FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro 2 as Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Apple's popular earbuds will soon offer hearing aid functionality, making hearing support more accessible and affordable.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have received FDA approval to function as over-the-counter hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The new Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) will be available through a software update, allowing users to conduct a hearing test and create a personalized audio profile.
The approval marks the first time a consumer audio product has been authorized as an OTC hearing aid, potentially disrupting the traditional hearing aid market.
Clinical studies showed that the self-fitting HAF provided similar benefits to professional fittings, with no adverse effects observed.
With a price of $249, AirPods Pro 2 offer a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional hearing aids, which can cost thousands of dollars.