Although nothing is confirmed at the time of publishing this article, based on speculation from several reputable forums and news outlets, Apple is planning to enter the hearing care market in the near future.
Here’s everything that we know up until now.
In January of 2024, Bloomberg correspondent Mark Gurman suggested that “Hearing Aid Mode” could be released as a part of Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update. Apple held their Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, and we tuned in eagerly awaiting updates on Hearing Aid Mode.
Apple’s conference showcased many cool new updates. The new “Apple Intelligence” feature seemed to be the star of the show, promising to give iPhone users a powerful AI tool.
Apple did introduce two new hearing-related features, which we will dive into below. What was surprising, though, was the lack of conversation around Hearing Aid Mode. Nothing at all was said about this much-anticipated hearing health feature, so it appears that Apple is not ready to release it to the public just yet.
What Will Hearing Aid Mode Be Like?
Today, there are many ways you can utilize apps to use your AirPods as sound amplifiers. These apps work by taking the sounds they can hear from your microphones and amplifying them into your ears.
The new Hearing Aid Mode when used with the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 will likely be more sophisticated. Based on speculation, Apple may introduce features to allow you to self-assess your hearing and hear better in difficult listening environments.
One Major Concern
We can learn some lessons from our American friends who operate private practice hearing care clinics. When over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids were approved by the FDA in 2022, many leading tech brands such as Jabra and Sony launched their OTC devices into the market.
The media caused a lot of confusion by announcing that “affordable hearing aids had arrived” and many individuals purchased them. Many people soon realized that these devices did not deliver on their needs/expectations. In some cases, this led people to seek a full-time prescription solution.
The biggest concern is that due to advertising and the media, people could be led to believe that Apple AirPods and Hearing Aid Mode will be as effective as a prescription solution.
This could result in people purchasing the new AirPods, not having the experience that they hoped for and coming to the conclusion that addressing their hearing challenges professionally is not the right solution for them. It’s important to differentiate between these types of amplifiers and prescription hearing technology – they are not the same thing.
The Many Positives
If one of the largest and coolest technology brands in the world will be promoting the benefits of better hearing, this could be a huge step toward addressing the outdated stigma and normalizing the conversation around hearing loss.
It could be the catalyst to making treatment of hearing challenges far more common and could encourage many people to seek a long-term professional solution.
Apple’s New Hearing Features
While the two new hearing-related features revealed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference aren’t quite as exciting as Hearing Aid Mode, they are impressive.
Voice Isolation Feature
The first new feature is a “Voice Isolation Feature,” which is intended to help reduce background noise. Apple Airpods already have active noise-cancellation capabilities, but this feature enhances the capabilities and helps to block out wind and other ambient noises during phone calls.
This is a helpful feature for anyone who struggles to hear phone conversations clearly in loud environments.
Music Haptics
This feature is designed for those who are hard of hearing. “Music Haptics” works by playing taps, textures and refined vibrations in sync with music audio.
This allows individuals who have trouble hearing to experience music in a unique way – not only through sound but also through tactile feedback. Individuals can feel the rhythm and vibrations of their favourite songs.
What’s Next?
We can’t say at this stage when Hearing Aid Mode will be released. Apple may be holding back this announcement for the launch of their 3rd Generation Apple AirPods Pro.
Another possibility is that Hearing Aid Mode will be a part of Apple’s iOS 19 launch in 2025. Alternatively, Apple could be planning to integrate hearing aid functionalities subtly through a combination of their existing tools and features, gradually enhancing the user experience.
Although Hearing Aid Mode isn’t available just yet, it’s clear that Apple is exploring ways to improve the lives of those with hearing impairments. Rest assured, we’ll continue to keep you updated on any developments.
If you have any questions we may be able to answer or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, give our offices a call. We look forward to hearing from you!
