WASHINGTON, Sept 13 – The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised software that can transform the latest version of Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds into hearing aids, United Press International (UPI) reported.
The Thursday announcement from the federal agency came just four days after the US tech giant on Monday unveiled its redesigned AirPods lineup, including AirPods Pro 2 with its clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aid feature and a clinical hearing test that users can access on their iPhones.
According to Apple, users will be able to use their iPhone in conjunction with their new AirPods Pro to create a personalised hearing profile that “seamlessly transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid.”
The FDA on Thursday said its marketing authorisation of the product was its first ever for a over-the-counter hearing aid software device.
“Today’s marketing authorisation of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.” Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement.
According to the FDA, the hearing aid feature of the AirPods Pro is intended for those 18 years of age or older with mild to moderate hearing impairment.
