Therapists Secretly Use AI, AirPods Could Be Hearing Aids
▼ Summary
– Declan discovered his therapist was using ChatGPT during an online session due to a screen-sharing mishap.
– The therapist was inputting Declan’s statements into ChatGPT and repeating its responses as his own.
– A growing number of clients report receiving AI-generated communications from their therapists, compromising trust and privacy.
– Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 received FDA approval as hearing-aid software in September 2024, priced around $200.
– The author, who has hearing loss, welcomed this as a more affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids, which cost over $2,000 and lack competitive pricing.
Declan’s therapy session took an unexpected turn when a technical glitch revealed his therapist’s hidden reliance on artificial intelligence. During an online consultation plagued by connectivity issues, Declan proposed turning off their video feeds. Instead, his therapist accidentally shared his screen, exposing a live feed of ChatGPT generating real-time responses to Declan’s personal disclosures. The therapist appeared to be parroting AI-generated advice without disclosure, raising serious questions about ethics and client trust in mental health care.
This incident is far from isolated. A growing number of therapy clients report receiving responses that feel impersonal or formulaic, later suspecting, or discovering, that their therapist is using AI tools during sessions. The practice risks eroding the foundational trust and confidentiality essential to effective therapeutic relationships. When algorithms replace human intuition and empathy, clients may feel their vulnerabilities are being processed by machines rather than understood by people.
In a separate but equally significant development, Apple AirPods Pro now function as FDA-approved hearing aids, offering an accessible alternative to traditional devices. Priced at around $200, these earbuds incorporate specialized software that amplifies speech and reduces background noise, providing critical support for those with hearing impairments.
For individuals with hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus, this innovation represents a major shift. Conventional hearing aids often cost thousands of dollars and are dominated by a handful of manufacturers with limited price competition. The entry of a mainstream technology company into this space promises greater affordability and accessibility. Early adopters report that AirPods Pro deliver clear sound amplification in everyday environments, though they may not fully replace specialized medical devices for all users.
Both stories reflect a broader trend of technology reshaping personal wellness, sometimes with unintended consequences. While AI tools and consumer electronics can offer powerful new capabilities, their integration into sensitive areas like mental health and medical support requires careful consideration of transparency, consent, and ethical boundaries.
(Source: Technology Review)
