Huge New Feature Coming to AirPods as Hearing Aids in Australia
Apple’s AirPods are set to be approved as hearing aids in Australia, offering a new way for users to manage hearing impairments.
AirPods, Hearing Aids, Australia, Apple, Hearing Test
Australia: AirPods are getting a cool upgrade! They’ve been approved to work as hearing aids. This means you could use them to help with hearing issues.
So, here’s the scoop: Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can do a hearing test and act like a hearing aid. But, there’s a catch. You’ll need a software update that hasn’t hit Australia yet.
Documents show that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classified AirPods as medical devices back in December. This means they can be adjusted by users without needing a hearing professional.
The TGA says this feature is for folks aged 18 and older who have mild to moderate hearing loss. It’s pretty neat because it lets you check your hearing and get an audiogram without a doctor.
Now, premium hearing aids can cost a fortune, sometimes up to $4500! So, this could be a game-changer for many people.
Apple just needs to roll out the iOS update in Australia. Some countries, like New Zealand, are already using this tech, which is great news.
But here’s the bummer: people in Australia who bought the AirPods for over $330 are still waiting for these features to be available.
Apple mentioned that getting the TGA’s approval is a big step toward making these features accessible in Australia. They’re working on it!
One guy, Kit Laughlin, a 71-year-old from NSW, chose AirPods over pricier hearing aids. He thought they’d be a good option, but he’s disappointed the features aren’t ready yet.
He said, “Everyone wears AirPods these days, so they’re not considered any kind of a stigma.” But traditional hearing aids can still carry some stigma.