The Apple AirPods Pro 2 now have a hearing test feature that transforms the earbuds into a clinical-grade hearing aid once the test is taken on an iPhone or iPad. The software will be available to the public in an upcoming iOS 18 update. This feature comes at a time when hearing loss is on the rise in the United States, with many affected adults not trying hearing aids. The ease of taking the test with AirPods may facilitate conversations about hearing health and open up discussions with family and friends. The software also includes “Hearing Protection” features to guard against sustained loud sounds.
The AirPods hearing test takes about 10 minutes and must be done in a quiet room. The test checks the fit of the ear tips and involves tapping the screen when hearing beeping tones. Results can be saved and used to activate the hearing aid mode, which enhances frequencies that may require amplification based on the test results. Adjustment controls for amplification and volume are available, and a shortcut menu button in the Control Center provides quick access to settings. Test results can be saved and shared as a PDF.
Apple’s hearing test was compared to a professional audiogram, showing similar results. If a professional test is done, the results can be uploaded into the app and applied to the AirPods hearing aid settings. The software also includes a feature called Conversation Boost, which amplifies voices in front of the user, aiding in hearing conversations in crowded environments. While AirPods may be cheaper than traditional hearing aids, they have limited battery life compared to some over-the-counter hearing aid options.
The AirPods Pro 2 update includes advanced Hearing Protection features that work with various modes on the earbuds to block harmful loud sounds while preserving sound quality. The software aims to protect against sustained loud sounds up to 110 decibels, but may not be suitable for extremely loud impulse sounds. The Hearing Protection features were tested with live music playing at varying decibel levels, showing a reduction in exposure to loud sounds while maintaining sound quality. This feature could be useful for preventing temporary hearing loss in noisy environments.
The potential of using AirPods as hearing aids could be a game-changer in starting conversations about hearing health and encouraging older family members to take tests and consider using hearing aids. The user testimonial from someone who uses traditional hearing aids daily provided insights into the importance of early adoption of hearing aids and the potential of AirPods for music listening. While AirPods may not be a complete replacement for traditional hearing aids, they offer an accessible option for managing hearing loss in specific situations. Overall, the AirPods Pro 2 update’s hearing health features have the potential to change the way we think about hearing health and the use of earbuds for preventing hearing loss.
