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Apple Gearing Up to Add Hearing Aid Feature to AirPods Pro 2

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Apple is working behind the scenes to get ready to introduce Hearing Assistance functionality to the AirPods Pro 2. The latest iOS 18.1 beta does not have the feature enabled at the current time, but it is hidden in the update and Apple could potentially activate it in a future iOS 18.1 beta.

hearing-assistance-airpods-1.jpg

We were able to access the hidden AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Assistance feature set in the fifth iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas, and we tested it out.

whats-new-airpods.jpg

When Hearing Assistance launches, users will be prompted to take a hearing test or upload an audiogram from an audiologist. Apple says the results will be used to turn on a hearing aid feature for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, but for all users, it can be used to make sound adjustments to improve music, video, and call clarity.

hearing-assistance-airpods-test.jpg

The test takes approximately five minutes to complete, and it prompts users to tap the screen each time they hear a tone. The AirPods Pro 2 are only recommended for mild to moderate hearing loss, and those with more serious hearing loss likely won't be able to use the Hearing Aid feature.

airpods-hearing-test-tone.jpg

After the hearing test, users will have the option to turn on the Hearing Aid option if it is required. Hearing Aid adjusts the voices and sounds around the user to account for the tones and frequencies that are not able to be heard.

hearing-assistance-hearing-aids.jpg

Apple has already received FDA authorization for the AirPods Pro 2 to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid, and it could be rolled out at any time. Apple has said the feature will come out this fall, so it would make sense for it to be introduced in a future iOS 18.1 beta.

Article Link: Apple Gearing Up to Add Hearing Aid Feature to AirPods Pro 2
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/23/apple-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-feature/
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Interesting, I assumed it would be enabled by an AirPods firmware update.
 
There are lower priced hearing aids as an audiologist isn't required all the time.
I think Apple is trying to suggest these are hearing aid substitutes.
Insurance should cover hearing aids. My Medicare provider doesn't provide enough assistance.
Hearing aids should qualify just like glasses, which can also be under supported by insurance, especially Medicare.
I am quite curious to see how this works in the real world, not just speculation on the part of Apple.
 
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iOS 18.1 isn't needed for hearing aid functionality--it's only needed to access Apple's FDA approved hearing test. AirPods Pro have supported hearing aid functionality for at least 2 years--and it's been great! Just go to Accessibility>Audio & Visual>Headphone Accommodations and Customize*. You can either use the quick and easy A vs. B test Apple provides or enter an audiogram, the latter of which will tailor AirPods Pro for each ear separately. 3rd party apps like Mimi will allow you to test your hearing and automatically provide an audiogram you can choose to use.

In my opinion, Music, speech and Transparency Mode all sound far more natural and pleasant with AirPods Pro than with hearing aids costing far, far more. Plus AirPods Pro support automatic switching between Apple devices and press-to-activate Active Noise Cancellation.

*I believe prior to iOS 18.0, the location of Headphone Accommodations was Accessibility>Headphone Accommodations.
 
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If the feature is stable enough, makes sense to release it with iOS 18.1 in October vs. 18.2 in December. It would do much good to boost the sales of AirPods Pro 2, which while superior to AirPods 4, could use a bit more features to differentiate it even further.
 
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Not for me and I wear hearing aids - I don't want people think I'm listening to music or other stuff cause they see AirPods on me. Yes hearing aids are ridiculously expensive and who knows why other than greed. An iPhone costs !000 but hearing aids that only do 1 thing costs over 5,000
 
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krspkbl said:
Cool. The most exciting thing announced lol

I am a tiny bit deaf in my left ear. If only it could help with tinnitus which drives me crazy.
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It should help give some relief to tinnitus, I suffer from it and I do get relief from using the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids as well as using prescription hearing aids. You can already setup the AirPods as aids using the Mimi app for a hearing test which produces an audiogram that can be added to the iPhone to adjust the sound output.
 
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CTHarrryH said:
Not for me and I wear hearing aids - I don't want people think I'm listening to music or other stuff cause they see AirPods on me. Yes hearing aids are ridiculously expensive and who knows why other than greed. An iPhone costs !000 but hearing aids that only do 1 thing costs over 5,000
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Apple's overt* incursion into the hearing aid market will make wearing AirPods Pro for hearing assistance far more common and acceptable. (Remember when AirPods first came out and how dorky people looked? They don't any more.) If you're still worried about other people's perception, just wear the device in one ear (while the other one charges in the case perhaps). An iPhone 16 Pro Max plus AirPods Pro costs less than one set of Costco hearing aids.

*AirPods Pro have already supported audiogram-adjusted hearing for at least 2 years or since at least iOS 16. Apple just didn't say anything about it.
 
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MikeSmoke said:
In my opinion the hearing aid industry is a price gouging scandal. I hope this and other options obsolete the industry. Amen. My 2 cents worth.
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I think the same way.

I've always had some trouble hearing some higher frequencies with my right ear (I attribute it to my elementary school driver who was hard of hearing and used to blast very loud music every single morning on the way to school). I did a test last year and the audiologist confirmed I have major hearing loss on higher frequencies in my right ear. She recommended hearing aids but as a younger person (26), I don't really want to wear a hearing aid for something that really doesn't affect my daily life. I wish there were fashionable hearing aids for younger people that isn't really medical grade but provides some relief and is cool to wear at the same time. I'm excited to see how the AirPods perform.
 
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LV426 said:
If it works well, it could be a killer feature in the UK. I have two friends who have spent literally multiple thousands of pounds on hearing aids.
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I too have spent thousands over the years, but it hasn’t really helped much. While they sometimes work, it doesn't work 100% of the time as people would expect it to. Hopefully, Apple's iPods, given their expertise in sound and chips, will perform much better.
 
LV426 said:
If it works well, it could be a killer feature in the UK. I have two friends who have spent literally multiple thousands of pounds on hearing aids.
Click to expand...
"The NHS provides the same hearing aid brands that are available privately. Digital models that can be set to accurately match your hearing loss are now issued as standard on the NHS.

Depending on the type of hearing loss you have, you may not have a choice in the type of hearing aid you get (whether private or NHS).

You’ll usually be given a behind-the-ear aid from the NHS - this was the most common outcome for our survey respondents.

Hearing aids and earmoulds come in a range of different colours, so it's worth asking what is available."
 
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