between flashy shots of a Sleek new Apple watch and a colorful array of iPhones Apple made a major announcement for a 2-year-old product the airpods Pro 2 the earbuds will soon gain a hearing aid function that anyone can access a move that will provide a cheaper alternative to traditional hearing aids and an all-in-one solution that could change the way people get help for hearing loss the Food and Drug Administration signed off on over-the-counter hearing aids in 2022 giving people access to cheaper alternative that don't require them to see a doctor provided Apple receives approval from the FDA Apple's new clinical grade over thee counter hearing aid capability will roll out as a free software update this fall some people with hearing loss have already used the airpods pro as a way to amplify sound but this update will have the FDA stamp of approval and will come with a few other benefits