Apple is bringing a major update to AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18.1 that turns the wireless earphones into a clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid set. Ahead of the launch, here’s what you need to know for how to use the AirPods hearing aid and hearing test.
Apple announced the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature at its September iPhone event. Impressively, the new capabilities take hearing protection further and will soon include a hearing test for user awareness and clinical-grade hearing assistance.
That’s a lot of value delivered through a software update for ~$200 headphones (for existing and new users). Especially when traditional hearing aids often run between $1,000-$3,500.
How to use AirPods hearing aid
Requirements
- AirPods Pro 2 will be the only AirPods to support the clinical-grade hearing aid feature
- You’ll also need to install iOS 18.1 (available the week of October 27) on your iPhone and have the corresponding AirPods Pro 2 firmware update installed (the latter will happen automatically)
- Apple says the hearing aid assistance will be for “users with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.” And that “If you have little to no hearing loss or severe hearing loss,” AirPods hearing aid may “not be right for you.”
Set up
- When you’ve got iOS 18.1 and the new AirPods Pro 2 firmware installed, you’ll be able to use the earphones to complete a clinically validated hearing test
- Look for a splash screen about the new feature to set it up or on iPhone head to Settings > AirPods Pro 2 > likely Accessibility (make sure your AirPods case is open/connected or AirPods are in your ears)
- Follow the prompts to set up the feature if your hearing test indicates you could use assistance
- Your personalized hearing assistance setup will be designed to meet your specific hearing needs from the hearing test data
- Apple also highlights the AirPods hearing aid will also deliver “adjustments that help you hear media like music, videos, and phone calls.”
Are you excited to try the AirPods hearing feature or hearing test? Share your thoughts in the comments!
We’ll update this guide with more details as Apple launches the feature in the beta/public release. And check out early feedback about the feature in our roundup:
If you want to grab AirPods Pro 2, you can find them at Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, and more.
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