Apple’s newest AirPods Pro 2 have added an exciting feature that many people might not know about – they can now work as hearing aids. This new function helps people with mild to moderate hearing loss hear better without needing to buy separate hearing devices. The AirPods Pro 2 provide clinical-grade hearing assistance that is easy to use and can be activated with a simple switch, allowing users to hear sounds more clearly throughout their day.
Setting up this feature is straightforward. Users can take a hearing test through their iPhone, which then creates custom settings for their specific hearing needs. For those who want more control, there are adjustment options to fine-tune the sound even further. The convenience of using everyday earbuds as hearing aids means users don’t have to switch between different devices.
While traditional hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more budget-friendly alternative for those with less severe hearing issues. Tests show they perform well enough for many users, though they may not replace medical-grade devices for those with more serious hearing loss. The dual purpose of these earbuds makes them a smart choice for people who want both music enjoyment and hearing help in one device.
How AirPods Pro 2 Are Becoming Real Hearing Aids
With the announcement that the AirPods Pro 2’s new Hearing Aid feature has received FDA authorization, Apple has quietly but radically shifted the conversation around both accessibility and wearable tech. This isn’t just an evolution of features like Live Listen or Conversation Boost—it’s Apple officially stepping into the world of over-the-counter hearing aids. And it’s doing it with hardware millions already own.
Let’s break down what this means, how it works, and why this could reshape how we think about hearing health.
What’s Changing With iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
Starting with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, users will unlock a feature simply called Hearing Aid, available exclusively on AirPods Pro 2. While older features like Live Listen were considered accessibility tools, the new Hearing Aid setting has received FDA authorization—a huge milestone that makes Apple’s earbuds qualify under new OTC hearing aid regulations in the U.S.
This new mode is not just amplification. It’s tailored hearing assistance that adjusts dynamically to your environment, focusing on clarity, voice isolation, and a more natural soundscape for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Think of it as a hearing experience that adapts in real time, using the advanced H2 chip and machine learning.
Who This Is For
Apple is targeting people 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss—a range that affects tens of millions but often goes untreated due to cost, stigma, or hassle.
These are users who:
- Constantly ask people to repeat themselves
- Struggle with clarity in noisy restaurants or busy streets
- Hear just fine in quiet rooms but lose conversations in chaotic settings
AirPods Pro 2 now serve as an on-demand hearing solution that doesn’t look, feel, or cost like traditional hearing aids—and that’s the breakthrough.
How It Works Behind the Scenes
Under the hood, Apple combines hardware and software magic:
- Adaptive Transparency + Machine Learning: The Pro 2 can selectively allow speech through while dampening background noise. The system learns how you prefer to hear.
- Personal Hearing Profiles: After taking an in-app Hearing Test (built into iOS 18), users get a personalized audio profile, which tunes frequencies based on your needs.
- Real-Time Audio Processing: The H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 enables ultra-low latency sound processing, making speech more immediate and lifelike than traditional hearing amplifiers.
- iPhone as a Tuning Tool: You control and fine-tune settings from the iPhone. No appointments. No fiddling with tiny dials.
- Mac Integration: With macOS Sequoia, the same Hearing Aid functionality extends to Macs—helping during video calls, meetings, or streaming media.
The Difference Between This and Traditional Hearing Aids
While conventional hearing aids often come with a hefty price tag (anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair), Apple’s solution is bundled into a pair of AirPods Pro 2 that many already own. And since this is built into the Apple ecosystem, there’s no need for third-party apps or clunky remotes.
What’s more, it removes the social stigma—nobody thinks twice when you’re wearing AirPods.
Still, it’s important to understand that this is not a full replacement for professionally programmed, prescription-grade hearing aids. For those with severe hearing loss or more complex hearing needs, traditional solutions will still offer more advanced tuning and medical-grade precision.
The Role of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Apple’s move follows recent changes in U.S. regulations allowing OTC hearing aids to be sold without a prescription. This is a new category meant to make hearing help more accessible and affordable.
By entering this space, Apple isn’t just adding a feature—they’re putting pressure on an entire industry. Suddenly, you can walk into a store (or already have in your pocket) a pair of earbuds that double as FDA-authorized hearing aids. That’s transformative.
What You’ll Need
To take advantage of the Hearing Aid feature, here’s the setup you’ll need:
- AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C or Lightning model)
- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 / iPadOS 18, or a Mac with macOS Sequoia
- The latest firmware installed on your AirPods (automatic updates happen when connected to power and near your device)
- You must be 18 or older
The Hearing Test feature will walk you through a simple in-ear assessment and tune your audio accordingly.
