Why key hearing features in Apple’s AirPods aren’t available in Australia 👂❌
The latest Apple product release to be withheld in Australia includes the highly anticipated AirPod 2, which includes key hearing features that would be beneficial to older adults. Despite being released in the U.S. and other countries, these features remain unavailable in Australia due to regulatory hurdles.
Here’s what you need to know about this delay and how it might affect you or your loved ones.
What are Apple’s new hearing health features?
In September, Apple introduced innovative hearing health enhancements to the AirPods Pro 2, priced at $399. These include:
- Clinical-Grade Hearing Aid Functionality: Intended to provide a hearing aid experience using the processing power of the AirPods and iPhone.
- Hearing Test Feature: Allows users to assess their hearing through the device.
- Hearing Protection System: Helps minimise exposure to loud noises, reducing the risk of hearing damage.
These features launched in countries such as the United States and New Zealand but remain restricted in Australia.
Regulatory delays with the TGA
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not yet approved these hearing-related features, hindering their availability. Apple noted on its website that these health-focused features are regulated and will only be available after necessary authorisations are received. This situation is not unique to Australia; the United Kingdom has also not approved these features, while Canada has only approved Apple’s noise protection function.
Impact on users: Frustration and disappointment
For older Australians looking to manage hearing loss more discreetly, this delay has caused frustration. Kit Laughlin, a 71-year-old former competitive shooter, shared his experience of purchasing the AirPods Pro 2, only to discover that the hearing enhancements weren’t yet available. Laughlin highlighted how appealing AirPods are due to their social acceptability compared to traditional hearing aids, which can sometimes be stigmatised.
Feedback shared on Apple’s Community forums has shown that many Australian users are similarly disheartened:
- “Just bought my AirPods Pro for this exact feature. I’m disappointed to find it isn’t available here.”
- “Very annoying. I bought the AirPods solely for the hearing assistance, only to learn it’s not yet approved.”
These reactions underscore the eagerness for modern solutions that integrate seamlessly with everyday technology.
Broader delays in health features
This issue isn’t limited to the AirPods. Australian Apple Watch users are also familiar with delays when it comes to health monitoring features. For instance, sleep apnoea notifications, part of Apple’s updated software rollout in September, are still awaiting TGA approval, even as the feature is live in over 150 other countries.
Similarly, Apple Watch’s ECG (electrocardiogram) and irregular heart rhythm notifications took over two years for TGA approval after being launched in 2018. These delays can leave Australians waiting for beneficial health tools that are already helping people abroad.
Why this matters for older adults
For Australians over 60, hearing loss and other age-related health concerns can impact quality of life. Integrating advanced hearing capabilities into familiar devices like AirPods could provide accessible, stigma-free support for hearing impairments. The delay means that older adults miss out on the convenience and modern functionality that these new features promise.
What you can do
- Stay Updated: Check the TGA’s website or Apple’s official announcements for updates on regulatory approvals.
- Explore Alternatives: Consult with an audiologist for advice on interim hearing aid solutions that may suit your needs.
- Provide Feedback: If you’re affected by these delays, consider reaching out to Apple or consumer advocacy groups to share your experiences.
While Australia’s cautious approach to approving health-related technology aims to ensure safety and efficacy, the wait can be frustrating for those eager to use new tools. Keeping informed and exploring available options can help bridge the gap while waiting for these features to become available locally.
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This article was written by Tom Williams and first published on the Information Age ACS, 4 November 2024. Read article
