Apple's Focus on Health Tech Grows, and Experts See Big Impact
Apple is getting deeper into Apple Health expansion technology while developing its AirPods Pro update. There is a new Apple Watch launched at the September event announcing new iPhones.
Although new iPhones were what a lot of people talked about online during the event, it was actually Apple Health-related features that stole the show. These new features involve hearing health tests, hearing profiles, and sleep apnea tracking, showing just how seriously Apple is committed to health and wellness.
Hearing Health Made Simple
Due to the new shift in the making of more accessible solutions for hearing health, Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 are now able to serve as over-the-counter hearing aids. Not too long after the announcement of Apple, the FDA approved its “Hearing Aid Feature” and made this a game-changing addition for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
For many consumers, hearing loss is hard to detect because one cannot see it. Terry Zwolan, an audiologist and director at Cochlear Americas, emphasized the feature of self-checking: “One of the downsides of hearing loss is that it’s not visible, and you really can’t tell that it’s happening to you.” Zwolan regards this Apple Health app update as one step toward making people more proactive with their hearing health by monitoring hearing loss themselves and intervening on time.
The technology was lauded by Andy Miller, the senior vice president of innovation at AARP AgeTech Collaborative, for what he said is its impact: “There’s not a tremendous amount of innovation in this space. I think it’s going to push the whole hearing space to be better for people.”
Sleep Apnea and a Holistic Approach to Health
But Apple’s innovations extend well beyond auditory health. The latest Apple Watch showcases sleep apnea notifications, and can record breathing activity when you’re at rest. Sleep apnea is a condition with disturbing interruptions in sleep and possible negative outcomes on a person’s psyche and body, which can now be monitored from the wrist.
Miller further emphasized that Apple’s Apple Health coordinated care innovations go beyond merely tracking one particular aspect of health. According to him, these devices should knit together different health aspects, including social engagement, to allow the user to build a holistic picture of their well-being. “When you think about your health, it’s not just about ‘let me track your heartbeat’ or ‘let me track your sleep.’ But one of the things that’s super important is tying in social engagement to that.”
This is because, according to the US surgeon general, social isolation—the absence of social interaction—can have health consequences that are on par with smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Miller said he wants to see more innovations that combine social interaction with health monitoring in ways that will further enhance people’s health.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s focus on Apple health expansion technologies, including the latest Apple Health update, points to the commitment of the company in making health care more accessible and actionable. Inventions such as hearing tests and monitoring for sleep apnea provide impetus for consumers to take their health in hand, while innovations in sharing health data with professionals create seamless links between personal technology and professional care. As continued innovation ensues, the juncture of technology and health is increasingly becoming more personal and impactful to the everyday user.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the Tech industry. Keep an eye on our Medtech section to stay informed and updated with our daily articles.