At its product event on Tuesday, Apple introduced a new feature for its latest AirPods Pro: they will now function as over-the-counter hearing aids. This development transforms the wireless earbuds into clinical-grade hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

“We’re offering this innovative solution to assist over 1 billion people worldwide who are affected by mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s vice president of health.

Apple explained that the hearing aid feature will enhance specific frequencies to make sounds more distinct and vivid. The system also employs machine learning to make real-time adjustments throughout the day.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its approval for the hearing aid feature on Thursday, and Apple announced that the feature will be available to AirPods Pro 2 users later this fall via a software update in more than 100 countries, including the US, Germany, and Japan.

Traditional hearing aids can be costly, often running into the thousands of dollars. At a price of $249, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 present a more affordable option for some people dealing with hearing loss, although they may not be a fit for everyone. Here’s what to know.

Apple’s move follows recent FDA guidelines

Nearly 30 million American adults experience some form of hearing loss, yet only a fraction seek treatment, according to the FDA.

For those with untreated hearing loss, using hearing aids can help slow cognitive decline and may reduce the risk of depression, the FDA notes. However, many have been deterred by the high costs of doctor visits and hearing aids.

Apple’s announcement follows the FDA’s decision two years ago to allow the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. Since then, adults with mild to moderate hearing loss have been able to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online, bypassing the need for a doctor’s visit.

To enable the hearing aid feature, users of the AirPods Pro 2 will need to take a hearing test, during which various tones will assess their level of hearing loss.

“Once you complete the test, your AirPods Pro essentially become personalized hearing aids, amplifying specific sounds in real-time, such as speech or environmental noises,” explained Desai.

However, over-the-counter hearing aids are not suitable for all cases. The FDA still mandates that individuals under 18 obtain hearing aids through a prescription, and Apple’s solution is not designed for people with severe or profound hearing loss. For more serious conditions, a healthcare professional’s advice is recommended.

“The authorization of over-the-counter hearing aid software in a popular consumer audio device is a significant step forward in making hearing assistance more accessible and affordable for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Michelle Tarver, acting director at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Apple has ventured into the health space before. The Apple Watch, for example, can monitor heart rhythms to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition linked to stroke and heart failure. In its recent event, Apple also revealed that its newest Watch model can help identify sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, welcomed Apple’s announcement, noting that this kind of technological innovation was anticipated after the FDA opened the door to over-the-counter hearing aids two years ago.

“This is the kind of breakthrough we were hoping for, to raise awareness about hearing health and encourage people to take action,” Kelley said.

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