APPLE will finally unlock a groundbreaking AirPods feature in the UK after a major change to regulation.
Owners of AirPods Pro 2 will soon be able to use them as hearing aids.
And it could benefit tens of thousands of people.
Around a third of adults in the UK are deaf or experience hearing loss or tinnitus.
AirPods users in the US have had the full hearing aid feature since it launched in October last year while Brits have been limited to hearing tests only.
The ability to use AirPods as a hearing aid was blocked because it didn't have UK regulatory approval.
But those rules are set to change, benefiting Apple and other businesses looking to release pioneering hearing aids for to the UK.
The Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said Britain can be a powerhouse for medical technology if we "rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation".
"Groundbreaking new hearing aid devices have the potential to help tens of thousands of people with hearing loss, helping them to live their life to the full," he explained.
"The action we’re taking will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK."
As a result of the changes, Apple plans to introduce the full hearing aid feature to the UK in weeks.
"With the new policy guidance from the UK Department of Health and Social Care, we look forward to bringing the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the coming weeks to help improve the daily lives of so many UK users," an Apple rep said.
Despite the move, people are still being encouraged to seek clinical advice through their GP if they are having problems with their hearing.
There are various possible causes for hearing loss - it may be caused by something treatable or it may be permanent.
The NHS advises that if patients have not already undergone a clinical assessment, they should see a GP if:
You'll need a pair of second-generation Apple AirPods Pro earbuds to test your hearing.
Other earbuds models – and even the pricey AirPods Max – won't support the feature.
That's because the AirPods Pro have the right type of sealing and noise cancellation to allow the test to work.
Once you're ready, pop the AirPods in then go into your Settings app.
Now tap on the AirPods section in Settings, scroll down, and choose the Take a Hearing Test option.
You'll be guided through the process, and you'll also get a chance to hear what the test will sound like.
Follow the instructions, make sure you're somewhere quiet, and go ahead with the test.
Then you'll be given hearing loss results at the very end, with some extra info about what it means for you.
THERE are numerous places you can go to for a hearing test - from high-street stores to private practices. Here's our rundown of some of the most popular ones.
Your GP
Your doctor is a good first point of call if you are worried about your hearing. They can offer advice on where to go, but can also do some more tests to see if anything else is going on that's causing hearing loss.
Specsavers
While they're most well known for their optical services, Specsavers also do hearing tests. They are also completely free for anyone over 18 years of age. You can check out descriptions of some common ear conditions, as well as booking your test, .
Boots
Another high-street favourite that offers free, 15-minute hearing assessments. Again, they suggest visiting the GP to rule out any other underlying health conditions. But if you've done that and still want to get your hearing checked, visit the Boots .
Hidden Hearing
Hidden Hearing has hundreds of clinics all over the country, and offers customers a full consultation with a hearing care professional. It also provides the opportunity to try a hearing aid for 60 risk-free days. To find a clinic near you,
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