Photo credit: Apple Inc

Apple has been granted approval from US regulators to roll out the hearing aid feature on its latest AirPods, with the announcement setting the stage for a possible shake up of the market.

The new AirPods Pro 2 were unveiled alongside the iPhone 16 at a launch on Monday in the US, with a key selling point being the hearing aid option for users in everyday life, and for calls and streaming services.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now authorized the hearing aid feature for devices, noting that a study showed users found them as beneficial as professionally fitted ones.

"Hearing loss is a significant public health issue impacting millions of Americans," said FDA acting director Michelle Tarver.

Along with the feature, AirPods Pro 2 will be able to test hearing and create a user's hearing profile via the Apple Health app.

The FDA announcement could revolutionize the hearing aid market as typical hearing aids don't adapt for streamed content or phone calls.

"We are very excited about the new announcement by Apple," Hearing Loss Association of America executive director Barbara Kelley told AFP. "The fact that a product that millions of people already own will offer hearing help and protection is a big step forward."

‍