Apple gave reviewers early access to a soon-to-be-released software update that allows AirPods Pro 2 to go beyond providing entertainment to become hearing aids. They report that the wireless earbuds really do help people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
There’s also a huge cost advantage, but there are limitations that keep AirPods from being the right solution for everyone.
AirPods Pro 2 transformed into hearing aids
In September, Apple unveiled its plan to upgrade AirPods Pro 2 with new software that will let them act as medical-grade hearing aids.
“We’re adding this groundbreaking capability to help more than 1 billion people living with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple.
The feature launches next week along with iOS 18.1 — a necessary part of the upgrade. Reviewers have been able to test it ahead of time, though.
Comparing the hearing tests
Setup includes taking a clinically validated hearing test with AirPods Pro and iPhone. Cnet did a comparison between the on-device test and one performed by an audiologist. The results were reportedly quite similar.
“My results were given to me on paper, with a handwritten score marked on a chart — and the line graph was pretty similar to the chart I got from Apple’s test a day prior,” said the reviewer.
The real hearing test
Most reviewers did the test on themselves and found they had little hearing loss, so their impressions of how well AirPods Pro 2 function as hearing aids aren’t much use. The Wall Street Journal is the exception. They gave a pair to a 74-year-old woman already diagnosed with hearing loss.
“Yauman immediately heard a difference. For a real-world test, we headed to a trendy restaurant. She marveled at how ‘incredibly clear’ the AirPods sounded. She noted the thwap from her son’s flip-flops, the clang of dishes and the thumping background music,” the reviewer reported .
But all the reviewers were careful to reiterate Apple’s point that this feature is only for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Those with severe loss need another solution.
Conversation boost
The upcoming hearing aid feature for AirPods Pro improves on Conversation Boost, a feature that’s been in the earbuds since 2022. It uses software to amplify the voice of the person the wearer is speaking with.
“I tested this feature at a noisy bar with my video producer, Richard Peterson. When I activated Conversation Boost, it made his words stand out very clear from the music and chatter all around us,” said Cnet.
The battery limitation
All the reviewers noted a drawback of AirPods Pro 2 over more expensive hearing aids: battery life. Apple’s wireless earbuds last about six hours, while pricier hearing aids last at least a day.
Someone planning to use AirPods full time should consider buying two pairs.
AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids: So much cheaper
On the other hand, those looking into using Apple earbuds as hearing aids will see an immediate advantage: price. AirPods Pro 2 cost $250, while traditional ones cost four times that or more. That makes the idea of buying two pairs a bit more practical.
Get a pair from: Amazon
And there’s no extra cost for hearing aid functionality. Anyone with a pair of AirPods Pro 2 can try the new feature, which multiple reviewers point out will become available next week.
Reviewers also say Apple’s software allows AirPods to be used to test someone else’s hearing without requiring the owner of the earbuds to then retest themselves. So you can check if you have mild to moderate hearing loss from a family member or friend’s AirPods without needing to buy a pair.
