Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 2 can now function as hearing aids in more than 100 countries, including Canada, following Health Canada’s approval in December 2024. However, Canadians are still unable to access the feature.
Barry Buckler of Markham, Ont., who has mild to moderate hearing loss, purchased the AirPods expecting to use them as hearing aids. “Once I read that Health Canada had given their approval, I thought we were home free and I went out and bought a pair myself,” he said, adding that many seniors could benefit from the technology.
Art Jackes of Oakville also purchased the AirPods Pro 2 for their hearing aid capabilities but expressed frustration over the restriction. “I kind of felt like I got ripped off,” Jackes said. “I think it’s sinful to hold it back. It’s an accessibility issue.”
Ontario’s Ministry of Health confirmed the AirPods Pro 2 are classified as Class II medical devices in Canada, meaning they fall under regulations that require hearing aids to be prescribed by an audiologist or physician. “Should the AirPods Pro 2 be sold in Ontario as a hearing aid, it would need to be done in accordance with requirements in the RHPA,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
The Ontario Association of Professional Audiology Clinics (OAPAC) supports more affordable options but urges individuals with hearing loss to consult a professional first. Former OAPAC president Dave Pfingstgraef cautioned that improper use could lead to further hearing loss. “If the product is not used right or set up right, it can cause more hearing loss and other problems,” he said.
The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) stated it does not regulate hearing devices but supports accessible technology, provided risks are managed through proper labeling and education.
Despite these hurdles, Buckler believes Canadians should have the same access as users in other countries. “We have this technology that millions of people are using around the world and here we are in our own advanced country and we can’t, and that’s disappointing,” he said.
Source: Swifteradio.com
