Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Hearing Health: What You Need to Know
In a move that could revolutionize how people approach hearing loss, Apple has introduced several hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2. These new features, authorized by the FDA in September 2024, allow the AirPods Pro 2 to function as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Alongside this groundbreaking capability, Apple has also integrated Hearing Protection and a clinically validated Hearing Test, offering consumers a more accessible and affordable way to address hearing challenges. If you’re curious about these features and how they can benefit you, here’s a comprehensive guide.
The Hearing Test: Your First Step
To utilize the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid, you’ll first need to take the Apple Hearing Test. This is a clinical-grade hearing test based on pure-tone audiometry. It takes approximately five minutes to complete using your AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone or iPad. This built-in, validated test contrasts with previous methods that allowed users to upload hearing tests to the Health app to tweak their AirPods into hearing enhancers. Apple’s offering may increase adoption of the hearing health features.
Upon finishing the test, you’ll receive a summary of your results, including an audiogram (a graph showing the results) and a number representing the hearing loss in each ear. The results will also include a classification and recommendations. All this data is securely stored on the Health app and can be shared with your healthcare provider. If you already have an audiogram from a hearing health professional, you can use it to program the Hearing Aid function.
Setting Up the AirPods Pro 2 as a Hearing Aid
The key to enabling Apple’s innovative technology is using the results from an audio test to turn AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid. The feature enables the AirPods to provide real-time adjustments to boost sounds around the user. Moreover, these settings automatically apply to phone calls, music, movies, and games across all of the user’s devices through a feature Apple calls the Media Assist feature.
Availability and Compatibility
The Hearing Aid feature and Hearing Test were made available in the fall of 2024. The Hearing Aid and Hearing Test are accessible on the AirPods Pro 2 through a firmware update, both requiring a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later. While specific features may vary by region and language, the features are available in over 100 countries and regions, including the US, Germany, and Japan.
Who Is This For?
Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are designed for individuals aged 18 and older. Specifically, the Hearing Aid is tailored for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The introduction of accessible OTC hearing aids that can be integrated with existing Apple products provides an economical option for individuals with hearing loss. The expansion of these features has the potential to reach a global audience, as nearly 1.5 billion people experience hearing loss, with milder symptoms being the most common.
What is Apple Hearing Protection?
Apple has built the Hearing Protection feature into the AirPods Pro 2 by default. This feature allows for passive noise reduction, with the H2 chip actively reducing louder, more sporadic noise at 48,000 times per second. The multi-band high dynamic range algorithm ensures that sounds in live events remain natural and clear on the AirPods Pro 2.
Hearing Protection became available in the fall of 2024 in the US and Canada with the AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest operating system.
Apple has been running its own hearing health studies to inform product developments and educate the public about the potential impacts of loud technology and everyday life. As these studies continue, Apple can be expected to be in the forefront of advancements in hearing technology.
