Apple Announces a Hearing Aid Feature for the AirPods Pro 2

Apple has announced that its AirPods Pro 2 is set to get a couple of hearing health updates. Specifically, these updates include a Hearing Test feature as well as a Hearing Aid feature.

In addition, the AirPods Pro 2 will also get a feature known as Hearing Protection. A report by The Verge notes that the new hearing aid functionality is still awaiting clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These new features are expected to be release sometime in the fall season.

What is Hearing Protection?

According to Apple, Hearing Protection is meant to be helpful in loud settings, such as live events. By default, this feature is turned on across all listening modes of the AirPods Pro 2.

"The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second," said Apple.

Hearing Test and Hearing Aid Features

As for the Hearing Test feature, this clinical-grade feature based on what is known as pure-tone audiometry. Users can take the test themselves using their AirPods 2 Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad.

The test can be taken anywhere and will only take five minutes. Users can expect to receive results, which include an audiogram, that are easy to understand and includes hearing loss classification and recommendations.

In addition to this, the AirPods Pro 2 will receive a Hearing Aid capability that is useful for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. This capability will essentially turn the AirPods Pro 2 to clinical-grade hearing aids based on the results of the hearing test. This feature can also be set up with the help of an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.

"After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them boosted in real time," said Apple. "This helps them better engage in conversation, and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them."

Watch the video below to learn more about these new features.