Apple AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

By Audiologist Peter Kleckner, Au.D.

As an audiologist with over a decade of experience, I'm excited about Apple's recent announcement regarding AirPods Pro 2 functioning as FDA-registered hearing aids. At Kleckner Audiology, we see this as a positive step towards increasing awareness about hearing health and making hearing assistance more accessible.

AirPods Pro 2: New Hearing Aid Features Explained

The AirPods Pro 2 are introducing some impressive features for hearing assistance:

1. FDA-registered hearing aid mode: This official registration means the AirPods Pro 2 meet certain standards for safety and effectiveness as hearing aids.
2. Integrated hearing test: Users can take a hearing test directly through their iPhone, making it easy to check their hearing status.
3. Personalized amplification: Based on your hearing test results, the AirPods Pro 2 can automatically adjust their output to compensate for your specific hearing needs.
4. Conversation Boost: This feature uses beam-forming microphones to focus on the voice of the person in front of you, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.
5. Ambient Noise Reduction: This helps reduce background noise, making it easier to focus on important sounds and conversations.
6. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): While primarily designed for listening comfort, ANC can also help reduce fatigue from constant background noise.
7. Adaptive Transparency: This mode allows important sounds to pass through while still reducing harsh environmental noise.
8. Live Listen: This feature turns your iPhone into a remote microphone, streaming audio directly to your AirPods Pro 2.

These features could be particularly beneficial for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, offering a convenient and familiar way to enhance their hearing experience in various situations.

How to Turn Your AirPods Pro 2 into Hearing Aids

If you're interested in using your AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids, follow these steps:

1. Update your devices:
   • Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
   • Update your AirPods Pro 2 to the latest firmware.
2. Take a hearing test:
   • Open the Health app on your iPhone.
   • Navigate to the Hearing section.
   • Select "Set Up Hearing" and follow the prompts to take the built-in hearing test.
3. Enable Hearing Aid Mode:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods.
   • Turn on "Hearing Aid Mode" for your AirPods Pro 2.
4. Customize your settings:
   • In the same AirPods settings menu, you can adjust various features:
     • Transparency Mode: Customize how much environmental sound you want to hear.
     • Conversation Boost: Enable this to focus on voices in front of you.
     • Ambient Noise Reduction: Adjust the level of background noise reduction.
5. Use Live Listen:
   • Go to Settings > Control Center and add "Hearing" to your controls.
   • When wearing your AirPods Pro 2, open Control Center and tap the ear icon to activate Live Listen.
6. Fine-tune with Audiogram:
   • If you have a professional audiogram, you can import it into the Health app for even more personalized sound.
   • Go to Health app > Hearing > Audiogram > Add a PDF Audiogram.

Remember, while these features can be helpful, they're not a substitute for professional hearing care, especially for those with significant hearing loss.

Understanding the Scope

While AirPods Pro 2 offer exciting possibilities, it's important to understand their scope:

• Best suited for mild to moderate hearing loss
• May be ideal for those new to hearing assistance
• Great for tech-savvy individuals comfortable with smartphone apps
• Useful in various everyday listening situations

When You Might Need More

For some individuals, particularly those with more severe hearing loss or complex listening needs, traditional hearing aids might still be the best option. They offer:

• More advanced sound processing capabilities
• Greater customization through professional fitting
• Ability to address a wider range of hearing loss
• Specialized features for challenging listening environments

How Kleckner Audiology Can Help

Whether you're interested in using AirPods Pro 2 for hearing assistance or exploring other options, we're here to help. At Kleckner Audiology, we can:

1. Provide comprehensive hearing evaluations to assess your specific needs
2. Offer guidance on whether AirPods Pro 2 are suitable for your situation
3. Help you set up and optimize your AirPods Pro 2 for hearing assistance
4. Discuss alternative options if you need more specialized solutions
5. Provide ongoing support for your hearing health journey

Your Next Steps

The introduction of hearing aid functionality in AirPods Pro 2 is an exciting development that opens up new possibilities for many people. It's a great option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and could be an excellent first step into the world of hearing assistance.

If you're curious about your hearing health or wondering if AirPods Pro 2 might be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at Kleckner Audiology. We're here to provide professional guidance, help you understand your options, and ensure you find the best solution for your unique hearing needs. Whether that's AirPods Pro 2, traditional hearing aids, or another option, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way in your journey to better hearing.