Apple Announces Hearing Test and Use of AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids
At Apple’s event on Monday, September 9th, a groundbreaking feature was announced as part of iOS 18: a built-in, scientifically validated hearing test. This test will allow AirPods Pro 2 to be transformed into over-the-counter hearing aids, offering a personalized solution for millions of people with hearing loss.
As someone who’s worn hearing aids since 2008, I can attest to the challenges of hearing loss. For years, I resisted getting tested, often brushing off my wife’s concerns with, “You’re just mumbling.” My reluctance stemmed from vanity—at 50; I felt too young for hearing aids. But that all changed when I couldn’t hear judges speaking from the bench and realized my hearing was deteriorating.
With Apple’s new test, access to hearing assistance is about to become much more accessible. Apple is awaiting FDA approval, and this software upgrade is expected to roll out this fall.
My Personal Experience with AirPods and Hearing Aids
For the past couple of years, I’ve used two types of AirPods to complement my hearing aids. Despite owning “Apple-compatible” hearing aids, the connection was unreliable. At times, they’d work seamlessly, but more often than not, I found myself fiddling with settings, which became a frustrating experience.
So instead, I started using AirPods in different ways. I use AirPods 3 over my hearing aids for phone calls, movies, and music. The hearing aids help clarify sounds, making everything crisper. On the other hand, I rely on my AirPods Pro 2 for noise cancellation. At coffee shops, I swap out my hearing aids for AirPods Pro 2 to focus in silence—though without the fine-tuned audio correction, and the sound isn’t perfect when I also listen to music on my iPhone.
The Process of Using AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids
A. Step 1: Taking the Hearing Test on Your iPhone
The test itself is simple and takes only about five minutes. With your AirPods Pro 2 on, you open the hearing test in the settings and tap the screen when you hear a tone.
Apple’s press release says, “The Hearing Test feature leverages advanced acoustic science and provides users with an interactive experience. ” Apple introduces groundbreaking health features to support conditions impacting billions of people Apple Press Release, September 9, 2024.
B. Step 2: Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
Once the test is complete, you receive a display with easy-to-understand information showing the hearing levels of each ear.
Also available is a more traditional audiogram showing a graph of your hearing at different frequencies. You can export it and share it with your hearing professional.
Interestingly, users can also set up the AirPods Pro 2 by uploading an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.
C. Step 3: Transforming AirPods Pro 2 into Hearing Aids
Once the hearing test is completed or an audiogram is uploaded, the software will set the AirPods Pro 2 to become, in effect, over-the-counter hearing aids.
The catch is that, at this time, it will only be for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have a severe or profound loss, you’ll be advised to seek the help of a hearing specialist and the AirPods will not be programmed.
“Using the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this new feature seamlessly transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. … This helps them better engage in conversation, and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them.”
Apple Press Release, September 9, 2024
As a result of this transformation, those who have their AirPods Pro 2 programmed will be able to hear conversation, music, and movies with more clarity and understanding. They will function as over-the-counter hearing aids.
The Future of Apple Hearing Aids
So, what does this mean for the future of hearing aids? While Apple hasn’t detailed any long-term plans, this move could signal a significant shift in the hearing health industry. Could this be Apple’s first step into a full-fledged hearing aid business?
Imagine smaller, more discreet devices—perhaps in subtle shades rather than the bright white of AirPods—designed specifically for hearing assistance. This might make them more acceptable to those who don’t want to wear large white AirPods Pro 2 all the time as hearing aids.
On the other hand, the social acceptability of AirPods could encourage more people to embrace these devices. They’d blend in without raising questions about hearing loss. People won’t know whether a person is listening to music or using them as hearing aids. Perhaps some egos can be preserved using AirPods Pro 2 instead of traditional hearing aids.
Conclusion: A New Era of Hearing Health?
Apple’s transformation of the AirPods Pro 2 into over-the-counter hearing aids represents a significant leap in personal health technology. By integrating something as crucial as hearing aids into an already popular consumer device, Apple has the potential to break down barriers—both in terms of cost and social stigma—surrounding hearing loss.
For people like me, who have navigated the challenges of traditional hearing aids, this development offers a glimpse into a future where hearing assistance is not only more accessible but more seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The convenience, design, and technology behind AirPods Pro 2 may inspire others to address their hearing needs without hesitation or discomfort.