Thanks to Donald Trump, Apple’s new AirPods will make America hear again | John Naughton
Thanks to Donald Trump, Apple’s new AirPods will make America hear again The Guardian
sdgtalks
Silicon Valley Meets Healthcare: Apple’s AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids
Introduction
In a world where technology and healthcare intersect, Apple has received FDA authorization to transform their AirPods Pro into clinical-grade hearing aids. This development aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, as it aims to provide affordable and accessible hearing aids to individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairment.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
The new generation of Apple’s AirPods Pro will be available over the counter (OTC) without the need for a prescription. Priced at $249 in the US and £229 in the UK, they offer a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, which can range from £495 to £2,995. While conventional hearing aids provide personalized attention from audiologists, the FDA has determined that Apple’s customisation software is sufficient for individuals with mild to moderate hearing difficulties.
How It Works
To program the AirPods Pro as hearing aids, users can take an on-demand hearing test on their iPhone’s health app. The app sends different frequencies and volumes to each earbud, and users tap the screen when they hear the sound. After a few minutes, the app generates an audiogram that maps the user’s hearing deficits. Alternatively, users can upload an existing audiogram generated by an audiologist.
The Role of Regulation
The FDA’s authorization of Apple’s AirPods Pro as hearing aids marks a significant shift in the regulation of healthcare devices. For years, the FDA required a prescription for any device that goes into the human ear. However, in 2017, Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which mandated the FDA to allow hearing aids without a prescription. This change was further enforced by an executive order from the Biden administration in 2022. The regulatory landscape played a crucial role in making affordable hearing aids more widely available.
Technology and Social Forces
The development of Apple’s AirPods Pro as hearing aids highlights the influence of social and political forces on technology. The deployment and development of technology are not solely determined by engineering and science but are shaped by laws and regulations. In this case, the hearing aid cartel was broken apart by legislation, allowing for greater accessibility and affordability. This story emphasizes the interconnectedness of technology, society, and politics.
What I’ve Been Reading
Bad press
Jeff Jarvis, the veteran journalist and City University of New York emeritus professor, has an insightful analysis on his blog titled What’s become of The Times & Co? about why US mainstream media has gone wrong.
Top Marx
The Enduring Influence of Marx’s Masterpiece is a marvelous introduction by Wendy Brown to a new translation of Das Kapital.
Head case
A lovely essay by Erik J Larson is The Left Brain Delusion, which argues that we’re too governed by one side of our grey matter.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
- Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
-
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. |
|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. |
|
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the availability of affordable hearing aids, which can contribute to promoting good health and well-being. The new generation of Apple AirPods Pro, which can function as clinical-grade hearing aids, can help reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and improve mental health and well-being for individuals with hearing impairments. This aligns with Target 3.4 of SDG 3.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article highlights the significant price difference between conventional hearing aids and the Apple AirPods Pro. The availability of affordable hearing aids can contribute to reducing inequalities in access to healthcare services. This aligns with Target 10.2 of SDG 10, which aims to promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of their disability status.
The article mentions specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. This indicator can be used to measure progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, as mentioned in Target 3.4 of SDG 3.
- Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate. This indicator can be used to measure progress in promoting mental health and well-being, as mentioned in Target 3.4 of SDG 3.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability. This indicator can be used to measure progress in reducing inequalities in access to affordable healthcare services, as mentioned in Target 10.2 of SDG 10.
Source: theguardian.com
