- With approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Apple has pushed out a software update that allows AirPods Pro 2 to both test hearing and be used as hearing aids in Australia.
- The Bluetooth device is now rated to assist people aged 18 or older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- While this signifies a win for accessibility, removing part of the cost barrier and democratising testing, experts remain adamant that this isn’t a complete solution.
Apple has quietly transformed its AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing assistance tool following approval from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
As of today, anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss above the age of 18 can viably use their AirPods as hearing aids; and even self-administer hearing tests using an iPhone or iPad.
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The latter, based on pure-tone audiometry, creates an audiogram that’s securely stored in the Health app. Extracting data from this personalised profile, the AirPods Pro 2 adjusts environmental sound dynamically according to your hearing needs via frequency modulation.
Apple has also introduced an adaptive Loud Sound Reduction feature to limit exposure to potentially harmful decibels (exactly as described).
At $399, the AirPods Pro 2 effectively cost a fraction of conventional hearing aids, which can typically set you back several thousands. Given the average age for first-time hearing aid users is around 70, Apple’s entry could not just encourage earlier intervention for hearing loss, but democratise access.
Though experts have responded with a mix of optimism and caution.
Steve Williamson, CEO of Deafness Forum Australia, emphasised that while the update could indeed improve accessibility, it should not replace evaluations from a qualified audiologist.
“These devices are not a substitute for a comprehensive hearing assessment,” Williamson told The Guardian.
Dr Nicky Chong-White from the National Acoustic Laboratories, on the other hand, described the development as “exciting,” but similarly acknowledged that the AirPods Pro 2 are likely better for occasional use rather than all-day wear.
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“It is raising that awareness of hearing and then people might try them and go, ‘Oh, this isn’t strong enough for me, or I need all these fancy features that you can only get in the high-end hearing aids’, and it’s getting them into the clinic and having that conversation,” said Chong-White.
“If we can just tap into a portion of those to get them hearing help, that’s… a benefit for society.”
For those of you keen on road-testing your AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids, here’s a step-by-step guide on getting started.
How to use Apple AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids (hearing test)
- Update Your Devices
Ensure your AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone or iPad are updated to the latest software versions. - Open the Health App
Navigate to the “Hearing” section. - Start the Hearing Test
Follow the on-screen instructions. You will listen to a series of tones at varying frequencies. - Create an Audiogram
The test will generate a visual representation of your hearing profile, which is stored securely in the Health app. - Pair and Adjust AirPods
Ensure your AirPods Pro 2 are connected via Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations and toggle it on. - Personalise Audio Settings
Select “Custom Audio Setup” to personalise sound amplification based on your audiogram. - Enable Transparency Mode
Press and hold the stem of your AirPods or through the Control Centre. Adjust amplification levels as needed.
