Samsung Turns Galaxy Buds Into Clinical Hearing Aids
New Features for Galaxy Buds
Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro wireless earbuds will soon function as hearing aids following a software update. The company has received official authorization from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), confirming the medical classification of these devices. Notably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted similar clearance for the technology earlier this summer.
The update will introduce two primary tools: a hearing test and a hearing enhancement feature. The rollout is scheduled to begin in Korea in early 2027, though release dates for other markets, including the U.S. and Europe, remain unconfirmed.
How the System Works
The hearing test utilizes clinical-grade audiometry, assessing ear sensitivity through various sound frequencies. The system analyzes each ear individually, providing the user with an audiogram that categorises hearing status into seven levels, ranging from normal to severe hearing loss. Results are automatically synced to the Samsung Health app, where users can also track information regarding their exposure to environmental noise.
The hearing aid function relies on this audiogram, employing the NAL-NL2 formula developed by Australia’s National Acoustic Laboratories, which is widely used in professional hearing aids. This feature is intended for users over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss. Crucially, users can adjust sound settings independently without the need for specialist assistance.
Technological Evolution
This is not Samsung’s first foray into hearing enhancement. The company first experimented with the technology in 2020 with the Galaxy Buds+ model. Clinical studies conducted in 2021 demonstrated that such technology significantly assists individuals in daily communication. Park Heon-soo, head of Samsung’s Digital Health team, noted that integrating these functions into earbuds makes hearing support far more accessible.
For users in Georgia, this development is significant, as the integration of such technology into the smartphone ecosystem offers a simple, accessible way to improve the quality of life for those with hearing difficulties. While the update is set for a 2027 launch in Korea, the global rollout of these features will provide even more people with the ability to address hearing impairments proactively.