Apple is expanding into the medtech world with a new upgrade for AirPods.
Now, millions of AirPods owners are about to receive a new feature of hearing tests at home.
This update is set to launch next week and will help users identify any hearing loss they may have.
Hearing tests are important to take regularly but are often overlooked.
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And the tech giant pointed this out back in June, reporting that most Americans hadn't had their hearing checked in the last five years. A stat that was also confirmed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Associated.
The same holds true for Brits, according to the RNID hearing loss charity.
With the upcoming update for Apple AirPods Pro 2 (priced at $249/£229), users will be able to complete a five-minute hearing test right at home.
The feature will first roll out in the US and Canada, after receiving certification.
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Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed date for UK users yet, but it’s likely the feature will arrive there too at some point in the future.
Users will be able to use the tool to reveal if they've experienced hearing loss and provide recommendations afterwards.
"Millions of people are unaware that they’re living with hearing loss, and even more don’t get tested," Apple explained.
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"But now it’s faster, easier, and more convenient than ever to get scientifically validated results on your own time."
It's part of a free software update coming next week.
This free software update won’t work with regular AirPods, as Apple says the design of the AirPods Pro 2, with their active noise cancellation and in-ear seal, is necessary for accurate hearing tests.
When you begin the test, the system will automatically check the fit of the AirPods in your ear and assess the background noise levels.
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Then, the earphones will then play a series of tones and users would tap their iPhone screen when they hear them.
This process helps determine which audio frequencies you can or can’t hear.
According to Apple, it only takes a few minutes to complete the at-home examination.
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"Using pure‑tone audiometry built on advanced acoustic science, the test plays a series of tones that you respond to by tapping the screen," Apple added.
"Helpful animations, tap‑back effects, and progress indicators guide you through the experience, which takes about five minutes.
"More than 150,000 real‑world audiograms and millions of simulations helped develop a Hearing Test that’s accurate, fast, and easy."
After completing the test, you’ll get immediate results for each ear, and if hearing loss is detected, you can set up your AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid.
Your results will be stored in the Apple Health app for easy access and can be downloaded to share with a doctor. This really is the future!
Additionally, Apple's update will also add active Hearing Protection to help prevent further hearing loss.
"Hearing Protection translates the sound signatures of what you hear to lower levels in environments as loud as 110 dBA," Apple continued.
"Machine learning on the H2 chip actively reduces louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second, and the ear tips provide passive noise reduction."