APPLE’S latest AirPod buds will come with built-in ‘clinical grade’ hearing aids that could help millions live longer.
The new AirPods Pro 2 add-on, likened to an over-the-counter hearing aid by tech boffins, is designed to help users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
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After a quick five-minute at-home hearing test on iOS 18 devices, AirPods will make “personalised adjustments” to tailor sound to each user’s needs.
“This helps them better engage in conversation, and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them,” Apple said.
This exciting new feature comes as recent research suggests that millions of Brits could live longer by using hearing aids.
US scientists found correcting hearing loss slashed the risk of an early death by 24 per cent.
The gizmos can protect the brain from depression and dementia, which are more likely if someone is lonely or strains to hear.
Charities estimate more than four million people in the UK could benefit from a hearing aid but do not wear one.
And to prevent further hearing loss, your AirPods Pro can dim loud sounds around you while still letting you hear.
This works by dampening ambient loud noises -while retaining sound quality – which could come in handy at live concerts.
“For decades, Apple has led the way in designing products for everyone and supporting users with a broad spectrum of hearing abilities,” Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives, said in a statement.
“These features on AirPods Pro will make an impact on so many people by driving more awareness around hearing health and empowering individuals with new customizable tools to help them stay connected.”
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SLEEP EASY
The company also announced new Apple Watch features to detect sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen.
If left untreated, it can have important health consequences over time, including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac issues.
Your Apple Watch will soon begin to track your breathing while you sleep by using a new metric called Breathing Disturbances.
If it spots a consistent trend of severe sleep apnea, you’ll be notified.
And then you can go to your doctor to discuss it – and hopefully get treatment.
It’s coming to the new Apple Watch Series 10, as well as last year’s Series 9 and Ultra 3.
How to protect your hearing
Keeping your hearing in top shape is easier than you might think! Here are some handy tips from the NHS to help protect your ears:
- Turn down the volume: Keep the volume on your headphones or TV at a level where you can still hear conversations around you
- Use ear protection: In noisy environments, like concerts or construction sites, use earplugs to shield your hearing
- Take listening breaks: Give your ears regular breaks from loud sounds to help them recover
- Keep ears dry: Prevent infections by drying your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering
- Get regular check-ups: Have your hearing checked regularly to spot any issues early and keep your hearing healthy
- Avoids cotton buds: Your ears have a natural cleaning system that removes earwax. Using cotton buds can push earwax further into your ear canal, which can lead to blockages or infections. Pushing them in too far can damage your eardrium
Once hearing is lost, it can’t be regained. So it’s important to take care of it now.