Will This Replace Hearing Aids for Everyone?
Not quite. Apple’s solution is ideal for:
- People just starting to notice hearing difficulty
- Those in denial about needing help but open to a familiar form factor
- Tech-savvy users who prefer self-guided setups
- Situational use—restaurants, meetings, commuting
But for those with more severe loss or medical hearing conditions, the nuance and tuning of traditional aids are still unmatched. Apple’s version is best seen as a bridge—a first step into hearing support.
A Sneak Peek at the Future
The writing’s on the wall. AirPods are evolving from “just earbuds” into multi-functional health devices. From spatial audio to real-time translation to now full-blown hearing support, Apple is positioning them as the health tech you’re already wearing—no learning curve required.
It won’t be long before we see similar FDA-authorized features on future AirPods generations, maybe even adaptive audio tuned by AI in real time. For now, the AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18 are already more powerful—and more helpful—than most people realize.
If you’ve ever struggled to hear clearly, this is one upgrade you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods Pro 2 now function as FDA-cleared hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss at a lower cost than traditional options.
- Users can customize their hearing experience through a simple iPhone test and easy adjustments.
- The dual-purpose design lets people switch between normal earbud use and hearing assistance without changing devices.
AirPods Pro as a Hearing Assistance Alternative
AirPods Pro 2 now offer hearing assistance features for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The earbuds combine everyday audio use with hearing help through Apple’s built-in technology.
Comparison to Conventional Hearing Aids
AirPods Pro 2 cost significantly less than traditional hearing aids. While professional hearing aids typically range from $1,000 to $6,000 per ear, AirPods Pro 2 provide a more affordable option at around $250 for the pair.
The earbuds aren’t meant to replace medical-grade hearing aids for severe hearing loss. Tests show they earned a SoundGrade of B, making them suitable for occasional use rather than full-time wear.
Key differences include:
- Battery life: 4-6 hours for AirPods vs 3-7 days for hearing aids
- Sound processing: Less advanced than specialized hearing aids
- FDA regulation: AirPods fall under OTC hearing aid category with fewer requirements
Users report they work well in quiet conversations but struggle more in noisy environments compared to prescription devices.
Design and Comfort Considerations
AirPods Pro offer a less noticeable look than traditional hearing aids. Many users prefer their sleek design that doesn’t draw attention to hearing difficulties.
The earbuds use silicone tips in multiple sizes to fit different ear canals. This design helps create a seal that improves both sound quality and noise cancellation.
Comfort during extended wear varies among users. Some find they can wear AirPods Pro comfortably for 3-4 hours, while others experience ear fatigue after 1-2 hours.
Weight is another advantage. Each AirPod Pro weighs roughly 5.4 grams, making them lighter than many hearing aids.
The charging case provides additional battery power on the go, an advantage for users who need hearing assistance throughout the day.
Hearing Profile Customization
AirPods Pro 2 include a built-in hearing test that creates a personal hearing profile. The test uses tones at different frequencies to map hearing abilities.
Users complete the hearing test through iOS 18.1 or later, which takes about 5 minutes. The system then creates an audiogram showing hearing levels across different sound frequencies.
The customization options include:
- Conversation Boost: Focuses on voice frequencies
- Media Assist: Enhances clarity for music and videos
- Background Noise Reduction: Filters unwanted sounds
- Volume adjustments: Can be set differently for each ear
These settings automatically activate when needed based on environmental sounds. Users can make further adjustments through the Accessibility settings on their iPhone.
The personalized hearing experience works best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss rather than severe cases requiring professional intervention.
Technological Advancements in AirPods Pro
Apple has significantly upgraded the AirPods Pro with features that transform them from simple earbuds into helpful hearing devices. These improvements focus on sound quality and health-related functions that benefit users with mild to moderate hearing challenges.
Enhanced Audio Features
AirPods Pro 2 now include active Hearing Protection across all listening modes. This feature helps shield users from loud environmental noises that could damage their hearing.
The new Hearing Aid mode offers clinical-grade assistance for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. This turns the earbuds into a helpful tool for daily hearing needs.
Media Assist improves sound clarity when watching videos or listening to music. Users can better hear dialogue and important sounds, making entertainment more enjoyable.
The Conversation Boost feature helps users focus on the person speaking directly in front of them. It cuts down background noise and makes voices clearer in busy places like restaurants or crowded rooms.
Integration with iOS for Hearing Health
With iOS 18 and 18.1, Apple has added a built-in Hearing Test to AirPods Pro 2. This test checks hearing ability and lets users know if they might have hearing loss.
