Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can now be used as hearing aids in Australia for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, Apple says, after it updated software enabling use of the device’s Hearing Aid feature and Hearing Test in the region.
Apple announced on 26 March 2025 that Australia had joined more than 100 countries worldwide that are already using the features.
“This experience includes a scientifically validated Hearing Test, a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature, and Loud Sound Reduction,” Apple said in a statement.
It said the over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability supports people with mild to moderate hearing loss by “seamlessly transforming AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid.” This is based on a personalised hearing profile from the Hearing Test.
“The Hearing Test is intended for use by people aged 18 years old or older, and the Hearing Aid is intended to amplify sound for individuals 18 years old or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment,” Apple said.
It said the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features were grounded in science and validated through rigorous scientific studies.
Dr Nicky Chong-White, principal engineer at National Acoustic Laboratories, said hearing loss could impact more than a person’s hearing; it could impact their communication at work, their social life, and their overall wellbeing.
“The new hearing features in AirPods Pro 2 are an exciting advancement — they give people a way to check their hearing and set up hearing assistance at home using familiar devices,” she said.
The five-minute Hearing Test is based on pure-tone audiometry, the gold standard clinical approach. Users can take the test themselves with their AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone or iPad, Apple said, adding that it leverages advanced acoustic science and provides users with a simple and convenient interactive experience.
“When a user completes the Hearing Test, they will see an easy-to-understand summary of their results, including a number representing their hearing level in each ear, a classification, and recommendations,” Apple said.
Audiogram is included
“The results, which also include an audiogram, are stored privately and securely in the Health app on iPhone or iPad, and can be shared with a healthcare provider to have more informed conversations.”
After setup, the Hearing Aid feature enables personalised dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them filled in and boosted in real time, Apple said.
“This helps them better engage in conversations and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them,” it said.
The user’s personalised hearing profile was automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across their devices, without needing to adjust any settings.
Users could also set up the Hearing Aid feature with an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.
It said the Hearing Test feature was not a substitute for seeking medical advice from a healthcare practitioner if people had any concerns about their hearing health.
The Loud Sound Reduction feature helps people minimise exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the range of what they’re listening to through the AirPods.
“The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder noise at 48,000 times per second,” Apple said.
“On by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes, Loud Sound Reduction can be helpful in a variety of loud settings.” A new multiband high dynamic range algorithm meant sounds at live events such as concerts would remain even more natural and vibrant, it added.
The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are supported on AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4 and later. The Hearing Aid feature is supported on a compatible Mac with macOS Sequoia and later.
The Loud Sound Reduction feature works with AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia or later.
The Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) approved Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 for use as hearing aids in Australia on 17 December 2024 after the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care classified the product’s Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) as a medical device class IIa on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
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