A GROUNDBREAKING new Apple feature has finally landed in the UK, months after its US launch.
If you have a pair of AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, then you will have today gained a free clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid.
The new feature lets consumers use their AirPods like they would a hearing aid they receive from the doctor.
Tens of thousands of people in the UK stand to benefit.
Around a third of adults in the UK are deaf or experience hearing loss or tinnitus.
AirPods users in the US have had the full hearing aid feature since it launched in October last year.
Brits have been limited to hearing tests only, but can now use these tests to enable the hearing aid feature thanks to recent regulatory approval.
The UK can be a powerhouse for medical technology if we "rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation," Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said last month over the change in regulation.
He added: "The action we’re taking will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK."
Users can take a five-minute test to build a personalised hearing profile, which lets their AirPods make adjustments to their sound environment.
There is also a Loud Sound Reduction feature that helps users prevent exposure to potentially harmful sounds.
This could be used in, say, a rock concert, where you want to hear the music without taking home any ear-ringing effects.
To access the hearing aid feature, owners of the AirPods Pro 2 must update their earbuds with the latest software update.
Simply follow these steps:
Make sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.
Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Check the firmware version again.
Apple notes that if you're struggling to update your firmware, reset your AirPods, then try to update your firmware again.
Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID, said the feature could "make a huge difference".
She added: “If you have signs of hearing loss, there are still many reasons to see a hearing health professional.
"They can carry out a full diagnostic hearing assessment, ensure hearing aids are programmed correctly, and also check for any underlying health conditions.
“Therefore, it’s really important that Apple customers using the new hearing aid feature see a hearing professional if they need one and we would encourage Apple to provide information about this to their customers."
