The recently unveiled AirPods Pro 2 now includes an innovative hearing test feature, perfect for music lovers and concert attendees who want to monitor their hearing health.
During the highly anticipated Apple “Glowtime” event in Cupertino, the new hearing test for the AirPods Pro 2 was demonstrated to showcase its capabilities.
The launch of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max at the Apple ‘Glowtime’ event
Understanding the Hearing Test on AirPods Pro 2
Initiating the hearing test was remarkably straightforward. Users simply need to insert the AirPods Pro 2 and select the “Take a Hearing Test” option in the Settings app of their iPhone.
During the setup, important details such as age and the presence of any colds or infections were requested. Users were also prompted to answer whether they had recently been exposed to loud environments, such as concerts or construction sites.
The experience utilizes the AirPods Pro 2’s active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which effectively minimizes background noise and creates an optimal testing environment, allowing for a more reliable assessment.
After following a series of prompts, the test—based on pure-tone audiometry—began, requiring users to tap the screen upon hearing specific tones. Within a couple of minutes, results are generated, providing insights into one’s hearing ability.
Hearing Test Results: What They Indicate
The results revealed a hypothetical scenario of “moderate hearing loss” for demonstration purposes. Users are encouraged to understand that this is an illustrative outcome meant to familiarize them with the process.
In the simulated results, testing indicated the following:
Left Ear – 41 dB HL (decibels hearing level)
Right Ear – 44 dB HL
This means an individual would need sounds to be significantly louder to detect them compared to normal hearing levels, highlighting the importance of hearing health monitoring.
“Users can share their results with healthcare providers for more informed discussions,” a statement from Apple confirmed.
Importantly, the AirPods Pro 2 function as over-the-counter (OTC), clinical-grade hearing aids, making them a valuable tool for those who may require auditory assistance.
The hearing test and hearing aid features are set to launch this fall in over 100 countries, including the United States. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are priced starting at $249 in official retail outlets, with occasional sales bringing the price down to $199.
