AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid and Hearing Test Features Expand to New Countries

[MacRumors]

Apple is bringing the AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Tests and Hearing Aid functionality to multiple new countries in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Hearing test options are now available in the following countries:

• Argentina
• Ecuador
• Honduras
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Kazakhstan
• Moldova
• Palestinian Territories
• Serbia
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• Vietnam

Hearing tests can be conducted by connecting the AirPods Pro 2 to an iPhone running iOS 18.1 or later or an iPad running iPadOS 18.1 or later. The AirPods Pro 2 hearing test mimics the hearing tests one might encounter at a doctor's office or when visiting an audiologist.

Tones at different frequencies and sound levels play in each ear, with users instructed to tap the iPhone's display whenever a sound is heard. Apple tests four frequencies, including 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, and 4kHz. Results up to 25 dBHL indicate little to no hearing loss. 26 to 40 dBHL is a sign of mild hearing loss, while results of 41 to 60 dBHL suggest moderate hearing loss. 61 to 80 dBHL is severe hearing loss, and a result above 80 dBHL is considered profound hearing loss.

Tests that demonstrate mild to moderate hearing loss will give iPhone users the option to turn on the Hearing Aid feature of the AirPods Pro in countries where it is available. Hearing Aid functionality is expanding to these locations:

• Cyprus
• Ecuador
• Honduras
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Kazakhstan
• Moldova
• Palestinian Territories
• Serbia
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• Vietnam

Cyprus already had hearing testing available, and while Argentina is new to the Hearing Aid test list, it does not yet support Hearing Aid features with AirPods Pro 2. In all other countries listed in this article, both the Hearing Tests and Hearing Aid are newly available.

When Hearing Aid functionality is turned on, the AirPods Pro can use the data from a person's hearing test to boost the frequencies that are lacking. The Hearing Aid features are meant to make it easier for users to hear voices and other sounds, with Apple also offering a Media Assist option that adjusts music, videos, and calls in response to a hearing test.

Hearing Health options, including the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features, are now available in over 150 countries around the world. A full list is available on Apple's website.

Article Link: AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid and Hearing Test Features Expand to New Countries

 

[svish]

Good to hear it is expanding to more regions. Looks like it is not available yet in India. Might take some more time to get the required approvals.

 

[BoyRacer]

It’s frustrating and maddening that this is STILL not available in Canada.

Mobile Syrup

AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature approved by Health Canada

Health Canada has cleared AirPods Pro 2 for the first regulatory hurdle in bringing AirPods as hearing aids to Canada.

mobilesyrup.com

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)

Health Canada Approves Apple AirPods Pro Firmware Module upgrades: Implications for Hearing Health - SAC

Health Canada has approved Apple’s AirPods Pro Firmware Module and Hearing Aid Feature iPhone App by issuing Class II medical device licences.

www.sac-oac.ca

Health Canada

https://health-products.canada.ca/mdall-limh/information?companyId=145169&lang=eng

 

[jozero]

It’s frustrating and maddening that this is STILL not available in Canada.

Yeeeeerp

Would help my father in law immensely

 

[flopticalcube]

Need to get OTC approval for hearing aides before Canada joins the list. No province yet permits OTC hearing aides.

 

[AppleTO]

Need to get OTC approval for hearing aides before Canada joins the list. No province yet permits OTC hearing aides.

It’s really frustrating. I have multiple older family members that this could really help. What’s odd is that there are already some accessibility settings that allow AirPods to amplify their surroundings. In this case I guess this is just because Apple is specifically calling it a “hearing aid” function.

 

[flopticalcube]

It’s really frustrating. I have multiple older family members that this could really help. What’s odd is that there are already some accessibility settings that allow AirPods to amplify their surroundings. In this case I guess this is just because Apple is specifically calling it a “hearing aid” function.

I hear you. 😉

 

[JapanApple]

My brother-in-law has been using it for almost a year. There are times where he doesn’t use them, but then again if you don’t update these things regularly, the function doesn’t work.

 

[cesko]

It’s really frustrating. I have multiple older family members that this could really help. What’s odd is that there are already some accessibility settings that allow AirPods to amplify their surroundings. In this case I guess this is just because Apple is specifically calling it a “hearing aid” function.

And therein lies the crux: HC can vet and approve the standard but the final go comes from the provinces. if the hearing aide companies lobby against it'll be a while :/

 

[jennyp]

My AirPods Pro 2nd Generation (A2698) has the hearing test and says I have "Little to no loss" which is amazing considering I have 24-hour screaming tinnitus. But is it only the later AirPods Pro models that will give you the hearing aid feature if they do detect loss?

I wonder what other features my old pair lack, compared to the later models.

 

[CostaMoses]

This has been the most helpful feature to me from an Apple product. It's literally been life changing. I really hope more people get access to it quickly!