Apple receives green light for AirPods Pro 2 with hearing aid feature

Users with hearing problems can now get their hearing aid device for much cheaper.

This year’s Apple “Glowtime” event was marked by the much-awaited iPhone 16 release. Together with the latest smartphone, an array of new devices was presented. One of which is the AirPods 4 lineup with an upgraded AirPods Pro 2.

The latest AirPods provide users with features that allow them to test or protect their hearing. With the upgraded AirPods Pro 2, people can even use them as hearing aids.

Recently, it was confirmed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved software that would convert Apple AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid device. The software update that would enable this feature should come out in the next few weeks.

The feature, which can help users with mild and moderate hearing loss, works by increasing sounds, like voices, while diminishing surrounding noises. The software adjusts the level of sound automatically, according to the results available after a user takes a hearing test.

Users online are already sharing their thoughts about the new feature, with many stating positive options about the upgrade.

“This is going to put pressure on other hearing aids to compete on price now. This is a good thing,” shared one of the Redditors online.

The discussion revealed that one problem with hearing aids is that they tend to be expensive, while Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, with hearing aid capability, is now available for $249.

“As a partially deaf person who isn't quite at the hearing aid stage yet this makes me very happy. I can spend $350 on these instead of thousands on actual hearing aids,” said one user, with another stating, “The best part is I don’t have to buy the new model. It's coming to an existing model.”