San Francisco, Jan 11 (IANS): A lesser-known feature of Apple AirPods, aimed at helping those with hearing impairment, can also be used to engage in eavesdropping, the media has reported.

Included in Apple's latest version of iOS 12 operating system (OS) and what appears like an ear icon once you activate it, "Live Listen" essentially helps the hearing impaired by allowing them to place their iPhone close to a person they're having trouble hearing.

"But people can commandeer Live Listen to snoop on their boss or partner by hiding their iPhone in the same room as their victim. Anyone using the tool can simply turn up the volume on their iPhone's microphone to listen through AirPods," The Sun reported late on Thursday.

Live Listen can help you hear a conversation in a noisy area or even hear someone speaking across the room, according to Apple's website.

Several users have pointed out on discussion website Reddit and Twitter that "Live Listen" also means Apple users can listen to conversations going on in another room -- as long as their iPhone is in the room, they have their AirPods in and "Live Listen" tool is turned on.

On Twitter, where the previously little-known feature has gone viral, people are suggesting it will be a game-changer when it comes to eavesdropping, according to the Independent.