Apple has been at the forefront of developing accessible tech. Whether it’s fall detection on the Apple Watch or Live Listen on the AirPods, these features can truly impact one’s life. In line with this, Apple recently introduced the ability to use your AirPods as a hearing aid. The tech is FDA-approved, so its efficacy has been clinically tested, making it a cost-effective alternative to OTC hearing aids. If you’re hard of hearing, here’s how you can set up and use your AirPods as a hearing aid.
Which AirPods Are Compatible With the Hearing Aid Feature
As of writing this article, only the AirPods Pro 2nd generation can be used as a hearing aid. This includes:
- AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with Lightning
- AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with USB-C
Enabling the Hearing Aid Feature on Your AirPods Pro
Before you can turn on the hearing aid functionality on your AirPods, Apple mandates a hearing test. This test will determine if you have any hearing loss, based on which the hearing aid mode can be customized. Here’s how to take the test.
Note: You must update your iPhone to iOS 18.1 or above to use the hearing aid feature.
Take out your AirPods from the charging case and wear them. Then, head to the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the AirPods settings menu. Tap on Take a Hearing Test.
Follow the on-screen instructions and answer the relevant questions. You’ll be asked to tap the screen at regular intervals when you hear a sound. Once the test is completed, you will see a screen with your results.
If there’s no significant hearing loss, there’s nothing to worry about. Simply hit the Done button to exit the test.
Enabling the hearing aid functionality
However, if your iPhone reports a loss of hearing, or you wish to use your AirPods as a hearing aid even without a hearing loss, tap on Learn About Hearing Aid. Go through the on-screen instructions and select Turn On Hearing Aid on the final screen.
Your AirPods will now behave like a hearing aid. In the AirPods settings menu, navigate to Hearing Assistance to fine-tune the different aspects of the hearing aid. Here, you can turn the hearing aid feature on/off, change the level of amplification, and a lot more.
We recommend playing around with the settings to figure out the best fit for you. If you’ve taken a hearing test at a clinic, Apple even lets you upload the test report to customize the hearing aid as per that.
Bonus: Enable Loud Sound Reduction
External sounds of higher decibel levels are one of the major causes of hearing loss. To prevent exposure to loud sounds for long durations, Apple has also added the ability to reduce loud sounds with iOS 18.1. We recommend enabling it for better ear health.
Take out your AirPods from the charging case and wear them. Then, head to the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to the AirPods settings menu. Scroll down and enable the toggle next to Loud Sound Reduction.
Improve Your Hearing
Constant use of headphones can lead to hearing loss, and it has become increasingly common with most users listening to music at loud volumes. So, it’s commendable that Apple has introduced a feature that allows you to test your hearing right at home. Moreover, using a pair of AirPods as a hearing aid is revolutionary since dedicated hearing aids are generally pricey, going north of $1,500-2,000 while the AirPods can be had for a fraction of that.
All images and screenshots by Sumukh Rao.
