A few weeks back, I wrote about the release of iOS 18.1 software from Apple, which includes the long-anticipated hearing health features. In that publication, I discussed the initial impressions of our team at Hearing Doctors in relation to the hearing test feature.
Apple gained approval from the FDA to offer their Hearing Aid Function (HAF) as an over-the-counter hearing aid software device. Our own Dr. Travis Stehouwer at our Falls Church clinic had some valuable input into how HAF is adding a little excitement to the hearing care industry.
Before taking a look at some of the features that are stirring things up, let’s take a look at the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 and where Apple fits into that enactment, since Apple is not a hearing aid manufacturer.
The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017
The FDA was tasked with creating a new over-the-counter (OTC) category of hearing aids in the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. Since October 2022, OTC hearing aid devices have been available to all adults (ages 18 and over) with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
The FDA created two categories of OTC hearing aids: legacy devices with only basic features, such as volume control and preset programs, and new self-fitting devices featuring greater customization using hearing tests, software, and smart device connectivity.
Apple’s Hearing Aid Function software paired with a compatible device places their technology in the second category.
Hearing Aid Function Software Features
The iOS update (18.1) supports a variety of new features when paired with Apple AirPods Pro 2. One of them is a hearing self-test, which we discussed in detail in a previous publication, Apple’s Hearing Aid Features Released | Our Initial Impressions.
In a Falls Church News-Press interview, Dr. Travis Stehouwer describes the new technology as being an exciting development that is certainly worth a shot at the price, but he issues some cautions as to how Apple plans to provide hearing assistance through its new software.
Dr. Stehouwer notes that though the top prescription hearing aids cost close to $7,000, there truly is no competition for prescription hearing aids in dealing with severe hearing loss. He also points out that for several decades there have been six or seven manufacturers who dominate the market, focusing their extensive research on hearing aid advancement.
Cautions Related to Apple’s Hearing Aid Test
A hearing aid test and related calibration through your AirPods Pro 2 devices at the price point they are being offered is certainly a big step forward in OTC device quality. However, Dr. Stehouwer also points out that “if [the built-in hearing test] of the device does confirm hearing loss in a user, they still should get a true diagnostic hearing exam from an audiologist.”
One of the things Apple’s testing feature cannot do is “visibly check your ears, interpret test results, and help determine the root cause(s) for, extent of, and most appropriate remedies to your hearing loss,” he adds. The data gathered during a comprehensive hearing assessment from a licensed audiologist provides important information about your hearing profile that is useful whether you end up using OTC or prescription hearing aids.
A Closer Look at the Calibration Feature
AirPods Pro 2, according to Apple, provide “advanced computational audio and the powerful H2 chip.” In addition, “the Hearing Aid feature boosts frequencies so sounds are clearer and more vibrant to your ears. It also uses machine learning to make real-time adjustments as you go about your day.”
If you test for mild hearing loss, the support from the Hearing Aid feature is instant and seamless and comes with tap control features and pro-level active Noise Cancellation to help deal with background noise.
Hearing Protection Feature
Another of the exciting features of Apple’s HAF and AirPods Pro 2 pairing is the noise protection feature. Apple notes that their Hearing Protection feature “translates the sound signatures of what you hear to lower levels in environments as loud as 110 dBA. Machine learning on the H2 chip actively reduces louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second, and the ear tips provide passive noise reduction.”
This is great news for those who are at extreme risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a single noise event or ongoing exposure to loud noise. Music lovers will enjoy the fact that the Hearing Protection feature helps maintain the natural sound quality and vibrance of music at a concert while protecting you from high volume damage to your ears.
Hearing Device vs. Hearing Care
Though we are excited about how Apple is helping to normalize hearing challenges and undo outdated hearing aid stigmas, it is still important to understand the difference between using a hearing device and receiving hearing care.
As Dr. Stehouwer points out, no device is able to visibly check your ears and interpret test results in order to determine the cause, extent of damage, and most appropriate treatment for your hearing loss.
If your hearing test shows moderate to severe hearing loss, Apple’s software and AirPods Pro 2 will not provide adequate support to overcome your hearing challenges, and you should schedule a hearing assessment at Hearing Doctors.
Contact us to learn more or call us at (703) 822-7328.
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