Apple’s AirPods are known for keeping us tuned into our favourite podcasts, playlists, and phone calls. But now, they’ve upped their game by helping millions of people hear better. Yes, you heard that right (pun intended). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a new feature that turns Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Gone are the days of bulky, conspicuous hearing aids that scream, “I can’t hear you!”. Apple is making sure that staying hip and hearing well aren’t mutually exclusive. With the new “Hearing Aid Feature” (HAF), users can take a five-minute hearing test from the comfort of their couch. Once done, the AirPods will adjust the sound settings based on the individual’s hearing needs—basically turning everyday earphones into a stylish medical device.

The FDA’s decision follows a study of 118 participants with mild to moderate hearing loss, and the results were encouraging. The subjects who used the AirPods’ hearing aid feature reported benefits comparable to those using professionally fitted devices.

In a nutshell, your trusty earbuds will amplify sounds and focus on boosting elements like speech, making them perfect for anyone who finds themselves asking, “What did you say?” a little too often. The hearing aid feature will be rolled out as a free software update in October, for AirPods Pro 2 and iOS 18-compatible iPhones or iPads.

“Your AirPods Pro are transformed into a personalised hearing aid, boosting the specific sounds you need in real-time, like parts of speech or elements within your environment,” according to Apple’s vice president of health, Sumbul Ahmad Desai. 

According to the University of Pretoria, more than 12 million South Africans have some form of hearing loss. In the United States this number sits at over 30 million, but only a fraction actually use hearing aids. Why? The price tag and stigma often keep people away. 

A decent pair of hearing aids can set you back anywhere from R2,000 to a whopping R90,000. In comparison, AirPods Pro 2 cost around R4,800—a much more digestible price. And let’s be honest, nobody’s going to judge you for wearing AirPods. In fact, everyone’s already doing it.

Research shows that untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline. On the flip side, using hearing aids may help stave off those issues and keep you mentally sharper for longer. Apple’s new feature could play a significant role in getting people to seek help sooner.

While this is a great step towards making hearing aids more accessible, AirPods are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, so if you’re struggling with more severe issues, you’ll still need professional-grade equipment, according to Meredith Resnick from the Hearing Loss Association of America. 

This could be a pivotal moment in the hearing aid industry. With Apple’s sleek, low-cost solution on the horizon, more people may be inclined to address their hearing loss early, without the stigma of bulky hearing aids. And who knows? We might just see a future where checking your hearing is as simple—and as cool—as putting on your AirPods.