Apple’s Latest Update Lets Malaysians Diagnose Hearing Loss & Sleep Apnea at Home, Doctors Raise Concerns

Malaysian Apple users now have access to groundbreaking health features allowing them to screen for sleep apnea and hearing loss conveniently at home using just their iPhones, Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and AirPods Pro 2. The much-awaited update, officially available from 26 March 2025, incorporates advanced sensors and machine learning technology, previously exclusive to users in the United States. However, the move has sparked some debate among medical experts regarding accuracy and potential misuse.

Apple’s newly introduced Breathing Disturbances feature aims to address sleep apnea—a condition affecting nearly 10% of adults globally, yet remains undiagnosed in 80% of cases. By analysing subtle wrist movements during sleep via Apple Watch, the Health app can identify irregular breathing patterns indicative of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Users experiencing persistent symptoms over 30 days will receive a notification recommending a consultation with healthcare providers, complete with detailed sleep reports for medical review. Similarly, AirPods Pro 2 users now have access to comprehensive hearing health tools, including Loud Sound Reduction, a five-minute Hearing Test with audiogram results, and an innovative Hearing Aid mode for those experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. Apple maintains that these features were developed with scientific rigor and privacy at their core, validated through extensive clinical trials and research collaborations with prominent medical institutions.

Despite Apple’s assurance of accuracy and privacy, some doctors and health experts have expressed concerns, cautioning users against fully relying on technology for medical diagnosis without professional supervision. While welcoming the accessibility and affordability these features bring, medical professionals still recommend consultations with certified healthcare providers to confirm and properly manage conditions like sleep apnea and hearing loss.

Source : sAYS