Apple's New AirPods Pro 2 Feature: A Hearing Test App and Hearing Aid Mode for Hearing Loss

Apple's latest "Glowtime" event showcased an incomplete version of its upcoming Hearing Test app, designed to be integrated into iOS 18. This app aims to assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss by providing a hearing test and enabling hearing aid functionality on the AirPods Pro 2.

• The Hearing Test app, similar to clinical tests, prompts users to tap the display when they first hear gradually rising tones of different frequencies.
• Apple is currently awaiting FDA approval for both the Hearing Test app and the hearing aid feature before they can be officially launched.
• The hearing aid feature will be exclusive to the second generation AirPods Pro due to the passive noise cancellation provided by its ear tips and the inclusion of the H2 chip.

Hearing Aid Functionality: Requirements and Limitations

The hearing aid functionality in the AirPods Pro 2 is designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. It will not be available for those with no hearing loss or those experiencing severe or profound hearing loss.

• Users must have a diagnosed hearing loss, which can be obtained through a third-party test or a diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
• For individuals with severe or profound hearing loss, the app will recommend seeking professional help from a hearing specialist.
• The hearing aid feature is a relatively new development, with the FDA only establishing over-the-counter hearing aids as a category in mid-2023.

Apple's Hearing Test App: How It Works and its Impact

The Hearing Test app will be accessible within iOS settings once a pair of AirPods Pro 2 is paired and inserted into the user's ears.

• The full hearing test takes approximately five minutes to complete.
• Once the hearing aid feature is enabled, it will generate a custom sound profile based on the test results, which will be applied as the default setting for conversations, movies, and music.
• This feature is similar to the Apple Watch's AssistiveTouch accessibility feature, which paved the way for customizable sound profiles.
• The hearing aid feature may potentially be the foundation for broader user-customizable sound profiles in future Apple products.

Apple's Approach to Hearing Loss and the Future of Personalized Audio

Apple's integration of hearing aid functionality into the AirPods Pro 2 showcases their commitment to addressing hearing loss and improving accessibility.

• While companies like Nura have explored customizable sound profiles, Apple's mainstream approach could make personalized audio experiences more accessible.
• The future of Apple audio may include more user-customizable sound profiles, potentially offering a more tailored and personalized audio experience.