Apple Introduces Hearing Aid Feature for AirPods Pro 2, Awaiting FDA Approval - 1

Image by Subarasikiai, from Pixabay

Apple Introduces Hearing Aid Feature for AirPods Pro 2, Awaiting FDA Approval

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Apple announced on Monday a range of hearing health updates for the AirPods Pro 2. These include a new “clinical-grade” hearing aid feature designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. The hearing aid functionality is currently awaiting FDA approval, but the company states that it expects clearance soon.

The new hearing aid feature is designed to amplify specific sounds such as speech and environmental noise in real-time.

To complement the hearing aid feature, Apple has also introduced a new hearing test based on pure-tone audiometry , a widely used clinical method for detecting hearing loss. The test builds on data from the Apple Hearing Study, developed in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

It allows users to take a five-minute, at-home test with their AirPods, providing results that include an audiogram and hearing loss classification for each ear. These results can be stored in Apple’s Health app and shared with healthcare professionals.

Once the test is completed, users receive personalized hearing profiles that automatically adjust audio settings across different media, including music, movies, and phone calls. The personalized settings aim to offer more tailored audio experiences without requiring users to manually adjust their devices.

In addition to the hearing aid and test features, Apple is introducing a passive hearing protection mode. This will automatically reduce noise in loud environments such as concerts or sporting events, helping users avoid long-term hearing damage.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Apple’s hearing aid feature is its affordability. Priced at $249.00, it offers a significantly more accessible option compared to traditional hearing aids, which can cost upwards of $2,000, as reported by Forbes . However, it’s crucial to note that this feature is not intended for those with severe hearing loss and remains subject to regulatory approval.

Technological advancement in hearing aids has also been marked by the use of AI. Recently, Sonova announced a new hearing aid that employs real-time AI to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments, showing the growing role of AI in improving hearing solutions.

While offering a more affordable option for users with mild to moderate hearing loss, the hearing aid feature’s effectiveness remains to be fully tested and approved by the FDA. Until then, it provides an intriguing step forward in integrating hearing health tools into consumer devices.

Huawei Launches Tri-fold Phone After Apple Event for $2,800 - 2

Photo by Andrey Matveev on Unsplash

Huawei Launches Tri-fold Phone After Apple Event for $2,800

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Today, the Chinese tech giant Huawei launched a new tri-fold smartphone, just a few hours after Apple announced its new iPhone 16, and it will sell it starting at $2,800.

According to Reuters , Huawei promoted its Mate XT, drawing attention from Apple’s new devices, and seeking to dominate the market across the globe.

The world’s first trifold phone released today by @Huawei ! 🔥 Huawei Mate XT | Ultimate Design Starting at ¥19999 ($2800) pic.twitter.com/j5wHmXphNp — Alvin Foo (@alvinfoo) September 10, 2024

“Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,” said Richard Yu, Huawei executive director, during the event.

The Mate XT was introduced to the public in Shenzhen during a ceremony. Visitors were shown the accordion-like device, which impressed people and already had 4 million pre-orders. This is a significant milestone as the whole foldable phones market was around that same number by the second quarter of this year, according to the firm IDC.

“Today we will once again rewrite the history of the industry, turn science fiction into reality, and lead a new era of folding devices,” added Yu.

Mate XT comes in red and black and includes AI-powered features including translation and editing functions, image editing, text summaries, and more. These AI features have been developed with the support of the in-house Kylin chips.

According to CNBC , the price starts at $2,809 and increases up to $3,371 for models with more storage. The phone is 3.6 mm thick and opens to a 10.2-inch screen, making it look like a tablet.

Huawei also developed a small keyboard that folds half of the size of the new phone and can be carried together, as shown during the event. The company has not yet revealed its new smartphone Mate 70, which is supposed to compete against the new iPhone 16.

Another Chinese company, Honor, recently launched the world’s thinnest foldable phone , the Magic V3. The foldable phone sector keeps growing significantly with new innovative devices like the Mate XT.