How to Take the Apple Hearing Test with AirPods Pro 2

Revolutionizing Hearing Health: Apple Introduces In-App Hearing Test for AirPods Pro 2

If you own the AirPods Pro 2, a significant advancement in hearing health technology has arrived. Thanks to the release of iOS 18.1 and the new firmware for AirPods Pro 2, Apple now includes a convenient five-minute hearing test directly on your iPhone. This innovative feature aims to enhance awareness about hearing loss and promote safer listening practices.

Understanding the Hearing Test Features

Desiring to maintain optimal hearing health or check for potential hearing loss is now easier than ever. However, it's essential to note the following before starting:

The hearing test is designed for individuals aged 18 and older.
It's crucial to take the test in a quiet environment to ensure accurate results.
This feature requires iOS 18.1 (or later) and AirPods Pro 2 firmware 7B19 (or later).
Currently, the test is only available in the US and Canada.
Apple recommends taking the test at least once a year, though you may do so as frequently as desired.

How to Take the Apple Hearing Test

If you haven't visited an audiologist recently, follow these steps to take the hearing test:

Connect your AirPods Pro 2: While wearing your AirPods Pro 2, open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Access AirPods Settings: Tap on the shortcut to adjust your AirPods Pro settings.
Locate the Hearing Health Section: Under the toggle options for switching between transparency mode, adaptive audio, and noise cancellation, find the new "Hearing Health" section and tap on "Take a Hearing Test".
Get Started: Before proceeding, Apple will highlight the importance of hearing health and remind you of the AirPods Pro 2's capabilities.
Confirm Your Eligibility: You'll confirm your age and discuss any current allergies, colds, or ear infections that could impact results.
Noisy Environment Check: Apple performs a noise analysis to ensure optimal conditions for the test.
Ensure a Good Fit: A quick ear tip check will confirm a proper fit. Use the right size silicone tips included with your AirPods Pro 2 for accurate testing.
Start the Test: With Do Not Disturb activated, the actual hearing test begins with tones played in your left ear first.

What to Expect During the Hearing Test

The hearing test will assess your ability to hear tones at varying volumes and frequencies. Each time you perceive a three-pulse tone, tap the screen. Be mindful that:

Some tones may be faint, so listen carefully.
It’s normal not to hear tones for several seconds.

A large circle indicates the test is ongoing. The completion time is approximately five minutes. After finishing, you will receive results for both ears, including the decibel levels (dBHL) of any hearing loss. Results will categorize your hearing into:

Little to No Loss: up to 25dBHL
Mild Loss: 26–40dBHL
Moderate Loss: 41–60dBHL
Severe Loss: 61–80dBHL
Profound Loss: above 80dBHL

Next Steps After the Test

Consult a hearing professional if you have any concerns regarding your results. You can access your results from the Health app on your iPhone and even export audiograms as PDF files. Users in the "little to no loss" category will typically find their AirPods’ tuning suitable. If you fall within mild to moderate loss, you may activate the new hearing aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2, personalized based on your test results.

It's worth noting that this hearing aid feature is tailored for mild to moderate loss. Individuals with more significant hearing loss should explore additional solutions such as prescription hearing aids.

Conclusion

With the launch of the hearing test feature, Apple continues to revolutionize personal health management, empowering users to monitor their hearing effectively. Stay proactive about your hearing health and make use of these innovative tools offered by your AirPods Pro 2.

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