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Hearing test not available in Australia after iOS update this morning

Updated to 18.1 this morning. I read the fine print—Australia is *not* in the list of countries where Hearing Test is available. Very disappointing. I was looking forward to using iPods Pro 2 for hearing assistance.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 1:59 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 11:25 PM

Just bought my airpods pro this morning for just this feature. Get home and find it’s not available in Australia. Guess how I feel about this issue. Not happy.


81 replies

Nov 6, 2024 9:27 PM in response to kit laughlin

Hi


There is a list of TGA applications but Apple Hearing is not on it. Don’t think it is a complete list. Can lodge a freedom of information application but states there is a delay in these. Historically e.g. Covid vaccines the TGA has not been very fast on its feet……and is not it appears an efficient process - approvals by a number of major countries is not it seems a driver.

Nov 8, 2024 6:35 AM in response to mypyjamas

mypyjamas wrote:

Bought my new AirPods Pro 2, and sat here trying to get the new firmware to download. No avail, then I found online it's not available in Australia. So I got a quote for so called hearing aids my Health Fund would stump up some money for, that were not obvious when on, close to the size of the Apple AirPods . . not as cool though. They sent me a quote for Signia Active Pro X, they were $5,220. . . Advertised as 'singles' only so 50% online. I suspect your theory could be on the money. Traditional providers have a lot to lose from customers like me. . .with mild loss, I just can't afford or justify that much money . . . when Apple Air Pods Pro 2 are going to help at a significantly more affordable price. So annoyed with Australia's regulatory system. Even NZ is ahead of us.

It was only recently in the U.S. that people became eligible to buy hearing aids "over the counter", meaning without going through an audiologist. I suspect the change in that regulation made it a lot easier for Apple to get approval here in the U.S. And yes, I also suspect that audiologists and possibly the traditional hearing aid companies resisted that change as long as possible.


Of course, the change has also probably been a goldmine for hearing aid companies who were able to adapt. Although they now have to compete on price in the open market, that market is much, much bigger.

Nov 11, 2024 9:18 PM in response to kit laughlin

Not that it is much help, but the TGA did respond to my message.


From TGA;


Thank you for your enquiry to the TGA.


Hearing aids that meet the definition of a medical device as set out in the Therapeutic goods legislation, require approval by the Therapeutic Goods  Administration (TGA) prior to legal supply in Australia. Approvals require submissions to be made by the manufacturuer or their Australian representative.

 


Generally the TGA does not disclose if an application has been submitted as this is potentially commercially sensitive information. You will need to contact Apple, the manufacturer of the device directly to obtain this information.

 


To date, the TGA can confirm that a clinical grade hearing aid manufactured by Apple has not been approved.

Nov 11, 2024 9:33 PM in response to BennieDaBlade

This (that a "clinical grade hearing aid manufactured by Apple has not been approved") is a red herring—Apple has been clear that the AirPods Pro2s are a hearing assistance device, not a clinical grade hearing aid. This mis-distinction will be what will be used to protect all the 'real' hearing aid manufacturers.


I am seriously considering importing one of the many over the counter (OTC) hearing aids that are freely available in the US and getting an audiogram done here, and programming the OTC aids that way.


[Edited by Moderator]

Oct 30, 2024 12:02 AM in response to Deano^74

Seems Apple Support's article dated September 2024 (link below) explains step-by-step how to prepare, and then "Use your audiogram data from the Health app"

Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If Apple's method isn't working for you, you might want to send feedback to Apple, They will likely not reply, yet your feedback will reach those who can make changes if others are also having a similar issue: Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Oct 31, 2024 3:10 PM in response to Alancito

Alancito wrote:

kit laughlin wrote: "...Does anyone know where one can post to convey our wishes to Apple?
"
Here:

Feedback - AirPods - Apple

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It will do no good to contact Apple. As I mentioned before, It's not Apple who approves where the hearing aid feature will be allowed. It is up to each country. Contact the government agency that approves medical devices.

Hearing test not available in Australia after iOS update this morning

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