I never thought I’d see the words Apple and cheap in the same sentence, well unless we’re talking about actual apples, but here I am writing exactly that. Apple may have just created what could be the world’s cheapest hearing aids, and it all starts with the AirPods Pro 2. At £229, they may not scream bargain, since they are Apple products, but when compared to traditional hearing aids that cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000, suddenly, Apple’s earbuds are a steal.
The new hearing aid functionality for AirPods Pro 2 is more than just a gimmick. These earbuds now offer an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid mode designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The tech lies in their integration with the iPhone. After running a built-in, clinically validated hearing test, the AirPods adjust their settings in real time to amplify the surrounding sound, including conversations, phone calls, and media like music or movies. Unlike conventional hearing aids, you don’t need an audiologist or prescription to get them set up, making them incredibly accessible.
What’s particularly exciting is the quality. Traditional hearing aids are highly specialized devices designed to amplify certain frequencies. Early tests show that while Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 might not fully match the precision of custom-fitted hearing aids, they hold their own in most everyday environments. Especially for people who only need occasional assistance, these earbuds can amplify voices in social settings, boost sounds during phone calls, and even help protect your ears from loud noises.
To put this in perspective, Apple’s entry into the hearing aid market could be a game changer. We’ve seen Sony and Jabra release OTC hearing aids at around $1,000, but Apple is coming in at a quarter of the price which as we all know, isn’t an ‘Apple’ thing. Sure, you’re getting a multi-purpose device with earbuds that work for music and calls too, but that’s precisely the point, you don’t need to buy two devices anymore. Plus, AirPods Pro 2 offer a clinical-grade hearing experience validated by scientific studies, proving Apple’s serious commitment to this new market.
While this tech probably won’t replace high-end prescription hearing aids for severe cases, it’s a remarkable solution for millions of people with mild hearing loss who haven’t yet explored hearing aids because of cost, stigma, or inconvenience. Apple’s goal is clearly to bridge this gap, offering a sleek, consumer-friendly option that folds into the tech ecosystem so many already use daily. Or we can just say it’s another antique to trap people in their ecosystem, debatable, or even true, but it’s something that’s meant to help users so I wouldn’t have any problem being in the Apple ecosystem if something so important like my hearing was in question. Great job Apple! You’ve bought me as well 😹.
Ultimately, Apple has a shot at revolutionising hearing care just as they did with their watches. The AirPods Pro 2, now enhanced with hearing health features, provide a much needed boost to accessibility and affordability in the hearing aid market. Could this be the device that finally normalizes hearing aids for a broader population? We’ll soon find out, but it certainly looks like Apple is on the right track. Oh and how many AirPods are in this article’s thumbnail😏?
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