Apple’s new hearing aid feature has been approved by the FDA (USA). The software, which will soon roll out in AirPods Pro 2, essentially turns the earbuds into over-the-counter hearing aids.

As hearing aid user myself I do find this announcement a bit far fetched as the AirPods Pro 2 only have a maximum battery time of 6 hours. I also find it strange that Apple did not wait till they had a longer battery as most hearing aid users wear their hearing aids for up to seventeen hours a day.

This means you would have to own two sets of AirPods Pro 2 at £229 a set, that’s £458 which is still cheaper than a set of Oticon Intent hearing aids at £3600.

They do give you the ability to test your own hearing via an APP that converts the results into an audiogram the same audiogram produced by your hearing aid provider.

MHRA is the designated authority that administers and enforces the law on medical devices in the UK. It has a range of investigatory and enforcement powers to ensure their safety and quality.

As far as I am aware the MHRA (Devices for medical approval) have not approved the Apple AirPods Pro 2 yet.

Practicalities…So you have decided to use the AirPods Pro 2 Pro for hearing, how do you overcome the problem of people thinking you are listening to music ? Most AirPods Pro 2 Pro users are basically using them for listening to the radio, music, audio story and as an external mic and headphones for their iPhone.

Beyond this you will need to remember to start charging your 1st set of AirPods Pro 2 Pro when they are depleted. This could be done with a USB-C power bank for portability.

I have to admit to owning a set of AirPods Pro 2 and the sound quality is exceptional.