Now Available in Australia
Apple has recently introduced a groundbreaking suite of hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2, transforming them into versatile tools for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. This development includes a self-administered Hearing Test, a clinical-grade Hearing Aid function, and Loud Sound Reduction capabilities.
Self-Administered Hearing Test
Users can now conduct a Hearing Test using their AirPods Pro 2 paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad. This test, based on pure-tone audiometry—the gold standard in clinical hearing assessments—takes approximately five minutes and can be performed in the comfort of one's home. Upon completion, users receive a comprehensive summary of their hearing abilities, including an audiogram, which is securely stored in the Health app. These results can be shared with healthcare providers for further evaluation.
Clinical-Grade Hearing Aid Functionality
Building upon the personalized hearing profile generated from the Hearing Test, the AirPods Pro 2 can function as over-the-counter hearing aids. This feature dynamically adjusts ambient sounds in real-time, enhancing conversations and environmental awareness. The personalised settings are also applied to media playback, ensuring a consistent and tailored audio experience across music, movies, games, and phone calls.
Loud Sound Reduction
To protect users from potentially harmful noise levels, the Loud Sound Reduction feature actively minimises loud environmental sounds while preserving the clarity of desired audio. Utilising the H2 chip, this function reduces louder noises at a rapid rate, making it particularly beneficial in settings like concerts or bustling urban environments.
Expert Insights and Considerations
The introduction of these features has garnered attention from hearing health professionals. Nicky Chong-White, Principal Engineer at the National Acoustic Laboratories, remarked, "The new hearing features in AirPods Pro are an exciting advancement—they give people a way to check their hearing and set up hearing assistance at home using familiar devices."
However, experts also emphasize that while these features enhance accessibility, they may not be suitable for everyone. Dr. Devin McCaslin, director of audiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, views the self-administered hearing test as a helpful preliminary step but underscores that comprehensive assessments by audiologists offer more detailed evaluations.
Conclusion
Apple's integration of hearing health features into the AirPods Pro 2 represents a significant advancement in personal audio technology, offering users innovative tools to monitor and enhance their hearing health. While these features provide valuable support, they are intended to complement, not replace, professional hearing assessments and treatments. Users are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals for comprehensive hearing care.
