FDA Authorizes First Over The Counter Hearing Aid Software

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of upgrade software for some models of Apple AirPods Pro for people over 18 with mild-to-moderate hearing impairment. This is the first software to be approved for non-prescription hearing aids, though physical over the counter hearing aids were approved in 2022.

The move helps improve access to hearing aids by utilizing a device that many people already own. The upgrade will boost environmental noise like voices and other ambient noises for users.

The upgrade will be available in the fall in over 100 countries. For more information, head to Reuters.