Technology aid: Apple's AirPods about to get a hearing aid feature

Apple has always touted its focus on helping its users in their day-to-day life in meaningful ways. The Apple Watch is one product that is attached to many stories where health issues were discovered early, or where it was the only device in reach that helped users call for help when needed.

Now, it seems Cupertino wants to enhance the wireless AirPods earbuds to help people with health issues as well.

You may or may not know that there's a feature called Live Listen baked into iOS. It is accessible when you have an MFi hearing aid device paired with your iPhone. Well, in iOS 12 beta, your pair of AirPods will be recognized as earphones that can work with Live Listen.

Basically, the idea is to use the AirPods' built-in microphones, amplify the sound, and feed it into the user's ears. Obviously, this probably won't solve all issues out there and will not be replacing prescription hearing aids. We can't know if and how Apple plans to expand on the feature, but it's there to help with lighter hearing issues. Or to help you listen in on conversations... we'll have to get back to you on that one.

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