A GROUNDBREAKING new Apple feature has finally landed in the UK, months after its US launch.
If you have a pair of AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, then you will have today gained a free clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid.
AirPods users in the US have had the full hearing aid feature since it launched in October last year[/caption]
Brits have been limited to hearing tests only, but can now use these tests to enable the hearing aid feature thanks to recent regulatory approval[/caption]
The new feature lets consumers use their AirPods like they would a hearing aid they receive from the doctor.
Tens of thousands of people in the UK stand to benefit.
Around a third of adults in the UK are deaf or experience hearing loss or tinnitus.
AirPods users in the US have had the full hearing aid feature since it launched in October last year.
Brits have been limited to hearing tests only, but can now use these tests to enable the hearing aid feature thanks to recent regulatory approval.
The UK can be a powerhouse for medical technology if we “rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation,” Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said last month over the change in regulation.
He added: “The action we’re taking will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK.”
Users can take a five-minute test to build a personalised hearing profile, which lets their AirPods make adjustments to their sound environment.
It boosts sounds, like talking, music, movies, and phone calls, in real time.
Though it doesn’t just make certain noises louder.
There is also a Loud Sound Reduction feature that helps users prevent exposure to potentially harmful sounds.
This could be used in, say, a rock concert, where you want to hear the music without taking home any ear-ringing effects.
To access the hearing aid feature, owners of the AirPods Pro 2 must update their earbuds with the latest software update.
Simply follow these steps:
- Make sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.
- Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
- Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
- Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
- Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- Check the firmware version again.
Apple notes that if you’re struggling to update your firmware, reset your AirPods, then try to update your firmware again.
NHS: THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS
Here are official signs of hearing loss from the UK’s National Health Service…
- difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
- asking people to repeat themselves
- listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
- difficulty hearing on the phone
- finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
- feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
“At Apple, we believe that technology can help people live healthier lives,” Sumbul Desai, managing director of Apple’s vice president of Health, said in a statement.
“And we’re delighted to bring the Hearing Aid feature to the UK, offering our users an end-to-end hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2.”
The Sun’s Head of Technology and Science, Sean Keach, has already tried out the hearing test from across the pond.
It’s important to find a quiet room – as even footsteps, or the low-hum of an air-conditioning unit can disrupt the test, he says.
To access the hearing aid feature, owners of the AirPods Pro 2 must update their earbuds with the latest software update[/caption]
Where can you get your hearing tested?
THERE are numerous places you can go to for a hearing test – from high-street stores to private practices. Here’s our rundown of some of the most popular ones.
Your GP
Your doctor is a good first point of call if you are worried about your hearing. They can offer advice on where to go, but can also do some more tests to see if anything else is going on that’s causing hearing loss.
Specsavers
While they’re most well known for their optical services, Specsavers also do hearing tests. They are also completely free for anyone over 18 years of age. You can check out descriptions of some common ear conditions, as well as booking your test, here.
Boots
Another high-street favourite that offers free, 15-minute hearing assessments. Again, they suggest visiting the GP to rule out any other underlying health conditions. But if you’ve done that and still want to get your hearing checked, visit the Boots website.
Hidden Hearing
Hidden Hearing has hundreds of clinics all over the country, and offers customers a full consultation with a hearing care professional. It also provides the opportunity to try a hearing aid for 60 risk-free days. To find a clinic near you, click here.
