Big Tech takes on hearing loss
Your Apple AirPods Pro will soon double as over-the-counter hearing aids.
The story: Last month, Apple announced its wireless earbuds, AirPod Pro, will soon work as hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) has now been cleared by the FDA, making it the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device.
- Next, Apple is seeking clearance for the accompanying hearing test, which would be classified as an OTC audiometer. This test would screen people for hearing loss severity, recommending that people with severe hearing loss see a medical professional.
Bringing hearing aids to the masses: With this move, millions of AirPod users will suddenly have access to hearing aid technology.
- This is a big deal because of how many people with mild hearing loss don’t get help.
- Despite the FDA releasing guidance on marketing OTC hearing aids back in 2022, many people have still not reached out for help. The OTC hearing aid market hasn’t taken off as some experts expected.
- Audiologists interviewed by STAT think that removing the friction points of needing to consult an audiologist and acquiring a new device could bring life-changing care to these people. It could be as simple as a few clicks on their phone.
- There’s also a stigma attached to hearing aids which the incorporation of the function into general-use personal tech could help users avoid.
The impact of hearing loss: Hearing loss isn’t just a quality-of-life inconvenience. It’s a health condition many medical professionals wish patients took more seriously. You may remember, for instance, how we discussed the connection between hearing loss and dementia.
Drawbacks: The OTC AirPods route isn’t a perfect solution to getting hearing aids into more people’s ears. One of the key downsides is the lack of audiologist support.
- With traditional hearing aids, audiologists generally help patients through the adjustment period, which can take some time.
- Without this support, OTC hearing aid users may abandon using the technology earlier than they otherwise might have.
Big Tech’s health and wellness moves: Apple’s not the only big name pursuing OTC wellness products. And hearing aids aren’t its first foray into medtech. This is one move in a broader trend of wearable, wellness, and Big Tech companies looking for a slice of the medical innovation pie. A quick refresher:
- Audio tech brands like Sony and Bose have also introduced OTC hearing products.
- Apple’s been pursuing medical applications of its other products—namely the Apple Watch.
- Lifestyle wearable companies are getting involved in clinical research, growing their authority in the medical space.