AirPods Pro 2 to Gain Hearing Protection, Testing, and Aid Features

[MacRumors]

Apple today unveiled a hearing health experience for the AirPods Pro 2, combining hearing protection, testing, and aid in a single device.

A new active Hearing Protection feature is designed to minimize users' exposure to loud environmental noises. Leveraging the H2 chip, this capability will actively reduce louder, more disruptive sounds at a rate of 48,000 times per second. This is a notable enhancement from current AirPods functionality, which already incorporates noise-canceling technology but does not address real-time environmental noise reduction to the same extent. This protection is designed to work across all listening modes, ensuring that users are safeguarded in settings such as concerts or sporting events while maintaining the integrity of the audio they are listening to. The AirPods Pro's silicone ear tips also contribute to passive noise reduction.

The AirPods Pro 2 will also gain a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature. According to Apple, this test uses pure-tone audiometry, a standard clinical approach, to evaluate hearing ability. Users will be able to complete this test in just minutes using their AirPods Pro 2 with an iPhone or iPad. The results of the test are stored in the Health app, enabling users to share their hearing profiles with healthcare providers if needed. Apple says this is the first time a major consumer technology company has provided such an accessible hearing test feature directly within a widely used personal device.

In addition to testing, AirPods Pro 2 will incorporate an over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature, designed to assist those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The device will use the personalized hearing profile generated by the Hearing Test to make real-time adjustments to amplify sounds around the user, ensuring they remain connected to their environment. Apple notes that this feature will not only be useful in conversations but will also automatically enhance the listening experience for media content, including music, movies, and phone calls. Users can fine-tune their settings to match their specific hearing needs.

The new features for the AirPods Pro 2 will be available this fall in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. Users will be able to use the Hearing Aid function either through their personalized hearing profile or by uploading an audiogram created by a healthcare professional. Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, ensuring they meet the necessary regulatory required for medical-grade functionalities.

Article Link: AirPods Pro 2 to Gain Hearing Protection, Testing, and Aid Features

 

[XboxEvolved]

Had the first pros, had them replaced 6 times. Terrible quality. Always been weary of these, but may finally get new ones once the Pro 3s come out.

 

[rtrueman]

I'm super excited to try this out. I damaged my hearing years ago but it started getting worse about a year ago. I started wearing hearing aids, and they help quite a bit. If this works even a moderate amount, it would greatly improve my daily life at work as I'm constantly switching to my AirPods for phone calls and hearing aids when I'm done.

 

[timborama]

This was probably the most exciting announcement of the entire event IMO

 

[BC2009]

Apple just made hearing aids fashionable. Who knew?

 

[jarman92]

Had the first pros, had them replaced 6 times. Terrible quality. Always been weary of these, but may finally get new ones once the Pro 3s come out.

The Pro 2s are much, much better in this regard. I also had my first-gens replaced like 6-8 times, but have had the same pair of 2s for the last 2 years without issue.

 

[spaxxedout]

They announced new tips for them today. Maybe only price is new (12.99)

 

[jigzaw]

I have a sinking feeling this will only apply to the Pro 2 with USB-C and not work on the original Lightning version of the AirPods Pro 2. Hope I'm wrong about that.

 

[vertsix]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate that this is a FREE SOFTWARE FEATURE and requires no new hardware? Low key expected Apple to sell refreshed models with just this feature as the upgrade.

 

[SBlue1]

The best feature that the AirPods Pro already had for years was the hearing test and using the results to boost the missing frequencies in Apple Music. Great that you can use this great feature when watching movies on the iPhone or iPad, but why no Apple TV????

 

[sammfaria]

Does anybody have a list of these countries or where I can find it?

 

[SBlue1]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate that this is a FREE SOFTWARE FEATURE and requires no new hardware? Low key expected Apple to sell refreshed models with just this feature as the upgrade.

Well it used to be a free for all feature (Mimi hearing test and Mimi music app) that I have been using with my Sony headphones and the iPhone 7. Then Apple seemed to have bought the rights and made Mimi pull their music app. Now it works with AirPods Pro and Max only. Not my old Sony headphones, not the newest Beats headphones, nothing but the AirPods Pro and Max. So yeah Apple is using this feature to block old perfectly fine hardware and sell expensive new hardware. What a shame.

 

[ScooterComputer]

I have a sinking feeling this will only apply to the Pro 2 with USB-C and not work on the original Lightning version of the AirPods Pro 2. Hope I'm wrong about that.

Same boat here. Will rather irk me, since Apple has been talking about this OTC hearing aid stuff for several years, not delivering.

 

[vertsix]

Well it used to be a free for all feature (Mimi hearing test and Mimi music app) that I have been using with my Sony headphones and the iPhone 7. Then Apple seemed to have bought the rights and made Mimi pull their music app. Now it works with AirPods Pro and Max only. Not my old Sony headphones, not the newest Beats headphones, nothing but the AirPods Pro and Max. So yeah Apple is using this feature to block old perfectly fine hardware and sell expensive new hardware. What a shame.

