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Apple's AirPods Pro 2 now let users in France test their hearing and reduce loud noises, but the hearing aid feature is stuck in regulatory limbo.
Apple has introduced new health-focused features in AirPods Pro 2, including a hearing test and loud noise suppression. However, a key feature, the hearing aid functionality, remains unavailable in France due to regulatory restrictions.
In September 2024, the company introduced new hearing features to its AirPods Pro series, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 16. These updates are aimed at improving hearing protection and providing corrective support for users with different hearing needs.
One of the key innovations is the loud noise suppression feature, designed to protect users’ ears by automatically suppressing loud or intermittent noises. The feature acts as a noise-cancellation mechanism, offering relief in environments such as busy metro stations or during large public events.
Another important addition is the hearing test, which allows users to assess the health of their hearing directly through the AirPods. The test generates a detailed hearing report by playing low-volume sounds and asking users to confirm when they hear them. Apple claims the tool produces results comparable to professional audiometric tests.
The most advanced feature, Hearing Aid Mode, adjusts ambient noise levels in real time based on the results of a hearing test. It thus mimics the functionality of traditional hearing aids, offering personalized hearing correction.
Government regulations
While Apple has rolled out the hearing test and loud noise reduction features in France, Hearing Aid Mode remains unavailable. It requires approval from health regulators, and delays are expected until at least 2025, according to Numerama.
France and other European countries have health regulations that limit the implementation of features such as Hearing Aid functionality. Although they will be available in more than 100 countries from October 2024, the feature is still limited in several EU regions.
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Regulatory concerns arise because the device classification overlaps with medical device standards. In many countries, including the EU, products intended to diagnose, monitor, or correct hearing loss must meet strict medical device standards.
These standards include clinical testing, safety certifications, and health authority approvals. For hearing aids or similar devices, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in the EU ensures that products meet safety, performance, and quality standards before being released to the market.
Apple’s Hearing Aid Mode, which adjusts sound levels based on hearing test data, likely falls under these strict requirements. Until certifications are received, such features may not be available in regulated markets like France.
Hearing Test is available with iOS 18.1 and the October 2024 AirPods Pro 2 firmware updates. Users can find it in the Health app or in AirPods settings.
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