AirPods Pro 2 are more than earbuds; they are a step towards better hearing, says Dr Nicky Chong-White from the National Acoustic Laboratories.
By Dr Nicky Chong-White
Those popular white earbuds with the stubby stems you see so many people wearing – did you know they can now work as hearing aids too?
With Apple’s update in March 2025, AirPods Pro 2 became TGA-approved Class IIa medical devices in Australia, functioning as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This is paired with a validated hearing test built into the iPhone’s iOS. It’s a development bringing excitement, curiosity, and some apprehension across the hearing profession.
As a hearing researcher and technology innovation lead, I’m optimistic. AirPods Pro 2 won’t suit everyone, but for those they do, they could make a real difference. They’re not about replacing hearing aids but can be a gateway – a low-risk step towards better hearing.
WHAT’S NEW?
Apple’s updates turn AirPods Pro 2 into OTC hearing aids, providing tailored amplification for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The hearing test feature offers a quick, easy way to measure hearing thresholds at home, with results configuring the AirPods Pro 2 for personalised gain – no clinic visit needed.
For many, AirPods Pro 2 are devices they already own – used daily for calls, music, or podcasts. Now, they’re also hearing devices. No extra cost. No appointments needed. Many people don’t even know these features exist, yet for those quietly struggling with hearing in certain situations, they offer a discreet way to try amplification – without stigma or anyone even knowing.
IMPACT AND RESEARCH
Only about one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. AirPods Pro 2 could change that. At $399, they’re far more affordable than traditional hearing aids, and because they’re so common, wearing them doesn’t signal “I’ve got hearing loss,” which can help reduce stigma.
For people with situational difficulties, mild loss, or who are unsure about traditional aids, AirPods Pro 2 offer a way to experience amplified sound in daily life. In noisy cafes, meetings, watching TV, or on calls, they can help improve enjoyment, connection, and confidence.
At the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), we’ve been evaluating each new hearing feature of AirPods Pro as it has been released over the past five years, assessing their acoustic performance, and how well they help improve speech understanding.
PROVIDE PERSONALISED AMPLIFICATION, IMPROVE LISTENING IN NOISE
We’ve found that AirPods Pro 2 provide effective amplification for typical sloping mild to moderate losses and can improve listening in noisy places. Right now, we’re digging deeper into how people actually use them as hearing aids in daily life – insights that will be crucial for both clinicians and those wondering if these features might help them.
LIMITATIONS AND CAUTIONS
AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids aren’t for everyone. Their snug fit can become uncomfortable over long periods, and their five to seven hour battery life isn’t enough for all-day wear. Their assistive capabilities are impressive for consumer earbuds, but they don’t match the performance of advanced features in dedicated hearing aids, especially in noisy or complex listening environments.
They also lack the fine-tuning, expertise, and personalised support of a professional fitting. But for many people who aren’t ready to take that step, they offer a practical way to try amplification and see what better hearing could feel like.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
AirPods Pro 2 mark a shift, moving from being audio earbuds to also serving as hearing devices. For younger or tech-savvy users, they may feel more acceptable than traditional hearing aids, especially for those already used to wearing earbuds. As more earbuds start offering hearing assistance features, I think social perceptions will change to recognise these devices as tools for hearing support, not just for music or calls.
AirPods Pro 2 as hearing devices present both a challenge and an opportunity. Some see them as a threat to traditional hearing aids and service delivery models.
My view? Because of Apple’s very large consumer reach and the popularity of AirPods, they have a unique ability to raise awareness of hearing health and give people an easy first step to experiencing hearing support. If these devices get people thinking about their hearing and taking action sooner, that’s a win.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Name: Dr Nicky Chong-White, PhD
Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy, speech signal processing.
Affiliations: Principal Engineer at National Acoustic Laboratories.
Location: Sydney
Years in industry: 21
* Dr Chong-White was principal investigator in several studies evaluating Apple AirPods Pro as hearing devices.
