While not a remedy to severe hearing loss, this feature could be a great help to those afflicted with mild to moderate hearing loss. And for many people, a pair of AirPods will be a lot less daunting – and more stylish and user friendly – than a hearing aid.

Why is Apple, one of the biggest and most valuable names in technology, turning its bestselling headphones into lower-cost hearing aids? Because the company has been steadily expanding its reach

AirPods Pro 2, the latest version of Apple’s earbuds, already have an ability that allows users to take a five-minute hearing test. But now, if the test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, the user can switch on a function to boost their hearing at the touch of a button.