Summary:

- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new "hearing aid mode" for Apple's AirPods, allowing them to be used as over-the-counter hearing aids.
- This new feature enables AirPods to amplify sounds and adjust audio settings to improve hearing for users, without the need for a prescription or professional fitting.
- The FDA's decision is part of a broader effort to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable, by allowing consumers to purchase them directly without a medical exam or prescription.