FDA OKs Apple AirPods as OTC hearing aids

The approved software will turn Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones into over-the-counter hearing aids

Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds
The AirPods Pro earbuds cost $249
(Image credit: Nic Coury / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What happened

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved software for Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones that turns the earbuds into over-the-counter hearing aids. Apple said Monday that its new AirPods Pro would have the hearing aid feature, allowing users to test their hearing and calibrate their sound levels through the Apple Health app.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.