AirPods affordable hearing aid feature now available in Australia 👂✅
Great news for older Australians! Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now offer a groundbreaking hearing health experience, available right here in Australia. Following an extensive wait, users can now take advantage of the built-in Hearing Test, Hearing Aid features, and Loud Sound Reduction directly from their AirPods Pro 2, a move that brings affordable hearing assistance to millions.
This update follows approval by Australia’s medical devices regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), making these hearing health features available for all AirPods Pro 2 users. While previously released in over 100 countries, the features are now accessible to Australian seniors, providing a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, which can often cost thousands of dollars.
Apple’s hearing health features: A new approach to self-care
For the first time, Apple is offering a hearing solution that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use. Here’s what you can now expect from your AirPods Pro 2:
- Hearing test: The Hearing Test is based on the gold standard of audiometry, allowing you to check your hearing from the comfort of home in just five minutes. The test is available to anyone over the age of 18 and provides easy-to-understand results, including a hearing level score for each ear, along with recommendations. These results are securely stored in the Health app on your iPhone or iPad, and can be shared with your doctor for a more informed discussion about your hearing health.
- Hearing aid functionality: The standout feature of AirPods Pro 2 is its ability to transform into a medical-grade hearing aid. Using the results from the Hearing Test, the AirPods adjust in real time to amplify the sounds around you, making conversations and everyday interactions clearer. The device automatically applies this personalised hearing profile to your calls, music, movies, and more, ensuring you don’t need to adjust settings. For those with more complex hearing needs, you can also set up the hearing aid feature with a professional audiogram from a healthcare provider.
- Loud sound reduction: A unique feature designed to protect your hearing, Loud Sound Reduction automatically reduces loud environmental noise while preserving natural sound quality. Whether at a concert, sporting event, or in a noisy setting, this technology helps safeguard your hearing while still allowing you to enjoy the experience.
These features provide a more affordable, efficient, and accessible way for older Australians to manage their hearing health. The simplicity and convenience of using AirPods Pro 2 for hearing aid purposes offer an exciting new option compared to traditional devices.
How Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 benefit older Australians
Older Australians, particularly those dealing with mild to moderate hearing loss, will find these new features particularly beneficial. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.5 billion people globally live with hearing loss, and untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risks of social isolation and even dementia. Apple’s new hearing features allow you to take control of your hearing health, ensuring that you don’t miss out on conversations, social interactions, or your favorite activities.
Not only does the hearing aid feature help you hear better in everyday settings, but the ease of use makes it ideal for seniors who may find traditional hearing aids complicated or expensive. At $399, the AirPods Pro 2 are a cost-effective solution compared to other hearing aids, which can be prohibitively expensive for many Australians.
The accessibility and simplicity of these devices also mean that seniors don’t have to rely on multiple devices for different hearing needs. Apple’s integration of hearing health features into a single product means less hassle and more convenience for older Australians looking for better hearing solutions.
A convenient solution for everyday hearing needs
AirPods Pro 2 also include several other benefits that improve their appeal for older adults:
- Integration with iPhone or iPad: The hearing features are fully integrated with your iPhone or iPad, making it easy to manage your hearing needs and sync data across your devices. This integration ensures that seniors who are already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem can easily adapt to using these health features.
- Personalised sound: With each test, AirPods Pro 2 tailors the audio to suit your hearing profile, ensuring you get the most accurate and effective amplification. This means you’ll experience clearer sound, whether you’re chatting with friends or enjoying a movie.
- Noise control for different environments: The active noise reduction feature can be especially helpful for seniors who frequent noisy environments like shopping centers, public transport, or social gatherings. By reducing excess noise, AirPods Pro 2 ensures you can focus on what’s important—whether it’s a conversation or enjoying your surroundings.
Hearing health at your fingertips
For older Australians who have been waiting for an affordable, accessible hearing aid solution, the new AirPods Pro 2 features provide a welcome alternative to traditional hearing aids. With a simple, five-minute hearing test and medical-grade hearing aid capabilities, seniors can enjoy improved hearing health without the hefty price tag. Whether it’s for socializing, enjoying entertainment, or just making everyday activities easier, AirPods Pro 2 offers an innovative and user-friendly solution.
For those with concerns about hearing loss, this new feature is a great way to take charge of your hearing health from home. By providing a simple, at-home hearing test and easy-to-use hearing aids, Apple has truly made hearing health more accessible than ever.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 hearing health features are a game-changer for older Australians, offering affordable, easy-to-use hearing aids and hearing tests that fit seamlessly into their everyday lives. Whether you’re managing mild hearing loss or just want to protect your hearing in noisy environments, these new features provide a practical solution. As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to see more accessible healthcare options like these come to the forefront, improving quality of life for seniors across the country.
Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are grounded in science and were validated through rigorous scientific studies.
Watch video: How to take a Hearing Test and turn on the Hearing Aid feature
iPhone
Android
Read more articles on technology for over 60s here