Apple Expands AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Features to Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Colombia

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have received regulatory approval in Australia, enabling users to utilize the earbuds as clinical-grade hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. Following this development, features such as hearing tests and automatic loud sound reduction were rolled out, making these capabilities available to Australian consumers. The hearing test takes about five minutes and provides users with results that can be shared with healthcare professionals, addressing both affordability and stigma in hearing health. Experts welcome this innovation, noting that it could significantly reduce costs compared to traditional hearing aids, but caution that these devices may not be suitable for everyone and professional guidance is still essential. Apple emphasizes the importance of these features, especially given the high prevalence of hearing loss in Australia, with one in six people affected. The AirPods Pro 2's hearing health functionalities are now accessible in over 100 countries, marking a significant step in making hearing assistance more widely available.