The hearing health functions of Apple's AirPods Pro are as effective as they sound.
The new and powerful features will arrive by the end of October.
Apple has recently introduced a series of innovative hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2, including clinical-grade hearing aid functionality, a hearing test, and more effective hearing protection. These features will launch next week alongside iOS 18.1, which could signify a significant shift in awareness about hearing health. With these updates, the AirPods Pro 2 will transform into an over-the-counter hearing device.
This shift also suggests that it will become common to see people wearing earbuds at all times, which could change the current social perception of using these devices during face-to-face interactions. Despite the naturalness of the transparency mode in many current earbuds, there is a tendency to take them off to demonstrate full attention to the other person. However, this perception may evolve as earbuds take on a new role as hearing aids, potentially reducing the stigma associated with them.
Recently, there was an opportunity to test Apple's new hearing health features, and it was an emotionally intense experience. Those who grew up in the era of Discman and iPod, and have attended numerous concerts, might resonate with this story. Additionally, it is noteworthy that 80 percent of adults in the U.S. have not checked their hearing in at least five years, a fact that could change by offering hearing tests directly on the iPhone.
The AirPods Pro 2 are becoming more than just simple wireless earbuds. Regarding prevention, it is interesting to note that some people have started using the AirPods Pro as hearing protection at concerts, although Apple has never officially endorsed this use. With the upcoming update, these earbuds will provide hearing protection at all times through noise cancellation, transparency, and adaptive audio modes. Hearing protection will be automatic and based on a new algorithm that helps preserve the natural sound of live events.
Users will be able to choose their preferred listening mode, with an adjustable setting that allows for regulation of the degree of noise cancellation. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have limitations and are not designed to handle extremely loud or sudden noises, which should be considered in noisy environments.
As for Apple’s hearing test, it is specified that it should be conducted in a quiet environment. Prior to the test, the iPhone will check the fit of the ear tip and the ambient noise. The test is done by tapping the screen while listening to a sequence of tones and is designed to prevent users from predicting the sounds. This process presents an opportunity for many who have not had a hearing evaluation in years, with the results stored in the Health app.
For adults over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 can now function as a clinically valid hearing aid. With options to adjust amplification, tone, and balance while playing music or making calls, these devices offer a new level of functionality. It’s worth mentioning that, while they can be beneficial, they will not be suitable for those with more severe hearing losses.
The fact that the AirPods Pro 2 can be used as an affordable quality hearing aid is an important step that could prompt other tech giants to follow Apple's lead. The evolution of these devices not only promises to improve the quality of life for many, but also suggests a new direction in the social perception of hearing health.