I did not know this context. Interesting. Do you have some sources? I wanna share it with some folks.

 

[Hal~9000]

This was probably the most exciting announcement of the entire event IMO

Agreed, I was super happy to hear about this from Apple. My wife has major hearing loss in one ear from an accident when she was a kid. The science showing how hearing loss can increase ones risk of Alzheimer’s / Dementia are pretty terrifying. Hopefully this, and the sleep apnea detection for Apple Watch 9 & 10 help give us more tools and awareness to help push society towards long term health 🙂

 

[jaack]

Does anybody have a list of these countries or where I can find it?

It says the new features will only be available in the US and Canada at the end of the video

 

[star-affinity]

This is really great to see!

Protecting your hearing is more important than one might think as the list of symptoms that can happen if the inner ear is damaged is longer than most are aware of.

Except for hearing-loss and tinnitus (which can be really intrusive) there are hyperacusis (”normal” sounds sound louder than they used to and can in some cases trigger discomfort and even pain in the ear) and dysacusis (some sounds sound distorted).

There can also be this sensation of fullness and itchy, crawling, burning in the ear and even slight more or less constant pain that can be around for a very long time before it hopefully resolves.

I regret to say that I have experience with all of the above and it has affected my life negatively in a tremendous way. My perception of reality has changed. The “magic” of existence has gotten a big blow.

It is surreal to more or less constantly go around and think about your hearing and your ears. Normally your hearing is just there and not something you think of, it’s just a part of your being.

But don’t take it for granted.

Ultimately we need a cure for inner ear issues. Re-generation of hair cells and the synapses in the cochlea seems possible, but we’re not there yet.

I’d be glad to see Apple, artists and the music and tech industry contribute to the development of these drugs as there is also money to gain from people with healthy ears who surely will get more interested in listening to music and buying audio rated products. At least I lost quite a bit of interest in this since my problems started and I used to be at least somewhat of an audiophile.

Take care everyone! 👂💛

 

[Entilzha]

This is the announcement that made me sit up and take notice, for sure. I’m in my 40s and listened to headphones a LOT when I was growing up, and I’m sure I’ll be screwed for hearing loss in the near future. My mom and grandmother both have hearing aids, as does my uncle and aunt on that side of the family.

My mom HATES her current hearing aids…and even if its just for short periods due to the Airpod Pro battery life, I think she’d enjoy using these instead. Definitely buying her a set for Christmas now!

 

[Entilzha]

It says the new features will only be available in the US and Canada at the end of the video

They’re hoping to release in 100 countries though, that was mentioned I believe.

 

[mmomega]

just so everyone knows, these are the exact same Airpod Pro 2 from 2022. No change outside of eartips which you can buy separately.
so you can go to Walmart or best buy and get them today.
Same as the Watch Ultra 2, same watch as last years just given a new color.
Same as Airpod Pro Max from 2020, updated with colors and USB-C charging, couldnt even drop the H2 chip in them that the Pro 2's use.

I have never seen them twist perspective that 3 devices are new when essential zero was changed.
I understand peoples thoughts on the phone but internals have always changed year to year. Wild. That's a used car salesman technique taken to 11.

 

[Jashar7]

Had the first pros, had them replaced 6 times. Terrible quality. Always been weary of these, but may finally get new ones once the Pro 3s come out.

Get the Pro 2 they are incredible, I have them since November 2022 and 0 complaints!

 

[Entilzha]

just so everyone knows, these are the exact same Airpod Pro 2 from 2022. No change outside of eartips which you can buy separately.
so you can go to Walmart or best buy and get them today.
Same as the Watch Ultra 2, same watch as last years just given a new color.
Same as Airpod Pro Max from 2020, updated with colors and USB-C charging, couldnt even drop the H2 chip in them that the Pro 2's use.

I have never seen them twist perspective that 3 devices are new when essential zero was changed.
I understand peoples thoughts on the phone but internals have always changed year to year. Wild. That's a used car salesman technique taken to 11.

…no one is saying these are different AirPods Pro 2 models. We all understand this is a new software based feature for an existing product.

 

[AppleTO]

I found it funny how they mentioned they were the best selling headphones, but then proceeded to not update them.

 

[Siliconguy]

Apple just made hearing aids fashionable. Who knew?

Maybe Tim is getting old.

So how many decibels of noise reduction do they have? Are they good enough to use while mowing the lawn?

 

[jole]

Had the first pros, had them replaced 6 times. Terrible quality. Always been weary of these, but may finally get new ones once the Pro 3s come out.

The 1st gen had problems (had them replaced multiple times). 2nd gen has been realiable.