Test results appear in the Health app, making it easy to track hearing changes over time. This helps users notice patterns and seek help if needed.
Users can adjust settings like amplification and tone to fit their hearing needs. These personalized settings work in both normal listening and Transparency mode.
The integration with iOS means settings are saved and travel with the user. This avoids the need to readjust when switching between devices.
The system can detect loud environments and adjust automatically. This smart feature protects hearing without requiring manual changes throughout the day.
Health Considerations and Benefits of AirPods
AirPods Pro 2 offer significant advantages for those with hearing challenges while also providing potential cognitive benefits. They combine convenience with health functionality in a way traditional hearing aids often cannot.
Hearing Loss Management
AirPods Pro 2 now include a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature that helps people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. This feature is remarkably easy to use – users simply switch it on to hear more clearly.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, AirPods are much more accessible. They cost significantly less than prescription hearing aids, making hearing assistance available to more people. The charging case is portable, allowing for convenient all-day use.
Features like Live Listen and Conversation Boost can enhance hearing abilities in noisy environments. These tools help users focus on conversations even with background noise.
Independent testing shows promising results. AirPods Pro 2 achieved a respectable “B” grade in hearing tests, placing them in the top 50% of their category.
Dementia and Cognitive Load
Research suggests untreated hearing loss may increase the risk of dementia. By improving hearing, AirPods Pro 2 might help reduce this risk for some users.
People with hearing difficulties often experience cognitive overload as they strain to understand conversations. This extra mental effort can be exhausting and isolating.
AirPods can reduce this cognitive burden by making sounds clearer. When users hear better, their brains don’t need to work as hard to understand speech.
The Media Assist feature enhances clarity when consuming media, further reducing listening strain. This may help users stay mentally engaged with less effort.
Using hearing assistance early and consistently may help maintain cognitive function. The discreet nature of AirPods makes people more likely to use them regularly, potentially providing ongoing cognitive benefits.
Usability and Accessibility Features
AirPods Pro 2 offers several features that make them practical as hearing aids for many users. These earbuds combine intuitive controls with health integration and real-world usability that address different hearing needs.
User-Centric Design and Accessibility Options
The AirPods Pro 2 are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Each earbud weighs just a few grams, making them comfortable for extended wear throughout the day.
Users can perform a fit test through their iPhone to ensure the silicone tips create a proper seal. This test helps optimize both sound quality and hearing assistance effectiveness.
The earbuds include touch controls that allow users to adjust volume and switch between modes without reaching for their phone. This feature is particularly helpful for those with limited dexterity.
Battery life extends up to 6 hours with active features enabled, which covers most daily activities. The charging case provides additional power for on-the-go use.
Users can also access Conversation Boost, which focuses on amplifying voices directly in front of you while reducing background noise. This helps in noisy environments like restaurants or group settings.
Health App Integration and Hearing Tests
AirPods Pro 2 connects seamlessly with the Apple Health app, which includes a dedicated Hearing Health section. This integration allows for comprehensive hearing management.
Users can take a personalized hearing test directly through their iPhone. The test identifies specific frequencies where hearing assistance is needed.
Test results automatically adjust sound settings on the AirPods Pro 2 to compensate for your unique hearing profile. The system creates a custom audio profile based on your results.
The Health app tracks hearing data over time, allowing users to monitor changes in their hearing health. This information can be shared with healthcare providers if needed.
Regular notifications remind users to retest their hearing, ensuring the settings remain optimized as hearing changes. The app also provides education about hearing health and protection.
Ease of Use in Hearing Assistance Scenarios
The clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 works for mild to moderate hearing loss. It can be quickly toggled on through the Control Center or Settings app.
Users can adjust amplification levels based on their surroundings using simple on-screen controls. This adaptability helps in different environments like quiet rooms or noisy public spaces.
Background noise reduction technology helps filter unwanted sounds while enhancing speech clarity. The directional microphones focus on sounds coming from in front of you.
The Media Assist feature specifically enhances audio from music, videos, and calls. This makes entertainment more enjoyable for those with hearing challenges.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, the familiar earbud design reduces stigma associated with hearing assistance devices. Many people already use wireless earbuds, making these less noticeable in social settings.
While not ideal for full-time hearing aid replacement, they work well for occasional use. They’re particularly helpful in situations where hearing clarity is temporarily needed.
Challenges and Limitations
While AirPods Pro offer convenience as hearing aids, they face several important drawbacks that users should consider before relying on them for hearing assistance. These limitations range from performance issues in complex listening environments to the absence of professional audiological support.
