Apple has announced a new software update for some models of their AirPods wireless headphones that allow them to be used as hearing aids. This move has been praised by experts, although it only caters to a small percentage of the millions of Americans with hearing loss. An estimated 30 million people in the United States have hearing loss in both ears, but many have never tried hearing aids due to various reasons such as cost, quality, fit, or appearance.
In other news, global oil prices have fallen sharply after a retaliatory strike by Israel on Iranian military sites, instead of targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. This move has eased concerns of a wider conflict in the Middle East, leading to a 6% drop in the prices of U.S. crude and Brent crude. Iran, being the 7th largest oil producer in the world, holds significant influence over global oil prices, and any conflict in the region could have serious implications on energy production. With the threat of war appearing to diminish in the short term, oil prices have dipped below $70 per barrel.
These recent developments in both technology and geopolitics are likely to have wide-reaching effects, impacting individuals with hearing loss who may benefit from Apple’s new hearing aid feature, as well as consumers and economies dependent on stable oil prices.
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