In November 2022, the FDA approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, sparking a wave of innovation as companies rushed to develop accessible technology once restricted by healthcare regulations. Among those entering the space were consumer electronics firms, including Apple. In September, Apple announced it would introduce hearing aid features to the AirPods Pro 2 as part of an upcoming iOS update.
At the iPhone 16 event, I had the chance to try out a demo version of this new feature, which allowed users to test their hearing at home. While the initial version I tried was incomplete, Apple later provided TechCrunch with access to the final version of the feature.
I approached the experience with some anxiety, having dealt with tinnitus my entire life and worrying that years of exposure to loud music had damaged my hearing. However, the hearing test feature Apple introduced was painless and straightforward. It reminded me of hearing tests from elementary school, where you listen for a tone and respond accordingly.
The feature is accessible through the Settings menu when you connect a pair of AirPods Pro 2. Currently, it’s only available on this specific model because they have both the new chip and silicone ear tips, which are essential for passive noise cancellation. The test requires complete silence, as the faint tones used can easily be masked by even minor background noise.
After answering a few preliminary questions—such as age and recent exposure to loud noise—the system checks the fit of the AirPods by playing music to ensure a proper seal. If the fit isn’t right, it prompts you to adjust the AirPods before proceeding with the test.
Next, the system monitors the environment for absolute silence. Any background noise, like an air filter or even a lawnmower outside, can cause the test to pause until the room is quiet enough. Once everything is set, the test begins, starting with one ear and playing a series of tones. When you hear a tone, you tap the screen. The goal isn’t to test reaction speed, but simply whether you can hear the tone.
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The test runs through various frequencies to assess potential hearing loss across your range, and the whole process takes about five minutes. Once completed, results are displayed immediately. I was surprised to learn that I had “little to no hearing loss,” with my left ear rated at 18 dBHL (decibel hearing loss) and my right at 19 dBHL. Mild hearing loss typically begins around 25 dBHL.
The hearing aid feature will be available for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. For those with more severe loss, Apple recommends seeking professional help. If your hearing is within the normal range, you can enable Media Assist, a feature that amplifies certain sounds, like speech, to make them stand out from background noise. Though not as powerful as the Hearing Aid feature, it’s designed to improve everyday listening.
Adapting to this feature can take time. For instance, I found certain sounds, like fabric rubbing together, more noticeable than usual. In noisy environments, however, the amplification is quite helpful—once you overcome the social expectation of removing your headphones to speak with someone.
This social barrier might be the biggest challenge for Apple’s hearing aid feature. We’re accustomed to seeing hearing aids, and we understand their purpose. But when someone wearing AirPods doesn’t remove them during a conversation, it might come across as rude. Fortunately, a brief explanation can usually resolve any misunderstanding.
Ultimately, the benefits of this technology far outweigh the minor social hurdles, offering a simple way to significantly improve the quality of life for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
