Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are about to become a lot more useful than your typical pair of wireless earbuds. The company has received regulatory approval to turn two of its existing models into over-the-counter hearing aids, allowing users to check their hearing and improve how they hear the world around them without buying dedicated equipment.
According to Samsung’s official announcement, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has approved its Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features as medical device software. The new feature will arrive on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro through software updates, with a gradual rollout scheduled to begin in South Korea in early 2027.
Your earbuds could soon help you hear better
The upgrade introduces two complementary features, starting with Hearing Test. Users can access the test directly through the Galaxy Buds settings on a compatible smartphone. Samsung uses clinical-grade pure-tone audiometry, playing sounds at different frequencies to measure the quietest tones users can hear in each ear.
The approximately five-minute process generates an audiogram, which maps hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. Samsung’s Korean announcement says results are classified into seven levels, ranging from normal hearing to profound hearing loss, alongside guidance on possible next steps.
It doesn’t simply increase the volume of everything around you; rather, it uses your audiogram to amplify specific sounds you struggle to hear. It relies on NAL-NL2, a widely used hearing-aid fitting formula developed by Australia’s National Acoustic Laboratories.
Adults aged 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can personalize the amplification without visiting a hearing specialist. Samsung Health will also display hearing-related information, including noise exposure levels and test results. The system is intended to provide accessible hearing assistance, but like most consumer tech with health features, it isn’t a true substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Samsung is getting more serious about health tech
The latest approval follows the US Food and Drug Administration’s clearance of Samsung’s Hearing Aid feature in August. Samsung previously announced a fourth-quarter 2026 release for the US and select markets, while its new Korean announcement specifically confirms an early 2027 rollout in South Korea.
It is worth noting that full functionality requires a compatible Galaxy phone running One UI 9 or later. Samsung is also expanding its medical-grade features beyond earbuds. Earlier this week, the company introduced upgraded sleep apnea detection for the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, which continues its push toward more comprehensive health monitoring.
Apple has already demonstrated the appeal of hearing assistance with its AirPods Pro lineup, and Samsung’s upcoming update brings similar capabilities to Android users.
