The new AirPods Pro 2 will be able to act as a hearing aid and the FDA has established a new OTC (over the counter) category where the consumer does not need a medical exam. These will definitely attract a new market as they will retail about $250 as compared to some prescription hearing aids that cost $4,000 to $7,000.
The AirPods Pro 2 will received a “clinical grade”, over the counter Hearing Aid feature this fall. For some this will break the price barrier as well as stigma for them to enter a new world of improved hearing. World wide, some agencies estimate people with hearing loss at 1.5 billion. This could be an enormous market. Not all would resort to this of course. But it’s big nonetheless.
Also included is a hearing protection tool to defend again loud sounds as well as a five minute hearing test to determine the status of the users hearing. The AirPods then adjust to compensate for weak hearing frequencies. This is version 1.0 so improvements will be see int the future. Additionally, it boosts voice, media, and phone calls. Apple is planning on seeking approval from global health authorities and will see the product arrive in more than 100 countries.
This product is designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and is not appropriate for more severe conditions Apple says. For those, a test by an audiologist and custom fitting and programming is required which adds thousands to the final price tag.
On a personal note, I wear prescription hearing aids by Signia. While they do work and help me, I don’t feel that the sound quality is the same as my AirPods Pros. I switch back and forth during the day depending on what I am doing (wear them in the gym or listening to music, Podcasts, or YouTube videos) otherwise the hearing aids are in place. Apple’s Live Listen works, but feedback from your own voice needs improvement. I think that Apple is really on to something here and time should improve the new model 2. The cost of Rx hearing aids is too much for some people and many OTC models are frustrating and don’t do the job. Keep up the good work Steve. Remember how much long distance telephone service cost before VOIP? Nothing like some competition to lower costs. Technology can bring some blessings.
From an article in Business Insider, September 2024