# Apple’s Groundbreaking Strategy for Hearing Health: AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids
In a heartening effort to foster inclusiveness during the festive season, Apple has unveiled a touching advertisement that highlights the hearing aid functionalities of the AirPods Pro 2. This initiative emphasizes the company’s dedication to accessibility and health technology, a sentiment reinforced by Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s global head of accessibility, in a recent discussion.
## A Dedication to Accessibility
Herrlinger made it clear that the newly introduced hearing aid features for the AirPods Pro 2 are part of Apple’s enduring promise to make technology accessible for all. With more than 1.5 billion people globally experiencing hearing loss, Herrlinger noted that an astonishing 75% of these individuals lack the necessary assistive support. This figure highlights the crucial need for developing accessible technology that can help close this gap.
Apple has a rich legacy of innovation in hearing accessibility. Herrlinger mentioned that the company was a pioneer in implementing Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for audio, which laid the groundwork for the Low Energy Audio (LEA) protocol, facilitating audio streaming from smartphones to hearing aids. This foundational achievement has led to the launch of various features designed to improve hearing accessibility, such as Headphone Audio Levels, Headphone Accommodations, and Conversation Boost.
## Converting AirPods into Hearing Aids
The AirPods Pro 2, now incorporating advanced hearing aid capabilities, signify a remarkable leap forward in personal hearing technology. According to Herrlinger, this transformation is a “first-of-its-kind, end-to-end hearing health experience” developed through years of teamwork among Apple’s software engineers, acousticians, and designers. By allowing wireless earbuds to operate as hearing aids, Apple is providing clinical-grade features to individuals aged 18 and over.
With the rollout of iOS 18.1 in October, AirPods Pro 2 users can now take a hearing test to identify potential hearing loss. Based on the findings, users can customize their AirPods to fine-tune the audio experience to match their unique requirements, effectively converting their earbuds into tailored hearing aids.
## Utilizing AI for Improved Accessibility
Beyond advancements in hearing technology, Herrlinger emphasized Apple’s deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. During the recent Web Summit in Lisbon, she discussed how technologies such as Eye Tracking, Sound Recognition, and AssistiveTouch are being leveraged to improve accessibility for various user needs.
Apple’s continual endeavors in this domain reflect a broader pledge to inclusivity, reinforcing the belief that technology should cater to everyone, irrespective of their physical abilities.
## Conclusion
Apple’s rollout of hearing aid features in the AirPods Pro 2 represents a major advancement in making hearing health technology more available. By utilizing their audio expertise and a commitment to inclusivity, Apple not only meets a critical need for many but also sets a benchmark for the tech industry. As the company forges ahead with innovation, it remains committed to uplifting the lives of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that technology bridges gaps rather than creates them.
For further insights, don’t miss the full interview with Sarah Herrlinger on Forbes, where she explores Apple’s accessibility initiatives and the future of assistive technology.