Sound Quality and Limitations in Noisy Environments
AirPods Pro struggle significantly in noisy settings compared to traditional hearing aids. They lack the advanced noise reduction capabilities found in medical-grade devices, making it difficult to separate speech from background noise in restaurants or crowded spaces.
Battery life presents another major challenge. AirPods Pro provide only about 4.5 hours of talk time, far less than the all-day power of traditional hearing aids. This limitation means users must recharge frequently throughout the day.
Sound quality tests show mixed results. The AirPods Pro 2 achieved a “B” grade in lab testing, placing them in the top 50% of their category but bottom 45% of all hearing devices tested.
AirPods are not recommended for people with severe hearing loss, as they simply lack the amplification power needed.
The Role of Audiologists in Optimizing Use
The absence of audiologist involvement represents a significant drawback. Unlike prescription hearing aids, AirPods Pro don’t benefit from professional testing, programming, and care.
Audiologists provide crucial services that AirPods users miss out on:
- Comprehensive hearing assessments
- Personalized device fitting
- Ongoing adjustments based on changing needs
- Counseling on hearing health
Without an audiologist, users may miss important hearing health issues or use settings that aren’t optimized for their specific hearing loss pattern. This gap in professional guidance can lead to suboptimal results.
AirPods also aren’t approved for treating tinnitus, a common condition that often accompanies hearing loss and requires specialized care from an audiologist.
Comparative Analysis of Alternatives
When considering hearing assistance options, consumers must weigh multiple factors beyond just the AirPods Pro 2. Different devices offer varying levels of performance, customization, and price points that may better suit specific hearing needs.
Market Alternatives to AirPods Pro
Several dedicated hearing devices compete with AirPods Pro in the hearing assistance space. OTC hearing aids provide more specialized amplification customization and better noise reduction in challenging environments. These devices are designed specifically for hearing loss rather than being adapted from consumer audio products.
Brands like Eargo offer discreet, in-canal hearing aids that are nearly invisible when worn. Unlike AirPods, they’re designed for all-day use with longer battery life.
Jabra Enhance offers a hybrid solution, functioning as both hearing aids and earbuds. Some users report using them alongside AirPods Pro for different situations – Jabra for daily hearing assistance and AirPods for media consumption.
Traditional prescription hearing aids still provide the most comprehensive solution for moderate to severe hearing loss, with personalized programming by audiologists.
Balancing Cost and Functionality
Price represents a significant factor when comparing options. AirPods Pro 2 cost around $249, making them cheaper than many dedicated hearing devices. Traditional hearing aids often range from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, putting them out of reach for many users.
OTC hearing aids typically fall between $200-$1,000, offering a middle-ground approach. These provide more hearing-specific features than AirPods but at a lower cost than prescription options.
Battery life affects real-world usability significantly. AirPods Pro 2 offer 4-6 hours of use, while dedicated hearing aids often last 12-24 hours per charge. This makes dedicated devices better suited for all-day wear.
The potential of AirPods Pro as hearing assistive devices shows promise, especially for those with mild to moderate hearing loss who cannot afford specialized devices. However, they work best as occasional hearing aids rather than full-time replacements.
Practical Tips for Users with Hearing Impairments
AirPods Pro 2 offer helpful features for people with hearing loss. The right setup and maintenance can make a big difference in how well they work as hearing aids.
Setting Up AirPods Pro for Optimal Performance
Start by taking Apple’s hearing test through your iPhone. This test helps customize sound to your specific hearing needs. The results create a personal hearing profile that adjusts sound amplification automatically.
Make sure your AirPods fit properly. Run the fit test in your Bluetooth settings to check the seal. A good seal means better sound quality and noise cancellation.
Connect your AirPods to your phone and open Settings. Tap on Accessibility, then AirPods. Here you can adjust:
- Balance between ears
- Amplification levels
- Background noise reduction
- Conversation boost for better hearing in noisy places
Try different settings in various environments. What works well at home might need adjustment in a restaurant or outdoors.
Maintenance and Battery Life for Continual Use
Clean your AirPods regularly. Wax buildup can block sound and reduce effectiveness. Use a soft, dry cloth for the earbuds and a small brush for the speaker mesh.
Check your battery levels frequently. When using hearing aid features, battery life may drain faster than during regular use. Keep your charging case topped up.
Bring a portable charger when you’ll be away from power for long periods. This ensures your AirPods can function all day.
Turn off features you don’t need. Noise cancellation uses more battery than Transparency mode. If you’re in a quiet place, consider using a more basic setting.
Store your AirPods properly when not in use. The charging case protects them and maintains battery life for when you need them next.
