After Apple, Samsung is bringing hearing aid feature to Galaxy Buds starting this year

Samsung's Galaxy Buds can now work as over-the-counter hearing aids after the company received US FDA clearance for its Hearing Aid feature. Here's how the feature works.Galaxy Buds get FDA clearance for Hearing Aid feature. (Image credit: Samsung)After Apple, Samsung is bringing hearing aid feature to select Galaxy Buds earphones. The company has received FDA clearance which means Samsung is allowed to launch the feature in the US. The said hearing aid feature will be rolled out gradually later this year. Once available, compatible Galaxy Buds will be able to function as hearing aids, which is to say that users will not have to invest in over the counter (OTC) options that generally cost more money.How Samsung’s hearing aid feature will work?Samsung is introducing a Hearing Test feature, which is registered as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD). The company says users can complete the hearing test in about five minutes directly through the Galaxy Buds settings. The software checks each ear individually and creates an audiogram, similar to what an audiologist would generate during a hearing evaluation.Based on the results, the Hearing Aid feature automatically adjusts sound amplification to match the user's hearing profile. Samsung says the system uses NAL-NL2, a globally recognised fitting formula that is also used in prescription hearing aids.Samsung says that it has added features commonly found in premium hearing aids, including noise reduction and beamforming, which focuses on sounds in front of the user while reducing background noise. Citing the World Health Organisation, Samsung says hearing loss affected more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, but many people who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them because of high costs, social stigma or limited access to professional care. By bringing hearing support to wireless earbuds, the company hopes to make hearing assistance more accessible.Samsung also says hearing-related information, including noise exposure levels and Hearing Test results, will be available inside the Samsung Health app, giving users a broader picture of their hearing health.AvailabilityThe new Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features will be available on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the US and select approved markets during the fourth quarter of 2026.- EndsPublished On: Aug 12, 2026 12:11 IST