USFDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Software for AirPods Pro

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has authorized the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software for use with compatible Apple AirPods Pro headphones. This software, intended for users 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing impairment, will allow AirPods Pro to function as a hearing aid by amplifying specific sounds in real-time.

Apple recently announced that the AirPods Pro 2 could be “transformed” into a personalized hearing aid through a forthcoming software update, enhancing sounds such as speech and environmental elements based on user needs. The FDA’s authorization marks a significant advancement in hearing aid accessibility, offering an affordable, user-friendly solution.