FDA Authorizes AirPods Pro as First Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
By
Allison Palmer
Summary
Apple's AirPods Pro have received FDA authorization as the first over-the-counter hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss, marking a significant shift from being blamed for hearing damage to becoming a tool for hearing health. The feature, cleared in September 2024, allows users to screen their hearing and use the earbuds as clinical-grade hearing aids. Many adults delay addressing hearing loss for an average of nine years, and this integration aims to reduce that barrier.
Source
bskyFDA Authorizes AirPods Pro as First Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid for Mild to Moderate Hearing Losswomansworld.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe same earbuds blamed for driving a global hearing crisis can now screen for and treat hearing loss too.
Adults who notice hearing loss wait an average of nine years before dealing with it.
AirPods Pro became the first over the counter hearing aid ever authorized by the FDA back in September 2024.
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