During Apple’s latest showcase, the upgrades the company revealed were not surprising to fans in the crowd. The showcase was expected, exhibiting the brand’s latest iPhone and its capabilities…
But while showcasing updates for other products, something stood out. A new update that turns Apple’s AirPods into hearing aids.
Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s latest foray into medical technology.
AirPods AKA Apple Hearing Aids
During the showcase, the company announced that a new update will be able to turn AirPod Pro 2 earbuds into Apple’s first functional hearing aids.
Apple’s hearing aid software will only be able to assist mild to moderate hearing loss…
BUT AUDIOLOGISTS ARE STILL CELEBRATING THIS NEW TECH AS A WIN.
The new software update will give iPhone users with AirPods new feature that help assist with and identify hearing loss. This Apple hearing aid software will include a 5-minute hearing test that can be performed with an iPhone or Ipad.
While hearing loss mostly affects older individuals…
Apple is branding the hearing aid software as an advancement for everyone.
The company’s vice president of health, Dr. Sumbul Desai, said that when it comes to your hearing…
“IT’S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT AT EVERY AGE,”
This software update essentially takes one of Apple’s best selling products and turns it into certified medical equipment. The FDA approved the AirPods with hearing aid software once result revealed that they…
“achieved similar perceived benefit as subjects who received professional fitting of the same device.”
With an update as comprehensive and as celebrated as Apple’s hearing aid update, it begs the question…
Exactly how many people are going to benefit from this update…
Turns out, it’s more than you think.
How Many People Could Benefit?
According to the world health organization, over 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer some degree of hearing loss. In the Unitedt States that number is closer to 30 million.
And as many as 75% of people experiencing hearing loss let it go untreated.
According to audiologists…
Usually its individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss that are most resistant to getting treatment.
This often includes people who would benefit from having a hearing aid but might be reluctant to get one…
Thankfully with Apple’s hearing aid software, more people who do need help with their hearing might get that assistance.
Many who suffer from mild/moderate hearing loss don’t get hearing aids because they don’t have the time or energy. But most don’t get them for one glaring reason…
HEARING AIDS ARE EXPENSIVE.
Two years ago, the FDA approved the sale of over the counter hearing aids. Back then, the only way you could get hearing aids was by getting a perscription from a clinic…
Today, between over the counter options and personalized, self-fitting hearing aids…
THE DEVICES CAN RANGE FROM $100 TO $7,000
But now, thanks to Apple’s hearing aid software, individuals can get a pair of high quality AirPods that assist with hearing loss…
All for the low cost of $249
While they might not be the perfect device to counter hearing loss (AirPods need to be recharged after four hours of continuous use)…
It definitely makes the medical technology a lot more accessible to those who need it.
Conclusion
AirPods are a part of Apple’s wearable technology category, which alone brings in over $40 billion in annual revenue.
Last year the company sold 80 million pairs of AirPods.
With Apple’s hearing aid software, the line between every day devices and medical tech becomes even more blurred…
But that’s to everyone’s benefit. Earlier this year, even Samsung announced a health tracking ring.
Uprgades in technology allow more people to take active control over their health, which is the key to leading a life of quality.
So hopefully this will encourage other tech companies to help make controlling our health easier.
Be Great,
GCTV Staff
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