Future Directions in Hearing Technology
Hearing technology is evolving rapidly with AirPods Pro leading the way as accessibility tools become more integrated into everyday devices. The future holds promising advancements that will further blur the line between consumer audio products and medical hearing devices.
Innovative Features on the Horizon
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 already offers clinical-grade hearing aid features for mild to moderate hearing loss. The next generation may include even more sophisticated capabilities.
Future AirPods might incorporate AI-powered noise filtering that can identify and enhance human speech in complex environments. This would help users better understand conversations in noisy restaurants or crowded spaces.
Battery technology improvements will likely extend usage time between charges. This is crucial for people who rely on these devices throughout the day for hearing assistance.
Advanced spatial audio algorithms could help users pinpoint sound direction more accurately, addressing a common challenge for those with hearing difficulties.
Real-time language translation built directly into hearing assistance features might become standard. This would transform these devices into multipurpose tools for communication.
Apple’s Commitment to Hearing Health
Apple has demonstrated a growing focus on hearing health features across its product line. Their approach makes hearing assistance more accessible and less stigmatized.
Studies show that regular use of traditional hearing aids is low, but Apple’s integration of these features into popular consumer products may increase adoption rates.
The company continues to partner with audiologists and hearing health experts to improve their technology. These collaborations ensure their products meet real user needs while maintaining clinical standards.
Apple’s health-focused updates regularly add new hearing features. Their software updates often bring improvements without requiring hardware upgrades.
Cost remains a factor since traditional hearing aids can be expensive. Apple’s approach of adding hearing features to existing products creates a more affordable entry point for many users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many AirPods Pro 2 users have questions about using these earbuds as hearing aids. Apple has introduced features that help people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
What features enable the AirPods Pro to function similarly to hearing aids?
AirPods Pro 2 includes a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. This feature works alongside Media Assist, which enhances sound clarity.
The earbuds use advanced microphones to capture sounds from the environment. They then process and amplify these sounds based on the user’s specific hearing needs.
Users can create custom hearing profiles through the iPhone’s Hearing Test feature. The AirPods Pro 2 then adjusts sound delivery based on these personalized settings.
What has been the user feedback on the effectiveness of AirPods Pro as an alternative to traditional hearing aids?
User feedback has been mixed but generally positive. Many users with mild hearing loss report significant improvements in their ability to hear conversations in noisy environments.
One review from AARP notes that the AirPods Pro 2 performed well for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss. The reviewer found them helpful in everyday situations.
Lab testing places the AirPods Pro 2 hearing features in the top 50% of its category, earning a “B” grade. However, they rank in the bottom 45% when compared to all hearing devices tested.
How can an individual enable and adjust the hearing mode on AirPods Pro?
To use the hearing aid feature, users need an iPhone or iPad updated to iOS 18.1 or later. The setup process starts in the Settings app on the connected device.
Users should go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods > Hearing Aid to enable the feature. From there, they can take a hearing test or customize settings based on their needs.
The Transparency Mode setting is crucial for proper function. This can be found in Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations.
After initial setup, users can adjust volume levels and modes directly from Control Center or through the AirPods settings menu.
To what extent can AirPods Pro provide hearing protection in noisy environments?
AirPods Pro 2 offers good noise cancellation that can help protect hearing in loud settings. The Active Noise Cancellation feature reduces background noise by up to 30 decibels.
The Adaptive Transparency mode lets important sounds in while reducing very loud noises. This helps protect ears from sudden loud sounds like sirens or construction noise.
Users can set maximum volume limits through the Health app. This prevents accidental exposure to damaging sound levels during media playback.
Have the AirPods Pro received any form of medical certification for use as hearing aids?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature has received FDA clearance as a medical device. This makes them the first Apple product to receive such clearance for hearing assistance.
However, they are classified as over-the-counter hearing aids rather than prescription devices. This classification aligns with the 2022 FDA ruling that created a new category of hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The certification means they meet safety and effectiveness standards, but they haven’t undergone the same rigorous testing as prescription hearing aids.
What limitations are present when using AirPods Pro compared to medical-grade hearing aids?
Battery life is a significant limitation. AirPods Pro 2 typically last 4-6 hours on a charge when using hearing features, compared to prescription hearing aids that often last 24+ hours.
The earbuds lack some advanced features found in premium hearing aids. These include directional microphones that focus specifically on conversation sources and advanced feedback cancellation.
AirPods Pro 2 are not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss. They’re designed for mild to moderate hearing loss only, while medical-grade devices can address a wider range of hearing conditions.
The fit and comfort may not be ideal for all-day wear. Traditional hearing aids are custom-fitted to each user’s ear canal for maximum comfort during extended use.
