Highlights
- Samsung will add Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features to the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
- It has received medical device approvals from South Korea’s MFDS and earlier FDA clearance in the US.
- The update is set to begin rolling out in South Korea in early 2027.
According to the latest update, Samsung is expanding the health and accessibility features of its Galaxy Buds lineup. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are set to receive hearing assistance capabilities through a software update. Here’s what Galaxy Buds owners need to know.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds3 Pro to Get Hearing Aid Features
Samsung has received medical device approval in South Korea for its Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features designed for Galaxy Buds. The approval comes from the country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
The company’s Hearing Aid feature had previously received clearance from the US FDA during the summer. However, the latest announcement confirms regulatory approval for both Hearing Test and Hearing Aid functionality in Samsung’s home market.
Samsung will bring these features to the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro through a software update. The rollout is scheduled to begin in South Korea in early 2027.
The Hearing Test feature will help users assess their hearing ability, while the Hearing Aid functionality will use the test results to adjust sound amplification. This means users will be able to personalise how they hear conversations and other sounds through their earbuds.
For now, Samsung has not confirmed when the features will reach users in the US or other international markets.
How Samsung Galaxy Buds Could Work as Hearing Aids?
Samsung’s hearing assistance system will use two connected features called Hearing Test and Hearing Aid.
Hearing Test is performed separately for each ear and uses clinical-grade pure-tone air conduction audiometry to evaluate how well users can hear different sound frequencies. It plays individual tones at varying frequencies and volumes to determine the quietest sounds a person can detect.
After completing the test, users receive an audiogram showing their hearing levels. Samsung categorises the results into seven levels such as normal, slight, mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe and profound. The results also include guidance on possible next steps.
The Hearing Aid, meanwhile, uses the audiogram generated by the Hearing Test to personalise audio amplification. It focuses on amplifying frequencies that a user has difficulty hearing instead of increasing the volume of every sound equally.
The system uses the NAL-NL2 prescription formula developed by Australia’s National Acoustic Laboratories. This formula is widely used in hearing aid technology to determine suitable amplification levels.
Samsung says the feature is intended for adults aged 18 and above who suspect they have mild to moderate hearing loss. Users will be able to adjust the amplification according to their requirements without assistance from a hearing specialist.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Features
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro features a two-way speaker system with a wider woofer, tweeter and dual amplifiers. Other key features include:
- High-quality audio: Supports 24-bit/96kHz Ultra High Quality Audio through Samsung Seamless Codec.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Enhanced ANC with adaptive noise control to reduce unwanted background sounds.
- Super Clear Call: AI-powered voice processing for clearer calls.
- Design: Refined metal blade design with improved ergonomics for all-day comfort.
- Galaxy AI: Integration with voice assistants and other Galaxy ecosystem features.
- Adaptive Equalizer: Personalised sound tuning based on listening preferences.
- Durability: IP57-rated water and dust resistance.
- Battery: Up to 7 hours of playback on the earbuds and up to 32 hours with the charging case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Features
Galaxy Buds3 Pro, on the other hand, features a two-way speaker setup with dual amplifiers for improved audio output. It supports 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Fi audio through Samsung Seamless Codec UHQ. Its other features include:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC with Ambient Sound and 360 Audio support.
- Galaxy AI: Features such as Interpreter Mode for live translation and quick voice memos.
- Design: Stem-style design with Blade Lights and swipe and pinch gesture controls.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, LE Audio, Auracast and Auto Switch across compatible Galaxy devices.
- Durability: IP57-rated water and dust resistance.
- Microphones: Six microphones for improved call quality and voice pickup.
- Battery: Up to 7 hours of playback on the earbuds and around 30 hours with the charging case.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Hearing Aid Feature: Availability
Samsung has confirmed that the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features will arrive on the Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds3 Pro through a software update. The rollout will begin in South Korea in early 2027 after the medical device approval from the country’s MFDS.
The company has not provided a specific date for the update or confirmed its availability in other regions.
