According to speculation from many reputable news sources, tech giant Apple plans to enter the hearing care market in late 2024/early 2025. At the time of publishing this article, nothing is confirmed, but rumour has it that Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update will include a new feature called “Hearing Aid Mode.”
Here is everything we know so far.
It’s rumoured that Apple’s new “Hearing Aid Mode” will be focused on allowing Apple AirPods users to use their AirPods as sound amplifiers. This new feature complements Apple’s previously launched “Live Listen” (2019) and “Conversation Boost” (2021) features. “Hearing Aid Mode” may help individuals hear better in situations where listening is challenging.
Nothing is confirmed, but Apple have scheduled their Worldwide Developers Conference for June 10, where they will release details of their new iOS 18 software update. In his January newsletter, Bloomberg correspondent Mark Gurman suggested that this could be the biggest software update that we’ve ever seen from Apple.
This news comes alongside speculation that Apple plan to release their 3rd generation AirPods Pro in early 2025. It’s believed that the newest AirPods will allow users to gain the most benefits from “Hearing Aid Mode.”
How Could This Feature Help You?
Today, there are many ways you can use apps from the Apple app store with your AirPods to amplify sounds. These apps often take the sounds they can hear through your microphone and amplify them into your ears.
The new “Hearing Aid Mode,” when used with the Apple AirPods Pro 3, will be more sophisticated.
According to the rumours, Apple may introduce features that would allow you to self-assess your hearing and hear better in difficult listening situations.
We will be watching Apple’s conference on June 10 and will share any updates we learn with you.
Our Biggest Concern
We can learn many lessons from our American friends who operate private practice hearing clinics. In 2022, the FDA approved over-the-counter hearing aids. When this happened, many large brands like Sony and Jabra launched their own over-the-counter devices into the market.
The media caused quite a bit of confusion among consumers by announcing that “affordable hearing aids had arrived,” and many individuals purchased them with the expectation that these devices would fix all of their hearing problems. For those who needed professional care, the devices failed to deliver on their needs/expectations.
We worry that, due to claims from advertisements and the media, people may purchase the new AirPods, not have the experience they are looking for, and come to the conclusion that professional hearing care will not work for them.
It’s crucial to understand the difference between amplifiers and prescription technology with professional hearing support.
The Positives
This could be a huge step towards addressing the outdated stigma around hearing loss. Apple is one of the largest technology brands in the world, and if they will be promoting the benefits of hearing better, it could go a long way in normalizing the conversation around hearing care.
We believe that any discussion or conversation around the treatment of untreated hearing loss is a positive thing. More discussions about the connection between untreated hearing loss and health issues will only help people to be proactive and take action for a treatment plan.
What’s Next?
We will continue to monitor this news closely and will keep you informed through this blog as we receive updates.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach our office at (226) 674-1127. Or request a callback and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon. We look forward to hearing from you!