Apple's AirPods Pro will reportedly gain a new 'hearing aid mode' with iOS 18. The device already offers a Conversation Boost feature, but Apple has not advertised it as a hearing aid device as that requires FDA regulatory approval. It is unclear whether Apple will need FDA clearance to make explicit or implicit claims about the 'hearing aid mode' or whether it will adopt that exact name. The FDA approved a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids called Personal sound amplification products in August 2022 that doesn't require legal registration by manufacturers or listing with the FDA. iOS 18 is set to be previewed in June and released sometime in September.

A feature in Apple's new AirPods Pro allows the device to be used as an over-the-counter hearing aid designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Users can take hearing tests on devices running iOS 18 after which their AirPods will make personalized dynamic adjustments allowing them to properly hear their immediate listening environments. The test takes about five minutes and the results are stored privately within the Health app. The AirPods also have a passive noise-reduction hearing loss prevention feature that automatically dampens ambient loud noises while retaining audio integrity.