As hearing aid technology evolves, major manufacturers like Apple introduce innovative features catering to a growing demographic facing hearing loss. With alarming statistics highlighting unsafe listening habits, the demand for effective solutions intensifies.
Recent advancements in hearing aid technology continue to reshape the landscape of auditory assistance, as leading manufacturers introduce innovative features that cater to a growing demographic grappling with hearing impairments. With the world’s noise levels escalating, compounded by the prevalence of unsafe listening habits among younger generations, the demand for effective hearing solutions is more pressing than ever.
A study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that 24 per cent of individuals aged 12 to 34 listen to music at volumes deemed ‘unsafe’. Coupled with findings from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) stating that prolonged exposure to noise exceeding 85 decibels can cause irreversible damage, concerns over auditory health are substantial. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that by 2050, approximately one in four people globally—an estimated 2.5 billion individuals—will experience varying degrees of hearing loss.
Despite significant improvements in hearing aid designs, many individuals remain reluctant to utilise these devices. Currently, out of the eight million people in the UK who could benefit from hearing aids, only about two million are reported to use them. Samantha Lear, senior audiology policy adviser at the National Deaf Children’s Society, suggests that millennials may be more inclined to embrace hearing aids if they resembled popular products like AirPods.
Significantly, tech companies are aligning their innovations to enhance hearing capabilities. Notably, Apple has recently released a software update for its AirPods Pro 2, priced at £229, which includes a hearing test aligned with WHO guidelines. This feature allows users to assess their level of hearing loss, ranging from no impairment to profound. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 have the capability to filter out disruptive noises, such as traffic, and incorporate clinical-grade hearing-aid functions beneficial for mild to moderate hearing loss, with full availability anticipated in the UK shortly.
To utilise the new hearing test feature, users must access it through their iPhone settings while in a quiet environment. The process involves tapping a large blue circle each time a sound is heard, taking approximately five minutes to complete. Following the test, the audiogram—a visual representation of various frequencies that the user can hear—is recorded in the health app. The test has proven to be effective, with one reporter receiving confirmation of ‘little to no’ hearing loss.
Moreover, the hearing test data can be integrated into the AirPods, allowing the device to adjust sound levels automatically. Newly introduced functions, such as conversation boost, enhance sounds in front of the user while minimising background noise—a feature particularly useful in bustling café settings. The ‘live listen’ function uses the iOS device as a microphone, sending the audio directly to the AirPods—ideal for large gatherings or meetings.
In a significant regulatory change last month, the UK government permitted tech companies to sell hearing aids directly to consumers without requiring a prescription from an audiologist. Dr Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, expressed frustration at previous limitations, acknowledging that streamlined access could accelerate innovation within the sector. Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting supported this move, suggesting it would position Britain as a leader in medical technology.
Beyond Apple, other brands are making strides in hearing aid technology. Jabra’s Enhance Select 300, designed for behind-the-ear use, effectively eliminates feedback at high volumes, while Starkey’s Genesis AI aids employ artificial intelligence to enhance the auditory experience by ‘filling in’ gaps caused by hearing impairment. However, despite the advancements in these devices, the battery life of AirPods, lasting up to six hours, remains less competitive against traditional hearing aids, which can function for several days before needing recharge.
As more innovative and stylish hearing aid options enter the market, the stigma surrounding their use faces potential reduction. Comparatively, 21 million hearing aids are sold globally each year, compared to 75 million AirPods. Reflecting on the future, Apple CEO Tim Cook previously noted, “If you zoom out into the future, and you look back, and you ask the question, ‘What was Apple’s greatest contribution to mankind?’ it will be about health.” This sentiment underscores the transformative impact of emerging technology on auditory health, leaving observers keenly watching the trajectory of hearing aid adoption and acceptance in the modern era.
Source: Noah Wire Services
