In this article, I tested the new hearing health features that will be added to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 headphones, and they helped me avoid a long-overdue visit to the audiologist. Apple introduced these features at an event in September, and they will be accessible to the public through a free software update next week. Users will be able to take a clinically validated hearing test using the AirPods Pro 2, and if needed, the buds can function as an over-the-counter hearing aid. Additionally, the headphones will include new hearing protection features like loud sound reduction, which will be activated by default.
According to the World Health Organization, over 1.5 billion people worldwide are living with hearing loss. Targeting this market could potentially boost sales for Apple’s $249 AirPods Pro 2, which were initially launched two years ago.
For current owners of the headphones, exploring the hearing health features is recommended. Setting them up takes only a few minutes and can be easily done from the comfort of your home. The AirPods Pro 2 offer a cost-effective solution for those seeking assistive hearing technology, as other over-the-counter hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars without insurance coverage.
I personally own a pair of third-generation AirPods that I use daily, but this was my first experience with the AirPods Pro 2. After unboxing them, I paired them with my iPhone and took Apple’s hearing test. Apple mentioned during the September event that 80% of adults in the U.S. have not had their hearing checked in the last five years, a statistic that resonated with me as I recalled my last hearing test in elementary school.
To access the test, you can navigate to the Health app or the earbuds’ settings menu. The test begins with basic questions about your age, health, and recent exposure to loud environments. It is essential to be in a quiet space to take the test, as Apple conducts a background noise check to ensure the environment is suitable. The test evaluates the fit of the headphones in your ears, which come with medium-sized flexible ear tips, with additional tip sizes included in the box.
I conducted the test in my apartment without needing to adjust the fit of the headphones. The test involves listening to tones at various volumes and frequencies, tapping the screen each time a sound is heard. It took a little over five minutes, with occasional pauses between tones. Apple’s recommendation for a quiet testing environment proved crucial, as some tones were very soft, requiring complete silence to detect.
The test results are available immediately, stored in the Health app, and can be shared with a healthcare provider. My results indicated minimal hearing loss in both ears, providing me with peace of mind.
Given my minimal hearing loss, I activated the “Media Assist” feature, which adjusts call, music, and video clarity based on my hearing test results. While using the AirPods Pro 2 for various activities like FaceTime calls and music streaming, I noticed amplified voices during calls, though music and TV did not exhibit significant changes.
For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, the headphones can be set up as clinical-grade hearing aids, following FDA approval of Apple’s hearing aid software in September. Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, explained that the personalized hearing aid feature enhances specific sounds in real-time, tailored to the user’s needs.
Activating the hearing aid feature instantly amplified sounds in my surroundings, making it easier to hear conversations and TV dialogue. Adjustments can be made in settings and the iOS Control Center to personalize the experience. While the feature may require some adjustment, it offers significant benefits, especially in noisy environments.
Even though I didn’t require the hearing aid feature, I found it intriguing and plan to share the information with family members who might benefit from it. The discreet design of the AirPods Pro 2 makes them a less conspicuous option compared to traditional hearing aids, which could be appealing to many users.
