In November 2022, the FDA made a decision that allowed Americans to buy hearing aids without a prescription. This change led to a new market for companies to develop technology that was previously only available through healthcare providers.
Apple seized this opportunity by announcing that they would be adding hearing aid features to the AirPods Pro 2 in an upcoming iOS update. I had the chance to test a demo of this feature at the iPhone 16 event. The feature was designed to help users test their own hearing at home, but the initial results were not comprehensive. However, Apple recently provided TechCrunch with access to the final version of the feature.
As someone who has dealt with tinnitus my whole life, I was eager to try out the new Hearing Test feature. The testing process was simple and reminiscent of elementary school hearing tests. You listen for a tone and respond by raising your hand.
To access the feature, you need to have a pair of AirPods Pro 2 connected and in your ears. Currently, this feature is only available on this specific model due to its advanced technology. The test requires a quiet environment as it plays tones that can be easily masked by background noise.
The test starts by ensuring the AirPods fit correctly and then checks the room for noise levels. The test itself is conducted one ear at a time, measuring your ability to hear various frequencies. The results are provided quickly, indicating the degree of hearing loss, if any.
For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the hearing aid feature can be activated to enhance their listening experience. If the test results show normal hearing, you can use the Media Assist feature, which amplifies certain sounds to help distinguish them from background noise.
While the technology is beneficial, there may be social challenges in using AirPods as hearing aids. People are accustomed to seeing hearing aids as a sign of hearing loss, so wearing AirPods in a conversation may be perceived as rude. However, a simple explanation can help overcome this social barrier.
Overall, the new hearing aid features in AirPods Pro 2 have the potential to improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss. The technology may take some getting used to, but the benefits it offers in enhancing everyday listening experiences are significant.
