearing boost: Is it right for you?
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We've all found comfort in the soothing rhythms of music or the engaging stories of podcasts. Yet, as the years pass, we may notice subtle changes, such as difficulty catching every word or needing to increase the volume.
This gradual shift in our senses is a natural part of aging, prompting us to consider how to continue enjoying the sounds that enrich our lives. Fortunately, advancements offer new ways to address these changes, providing tools to maintain our connection to the world around us.
In a move that's music to many ears, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have stepped beyond their role as a mere accessory for your favourite tunes. They're now breaking new ground in Australia as a potential game-changer for individuals with moderate hearing loss.
But before you ditch your traditional hearing aids, experts urge caution—these high-tech buds are not for everyone.
Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)'s approval, Apple has rolled out an update for its AirPods Pro 2 in Australia. This update unlocks a feature that allows users over 18 to test their hearing and use the AirPods as makeshift hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The AirPods Pro 2, priced at $399, are a fraction of the cost of standard hearing aids, which can run into the thousands.
Steve Williamson, CEO of Deafness Forum Australia, has expressed a warm welcome to this advancement, highlighting the potential it has to encourage earlier intervention and make hearing assistance more accessible.
‘The high cost of traditional hearing devices in Australia is among the leading reasons people do not address their hearing issues in good time. Imagine having a way to address a $300 hearing problem instead of feeling forced to find $3,000.’
However, Williamson emphasises the importance of being well-informed and seeking professional care when necessary. He points out that while the AirPods Pro 2 could break down financial barriers, they are not a replacement for a comprehensive hearing assessment by an audiologist.
Dr Nicky Chong-White, principal engineer at the National Acoustic Laboratories, calls it an 'exciting advancement' that could increase awareness of hearing loss. She sees clear advantages for individuals who are not yet ready to commit to traditional hearing aids but acknowledges that the AirPods are better suited for specific situations, such as hearing conversations in a noisy restaurant or enhancing the audio while watching TV.
She noted that in countries where the hearing aid feature is already available, audiologists initially expressed concerns about its potential impact on their industry. However, this development has encouraged more individuals to test their hearing and seek professional assistance.
‘It is raising that awareness of hearing and then people might try them and go, “Oh, this isn’t strong enough for me, or I need all these fancy features that you can only get in the high-end hearing aids,” and it’s getting them into the clinic and having that conversation.’
Chong-White noted that only one in five individuals could benefit from and use hearing aids. ‘If we can just tap into a portion of those to get them hearing help, that’s a benefit for society,’ she said.
Apple's move to include hearing aid functionality in the AirPods Pro 2 could be a significant step towards destigmatising hearing assistance. The company's reputation for popularising tech gadgets might just be the push needed to change perceptions about hearing aids. If Apple can make hearing aids 'cool,' it could open the door for many who have been hesitant to seek help for their hearing loss.
Before diving into this new feature, users should take the hearing test and adjust the settings through the AirPods settings or the Health app on their connected device. It's important to remember that while this technology is a breakthrough, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Those with more severe hearing loss or who require specialised features will still need to turn to traditional hearing aids and the expertise of audiologists.
Have you tried using these new AirPods as hearing aids, or do you have thoughts on this innovative use of technology? Let us know your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
This gradual shift in our senses is a natural part of aging, prompting us to consider how to continue enjoying the sounds that enrich our lives. Fortunately, advancements offer new ways to address these changes, providing tools to maintain our connection to the world around us.
In a move that's music to many ears, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have stepped beyond their role as a mere accessory for your favourite tunes. They're now breaking new ground in Australia as a potential game-changer for individuals with moderate hearing loss.
But before you ditch your traditional hearing aids, experts urge caution—these high-tech buds are not for everyone.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are now available as hearing aids for moderate hearing loss in Australia. Credit: Wendy Wei/Pexels
Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)'s approval, Apple has rolled out an update for its AirPods Pro 2 in Australia. This update unlocks a feature that allows users over 18 to test their hearing and use the AirPods as makeshift hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.
The AirPods Pro 2, priced at $399, are a fraction of the cost of standard hearing aids, which can run into the thousands.
Steve Williamson, CEO of Deafness Forum Australia, has expressed a warm welcome to this advancement, highlighting the potential it has to encourage earlier intervention and make hearing assistance more accessible.
‘The high cost of traditional hearing devices in Australia is among the leading reasons people do not address their hearing issues in good time. Imagine having a way to address a $300 hearing problem instead of feeling forced to find $3,000.’
However, Williamson emphasises the importance of being well-informed and seeking professional care when necessary. He points out that while the AirPods Pro 2 could break down financial barriers, they are not a replacement for a comprehensive hearing assessment by an audiologist.
Dr Nicky Chong-White, principal engineer at the National Acoustic Laboratories, calls it an 'exciting advancement' that could increase awareness of hearing loss. She sees clear advantages for individuals who are not yet ready to commit to traditional hearing aids but acknowledges that the AirPods are better suited for specific situations, such as hearing conversations in a noisy restaurant or enhancing the audio while watching TV.
She noted that in countries where the hearing aid feature is already available, audiologists initially expressed concerns about its potential impact on their industry. However, this development has encouraged more individuals to test their hearing and seek professional assistance.
‘It is raising that awareness of hearing and then people might try them and go, “Oh, this isn’t strong enough for me, or I need all these fancy features that you can only get in the high-end hearing aids,” and it’s getting them into the clinic and having that conversation.’
Chong-White noted that only one in five individuals could benefit from and use hearing aids. ‘If we can just tap into a portion of those to get them hearing help, that’s a benefit for society,’ she said.
Apple's move to include hearing aid functionality in the AirPods Pro 2 could be a significant step towards destigmatising hearing assistance. The company's reputation for popularising tech gadgets might just be the push needed to change perceptions about hearing aids. If Apple can make hearing aids 'cool,' it could open the door for many who have been hesitant to seek help for their hearing loss.
Before diving into this new feature, users should take the hearing test and adjust the settings through the AirPods settings or the Health app on their connected device. It's important to remember that while this technology is a breakthrough, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Those with more severe hearing loss or who require specialised features will still need to turn to traditional hearing aids and the expertise of audiologists.
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