Apple is set to introduce a firmware update that will enable the AirPods Pro 2 to function as a hearing aid. This move puts it in direct competition with existing over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid products.
Most OTC hearing aids offer Bluetooth headphone capabilities, allowing users to have both hearing assistance and headphone functionality with either AirPods or OTC hearing aids. However, AirPods offer two significant advantages. Firstly, both AirPods and OTC hearing aids allow users to create personalized hearing profiles to address specific hearing issues. For instance, if a user has difficulty hearing specific frequencies, the device can increase the volume of those frequencies for compensation. But Wired points out that almost all OTC hearing aids switch to normal headphone mode when used for streaming content, meaning their ambient sound compensation features are disabled at that time. In contrast, AirPods can apply hearing settings to streaming content such as phone calls, music, movies, and games, providing volume compensation for specific frequencies even when listening to such content. Most OTC hearing aids completely turn off their hearing aid functions when listening to streaming content.
Secondly, the AirPods Pro 2 also supports uploading audiograms, similar to prescription hearing aids, which simple OTC devices cannot do. This means users can obtain more precise hearing compensation without relying on the adjustments of professional audiologists. Wired notes that compared to the majority of non-prescription hearing aids on the market, which cost between$300 and$400, the AirPods Pro 2 is priced at just$249, undoubtedly offering excellent value for money.
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