I’m excited for the discussions we’ll have next week as we begin comparing our hearing health scores. According to my Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing test, I have a 6-decibel loss in my left ear and a 12-decibel loss in my right.
These numbers might not mean much right now, but when the software becomes available next week in the US and Canada, you’ll likely be comparing hearing scores with family and friends after a quick test.
Apple provided me with early access to its new hearing health software for the AirPods Pro 2, which transforms the earbuds into clinical-grade hearing aids after a hearing test on an iPhone or iPad.
The software also includes features to protect against loud noises, enabled by default. Apple says this update will be rolled out next week as part of iOS 18.
Hearing loss is becoming increasingly common in the US, with estimates suggesting that 44.1 million American adults experience some degree of hearing loss.
More than half could benefit from using a hearing aid, but research shows that most people affected haven’t tried one yet.
With Apple’s new FDA-authorized software, this two-year-old product now offers anyone with AirPods an instant hearing test and hearing aid.
If the test is that easy to take, it may lead to conversations about hearing loss, much like how people discuss their eyesight prescriptions, potentially helping open up the dialogue about hearing issues when shared with others.
Last week, I started using the new features, which I look through further in the video above. The software also includes updated “Hearing Protection,” designed to shield your ears from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
During my exploration, I gained a deeper understanding of hearing loss, current technological solutions, and how Apple’s test compares to a professional audiogram.
How the AirPods Hearing Test Works
After updating your device, you’ll find a new section in your AirPods settings for hearing health, where you can take a hearing test.
The test takes around 10 minutes and requires a very quiet environment, as the AirPods will pause if any outside noise is detected. I even noticed distant church bells causing interruptions. Once the noise stops, the test resumes.
The test begins by checking the ear tips’ seal to ensure a proper fit. It then involves tapping the screen whenever you hear a beep. Some of the tones are faint and require focus to catch.
Once the test is complete, your results are saved in the Health app, where they can be shared as a PDF. If needed, you can turn on Hearing Aid Mode, which amplifies specific frequencies that your test shows need boosting.
This mode is an enhanced version of AirPods’ Transparency Mode, amplifying external sounds as well as media and call audio.
You can adjust the amplification and balance via detailed controls. When Hearing Aid Mode is activated, your phone’s volume controls also change, allowing you to manage the volume of external sounds and media separately.
A new shortcut button, resembling an ear, appears in the Control Center for quick access to these settings.
Testing with Others
If you pass your AirPods to someone else to test their hearing, the app will display their results alongside yours.
The settings allow you to choose which result to apply to the hearing aid software, but don’t forget to switch it back before using the AirPods again, as using someone else’s hearing profile could harm your ears.
Professional Audiogram vs. Apple’s Test
To see how Apple’s hearing test compares to a professional one, I visited Columbia University Irving Medical Center. After an ear inspection, I took a standard beep test in a soundproof room.
While more controlled and detailed than Apple’s test, the results were strikingly similar, with both tests indicating difficulty in hearing high frequencies.
Apple allows you to upload professional audiogram results into the Health app, which will then adjust your AirPods’ settings accordingly.
You can scan a paper audiogram using your iPhone camera, and the app will graph the results, applying them to your hearing aid settings.
Conversation Boost and Hearing Aid Comparisons
Though my hearing loss was minimal, I used the hearing aid mode in various scenarios to better understand its capabilities.
A feature called “Conversation Boost” amplifies voices in front of you, which I tested in a noisy bar. It significantly improved my ability to hear my companion despite the background noise.
While AirPods are cheaper than traditional hearing aids—retailing for $250 compared to over-the-counter hearing aids that can range from $1,000 to $1,700—they have a shorter battery life of 6 hours, making them unsuitable as a full-day replacement.
During my visit to Columbia, Dr. Justin Golub from the Otolaryngology Department mentioned that while Apple’s $250 price point is affordable, the limited battery life may make AirPods more of an entry-level option for specific situations rather than a complete hearing aid substitute.
Real-World Insights from a Hearing Aid User
To get a better sense of how AirPods compare to dedicated hearing aids, I spoke with Nancy, the mother of a colleague, who has been using hearing aids for a decade.
She found the AirPods promising for music listening but didn’t think they would be practical for daily use due to the need for frequent recharging.
Nonetheless, she acknowledged that adopting hearing aids earlier in her life could have improved her quality of life and business performance.
AirPods Could Start the Hearing Loss Conversation
With this update, AirPods could be a helpful tool to start conversations about hearing loss, particularly with older family members who may be resistant to using hearing aids.
By offering a quick and easy test, Apple might help break down some of the barriers that prevent people from acknowledging their hearing issues.
Updated Hearing Protection Features
The AirPods Pro 2 now have more advanced hearing protection software that manages sustained loud noises more effectively, preserving sound details while lowering exposure levels.
This feature is useful for protecting your hearing in environments like concerts, but it may not offer adequate protection against sudden, loud sounds like fireworks or gunfire.
Apple claims the software can protect against sounds as loud as 110 decibels, though for extremely loud events, traditional earplugs might still be the safer option.
It’s ironic that while AirPods can contribute to hearing loss when used at high volumes, Apple is now positioning them as a solution to prevent and manage hearing loss.
