I used the Apple Support app while updating firmware in store to set up a call. Took the call and got this going WITHOUT using the hearing test so yes, can hear phone rings, hear the conversation. I will worry about the hearing aid part after the holidays - do not want to rock the boat right now. When requesting an Apple support call for the hearing aids feature - one needs to specify "health". The firmware update (done even though my registration indicated latest firmware) may have gotten my Pods over the hump.