FDA Approves First OTC Hearing Aid Software for Apple AirPods Pro

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized an over-the-counter hearing aid software device compatible with Apple AirPods Pro. The update allows AirPods Pro 2 to function as a personalized hearing aid, amplifying specific sounds for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing impairment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday authorized the first over-the-counter hearing aid software device meant for use with the Apple AirPods Pro headphones.

Earlier this week, Apple announced its AirPods Pro 2 could be transformed into a personalized hearing aid with an upcoming software update. This update will boost specific sounds, including speech and environmental elements, in real time.

Once installed and customized, the software enables versions of the AirPods Pro to serve as an OTC hearing aid, intended to amplify sounds for people 18 years or older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing impairment, the health regulator said.