**London**: Google is reportedly developing support for hearing aids within Android by integrating Google Fast Pair technology, aiming to streamline the connectivity process. This shift highlights the tech industry’s focus on accessible assistive technologies, potentially benefiting over 1.5 billion people experiencing hearing loss worldwide.
Google is reportedly making strides towards enhancing the connectivity of hearing aids with Android smartphones, following new developments in its software. Recent findings from a Google Play Services beta have revealed indications of upcoming support for Google Fast Pair technology specifically tailored for hearing aids.
Typically, hearing aids operate as Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LEA) devices, a standard currently not supported by Google Fast Pair. However, the work-in-progress code, identified as fast_pair_enable_hearing_aid_pairing, suggests that Google is exploring the integration of this feature to simplify the pairing process for users. This functionality, once complete, could enable users to connect their hearing aids to Android devices similarly to how they would connect Bluetooth earbuds.
The insights were initially reported by Android Authority, which noted that key code strings included in Google Play Services version 24.50.32 showcase hearing aids among the supported device types for Google Fast Pair. This development signals a significant shift towards improving accessibility technology, streamlining user experience, and bridging the gap between traditional hearing aids and contemporary Bluetooth devices.
As the technology landscape evolves, the lines between hearing aids and Bluetooth earbuds continue to blur. Notably, Apple’s recent update added hearing aid capabilities to its AirPods Pro 2, making them one of the most accessible over-the-counter hearing aids currently available, as recognised by the FDA. This trend reflects a growing recognition within the tech industry regarding the need for more inclusive and easily accessible assistive technologies.
The potential inclusion of Bluetooth LEA support in Google Fast Pair could have widespread implications, particularly as the World Health Organization estimates that over 1.5 billion individuals worldwide are experiencing hearing loss. With big tech companies increasingly shifting their focus towards enhancing device interoperability, future updates may significantly improve the daily interactions of those reliant on hearing assistance devices.
Source: Noah Wire Services
