Coverage dated September 8, 2024 to September 12, 2024

FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids in Industry First

Headline from Science Alert, on the newest of 2 developments

The first over-the-counter hearing aid of its kind.

Science Alert's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Developments in this update

2 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

Sep 9, 2024
FDA approves Apple's new hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2
Headline from ZDNet ·
Sep 12, 2024Newest
FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids in Industry First
Headline from Science Alert ·

Read the reports

Reports & sources

39 articles, oldest first.

CNET
AirPods Pro Officially Get Hearing Aid Mode (opens CNET)
Published Sep 8, 2024
CNET's feed description
This fall, AirPods will double as hearing aids and may broaden access for millions.
The Hill
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 to double as hearing aids (opens The Hill)
Published Sep 8, 2024
The Hill's feed description
Apple's new AirPods Pro model is expected to double as a "clinical grade" hearing device, the company announced Monday as part of a larger product rollout.
CNET
AirPods as Hearing Aids? Everything to Know About Apple's Major Health Update (opens CNET)
Published Sep 8, 2024
CNET's feed description
Apple announced that it intends to add a hearing aid mode to its AirPods Pro 2.
ZDNet
Your AirPods Pro 2 can soon double as over-the-counter hearing aids. Here's how (opens ZDNet)
Published Sep 8, 2024
ZDNet's feed description
During the iPhone 16 event, Apple announced hearing aid mode for the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. Here's how it works and when it will be available.
Digital Trends
New AirPods Pro features take your hearing health seriously (opens Digital Trends)
Published Sep 8, 2024
Digital Trends's feed description
The new AirPods Pro go long on hearing health with new hearing aid features that will work in conjunction with health care providers.
CNN
Apple’s new AirPods are also hearing aids. Can they really save you thousands of dollars? (opens CNN)
Published Sep 9, 2024
CNN's feed description
During its glossy product announcement event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled a new role for its latest AirPods Pro model: medical device. The company said the wireless headphones will double as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for those who need them.
CNET
Why AirPods May Be the Hearing Aid People Actully Use (opens CNET)
Published Sep 9, 2024
CNET's feed description
Existing features for AirPods Pro 2 have already worked to enhance listening, but Apple's official entrance into hearing aids marks a new chapter in access.
Insider
Apple's AirPods just challenged over-the-counter hearing aids (opens Insider)
Published Sep 9, 2024
Insider's feed description
Apple could overhaul the hearing aid industry after the FDA established a new device category in 2022 that doesn't require medical exams.
ZDNet
How Apple just changed hearing aids forever - and the lives of those who need them (opens ZDNet)
Published Sep 9, 2024
ZDNet's feed description
Millions of people with hearing loss go without assistive devices for various reasons. However, many of those millions likely now possess AirPods Pro 2 earbuds that can soon function as clinical-grade hearing aids.
MedicalXpress
Apple will sell AirPods with hearing aids built in (opens MedicalXpress)
Published Sep 9, 2024
MedicalXpress's feed description
The latest AirPods from Apple will come with built-in hearing aids, the company announced Monday.
CNET
AirPods Pro 2 Are Getting Hearing Aid Mode: Here's What We Know (opens CNET)
Published Sep 9, 2024
CNET's feed description
If you need them to, your AirPods will soon double as a pair of clinical-grade hearing aids. Here are all the hearing health features Apple announced this week.
CNET
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Will Soon Work As Hearing Aids: Everything You Need to Know (opens CNET)
Published Sep 10, 2024
CNET's feed description
If you think you may have signs of hearing loss, you'll soon be able to use your AirPods as a pair of clinical-grade hearing aids.
FOX Business
Apple's new AirPods Pro double as hearing aids (opens FOX Business)
Published Sep 10, 2024
FOX Business's feed description
Apple's next generation of AirPods Pro offers a hearing aid feature for users with mild to moderate hearing loss, which could be a game changer for some users.
Forbes
Will Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 Be Cool Aids For Better Hearing Health? (opens Forbes)
Published Sep 10, 2024
Forbes's feed description
Apple announced its entry into the OTC hearing aid market with the launch of AirPods Pro 2. Could Apple be the brand that finally makes hearing aids cool?
Forbes
FDA Approves First Hearing Aid Software For Apple’s AirPods (opens Forbes)
Published Sep 11, 2024
Forbes's feed description
The company announced earlier this week its latest earbuds could “transform” into over-the-counter hearing aids.
ZDNet
FDA approves Apple's new hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 (opens ZDNet)
Published Sep 11, 2024
ZDNet's feed description
The AirPods Pro 2 can now officially double as over-the-counter hearing aids, helping millions of adults in the US.
CBS News
Are Apple AirPods also hearing aids? What you need to know about Apple (opens CBS News)
Published Sep 11, 2024
CBS News's feed description
If you need over-the-counter hearing aids, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a viable and very affordable option.
Forbes
FDA Announces Authorization Of ‘Hearing Aid Software Device’ Following AirPods Pro News (opens Forbes)
Published Sep 11, 2024
Forbes's feed description
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a big announcement on Thursday, decreeing it has authorized Apple’s forthcoming hearing aid functionality for AirPods Pro 2.
The Hill
FDA approves Apple’s AirPod hearing aid capability (opens The Hill)
Published Sep 11, 2024
The Hill's feed description
Apple’s new Airpod Pros will double as an over the counter hearing aid. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a hearing aid feature, which is a software-only mobile medical application on Thursday.
NBC New York
Apple turning AirPods into hearing aids underscores effort to crack massive health market (opens NBC New York)
Published Sep 11, 2024
NBC New York's feed description
Apple is using its newest AirPods Pro as a way to help break into the health industry, a potential $15 trillion market.
Hiawatha World Online
US clears way for hearing aid feature in new Apple AirPods Pro (opens Hiawatha World Online)
Published Sep 11, 2024
Hiawatha World Online's feed description
Apple on Thursday got a green light from US regulators to add a feature that would let upcoming AirPods Pro ear pieces be used as hearing aids, potentially disrupting that
BGR
AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features just got FDA approval (opens BGR)
Published Sep 11, 2024
BGR's feed description
FDA approve Apple's request to make AirPods Pro 2 offer the first over-the-counter hearing aid software. Here's what you need to know.
Gizmodo
FDA Clears Apple’s AirPods Pro to Act as Your Hearing Aids (opens Gizmodo)
Published Sep 11, 2024
Gizmodo's feed description
Apple’s $250 AirPods Pro 2 aren’t cheap, but they're a fraction of what you would pay for even a cheap pair of OTC hearing aids.
CNET
Apple AirPods Pro Hearing Aid Feature Authorized by FDA: Here's How It'll Work (opens CNET)
Published Sep 11, 2024
CNET's feed description
It's official: AirPods Pro 2 are getting a hearing aid mode. Here's what to know about all the hearing features Apple announced at its iPhone event.
Science Alert
FDA Approves Apple AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids in Industry First (opens Science Alert)
Published Sep 12, 2024
Science Alert's feed description
The first over-the-counter hearing aid of its kind.

Showing the first 25 of 34 headlines. ·

Identical headlines usually mean shared wire copy. They are counted as separate articles but are not independent confirmation.