Hearing aids better watch out. Apple has the idea of revolutionizing its AirPods Pro 2 to make them both noise-canceling headphones and assistants to improve sound in real time, depending on the level of deafness of the person.
For the hearing aid market, this is the equivalent of a 9.9 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. Apple announced on Monday, September 9, a brand new use case for its AirPods Pro 2 headphones: hearing aid mode. The news came during the American company’s traditional back-to-school conference.
A hearing impaired mode on AirPods Pro 2
More precisely, Apple has presented a series of innovations aimed at making its accessories real assistants, and not just devices for listening to music. The most notable is aimed directly at people who have hearing problems, by adjusting the sound captured by the AirPods Pro 2, in real time.
To do this, Apple’s headphones include a short hearing test that lasts five minutes to assess hearing level – which then helps the AirPods determine to what extent hearing loss needs to be compensated. This test can also be shared with your regular ENT specialist if necessary to help them monitor the progress of their hearing.
A sound protection mode on AirdPods Pro 2
Beyond specific hearing issues, Apple is also planning a mode that aims to protect its customers’ ears. The idea? Reduce the volume of sound reaching the eardrums — at a concert, during a sports match at the stadium, or in a workshop or factory, or, why not, in a school.
As these features relate to people’s health, Apple says all related data will be stored privately in its Health app. The American company plans to roll out these features in over a hundred countries around the world by the fall, once health authorities give the green light.
Source: www.numerama.com
