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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Amazing. My dad could really use a hearing aid but insurance doesn't cover it and buying a hearing aid is obnoxiously expressive. This could be a useful alternative in certain circumstances.
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.
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
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.
