Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you think smartphones have changed the way we communicate and interact with others?
- What types of apps do you find most useful in your daily life, and why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- feature /FEE-cher/
- regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/
- over-the-counter /OH-ver-duh-KOUN-ter/
- signal /SIG-nl/
- convert /kuhn-VURT/
[noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something
The new car model includes a safety feature that automatically stops the vehicle if an obstacle is detected.
[noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something
The company had to adjust its operations to comply with environmental regulations.
[adverb] – available for purchase directly from a retailer without a prescription
Many allergy medications are available over-the-counter, so you don’t need a doctor’s prescription.
[verb] – to convey or communicate a message or indication
The referee raised his hand to signal the end of the match.
[verb] – to change something into a different form or function
They used an app to convert the audio recording into a written transcript.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Apple has introduced a new hearing aid feature for its AirPods Pro 2, offering a fresh option for millions of Americans with hearing loss. With this software update, the earbuds can now be used as hearing aids. Experts believe this could help reduce the stigma around hearing aids, encouraging more people to address hearing issues. Many people avoid traditional hearing aids due to high costs, noticeable appearance, or discomfort, but this feature on a popular device might change that perspective.
This update comes after a 2022 change in U.S. regulations, which now allow people to buy hearing aids over-the-counter without a prescription. Although AirPods have advanced sound features, they have some limitations: they are not designed for all-day wear, and their battery life is shorter than traditional hearing aids. Additionally, wearing earbuds may signal that a person does not want to be disturbed, which could be a minor downside for some users. Hearing loss affects about 15% of Americans and is linked to serious health risks, such as social isolation, cognitive decline, and a higher risk of falls. For those unable to afford dedicated hearing aids, smartphones and apps can help. Some phones, like iPhones, offer features like “Live Listen” to amplify sounds or convert speech to text. Apple’s new AirPods feature expands these resources, making hearing care more accessible and helping people stay connected and healthy.
This update comes after a 2022 change in U.S. regulations, which now allow people to buy hearing aids over-the-counter without a prescription. Although AirPods have advanced sound features, they have some limitations: they are not designed for all-day wear, and their battery life is shorter than traditional hearing aids. Additionally, wearing earbuds may signal that a person does not want to be disturbed, which could be a minor downside for some users. Hearing loss affects about 15% of Americans and is linked to serious health risks, such as social isolation, cognitive decline, and a higher risk of falls. For those unable to afford dedicated hearing aids, smartphones and apps can help. Some phones, like iPhones, offer features like “Live Listen” to amplify sounds or convert speech to text. Apple’s new AirPods feature expands these resources, making hearing care more accessible and helping people stay connected and healthy.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What new feature has Apple introduced for the AirPods Pro 2?
- How might the new feature help people with hearing loss?
- Why do some people avoid traditional hearing aids?
- What change in U.S. regulations occurred in 2022 regarding hearing aids?
- What percentage of Americans are affected by hearing loss?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used technology that helped you feel more connected to others or more independent? If yes, what technology did you use, and how did it help you? If not, can you think of any technology that could help you feel more connected or independent?
- What are your thoughts about using earbuds for hearing assistance?
- Do you think that buying hearing aids over-the-counter is a good idea?
- What problems do you think might come from using AirPods instead of regular hearing aids?
- What other features do you think should be included in everyday devices to help people? How would these features help?