If the software-enhanced Apple earbuds, now with FDA approval, end up even close in usefulness for people with hearing problems, the most expensive iPhone+earbuds will be cheaper than stand-alone hearing aids from an industry that has been a customer-u...
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If the software-enhanced Apple earbuds, now with FDA approval, end up even close in usefulness for people with hearing problems, the most expensive iPhone+earbuds will be cheaper than stand-alone hearing aids from an industry that has been a customer-unfriendly cartel for decades.
My (now-former) health insurance just paid >$3,000 for hearing aids. (I was among the fortunate few with health insurance covering them.)
Big changes coming...
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@dangillmor big changes happened a few years ago when over the counter hearing aids were approved. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know
(Hearing aids without the need to go to a doctor is very revolutionary and lowered prices dramatically but still higher than Apple’s pricing)
I suspect Apple will sell a lot - in part because people can use them in many situations without the stigma of other devices. Though people can’t tell if someone with AirPods on can hear them or is distracted/on a call
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@dangillmor Even before the new updates my AirPods Pro worked better than the hearing aids I got in 2018 for $3000 after employer sponsoring
The on-demand hearing tests are gonna be huge too
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Vincent Van Dinskyreplied to Matthew Lyon last edited by
@mattly What about as compared with other OTC hearing aids?
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Matthew Lyonreplied to Vincent Van Dinsky last edited by
@vvandinsky airpods are the first ones granted approval by the FTC
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Vincent Van Dinskyreplied to Matthew Lyon last edited by
@mattly I think you mean the FDA, but that's incorrect anyway.
https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/
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Matthew Lyonreplied to Vincent Van Dinsky last edited by [email protected]
@vvandinsky ok so it’s OTC “software” device https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/12/apple-airpods-pro-granted-fda-approval-to-serve-as-hearing-aids/
most of the ones in the wired article are nowhere near the same price class
I’m not about to go spend another $6k on this shit to comparison shop when the things I bought for $180 on sale work amazingly well