The new technology from Apple Inc. that turns its AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid could help raise awareness and provide better care in the growing but ignored hearing-care market. However, it may not reach people with severe hearing loss, who need help the most.
At its iPhone 16 event on Monday, Apple AAPL-0.36% said that its $249 AirPods Pro 2 would protect your hearing, have a scientifically proven hearing test, and have a hearing-aid tool for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Soon, global health officials will give the test and hearing aid features the go-ahead to go on sale. They will be available this autumn in more than 100 countries and regions, such as the US, Germany, and Japan.
Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, said in a statement, “a shocking 75% of people who are diagnosed with hearing loss do not get treatment.”
It’s important to take care of your hearing. We think it’s a good thing if this makes more people talk about it and brings it into the public. “We’re really happy about this,” said Barbara Kelley, head of the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Bank of America said it thinks the market for hearing aids is worth $13 billion. The World Health Organisation says that about 1.5 billion people around the world have trouble hearing.
“Anything that gives people control over their health is a good thing.” Hear more people with hearing loss talk and get help, says Sreek Cherukuri, an otolaryngologist who is board-certified and the founder of ClearCast Hearing, a company that sells a personal device that helps people hear better.
“The catch is that people who come in for help with their hearing don’t have mild or moderate hearing loss.” People who have mild to moderate hearing loss often find ways to get around problems. For example, they may turn up the noise, read lips, or ask people to say something again. “People with worse hearing loss are the ones who ask for help,” Cherukuri said. “From what we’ve seen, people who want and need help need something stronger.”
The news from Apple builds on changes in the market, like the fact that the Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aids in 2022. Experts say that the over-the-counter market has had problems with poorly educated customers, not being able to compare goods, and a high rate of returns on purchases. Over-the-counter hearing aids cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Prescription hearing aids are much more expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. Some Medicare Advantage plans will pay for hearing aids, but not Original Medicare.
The Apple product’s built-in hearing test is a good thing, but it’s not new: Cherukuri said that different apps have let computers do self-tests for about 10 years.
He also said that people who wear hearing aids want batteries that last all day, which might not be possible with AirPods. People who wear AirPods are usually thought to be listening to music or talking on the phone, which can make them seem unavailable for conversation. He said that might make people less likely to use them as hearing aids.
Dementia, a higher chance of falling, and death before your time are all linked to hearing loss. And a 2020 Lancet commission study said that people with hearing loss who don’t get treatment have a higher chance of getting dementia. Hearing loss was listed as one of the top risk factors for dementia.
The National Institutes of Health say that the chance of getting hearing loss goes up with age and affects about one-third of older people.
“People with hearing loss and hearing aids often get a bad reputation.” AirPods are headphones that all of us already have in our ears. “This might make some of that worry or shame go away,” Kelley said.
You can still see a doctor and get a prescription gadget for people with worse hearing loss. But AirPods could “help that person who might wait another five years before getting help and get them to pay attention to their hearing sooner.” “It makes hearing something everyone does,” she said.
Experts also said that Apple is making it easier to talk about hearing loss, which is a good thing.
Janice Lintz, who works to improve hearing access, said, “A third of people over 65 have hearing loss, but the market is probably bigger because most people don’t say they have hearing loss or trouble hearing.” “Because people are living longer, hearing loss could trouble you for a third of your life.” This could make a big difference for people.
“Younger people will grow up with this, and they won’t have any false ideas about hearing loss or hearing aids.” It will be just one more thing, Lintz said.
