Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 now include FDA-cleared, over-the-counter hearing aid capabilities for mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a personalized hearing test and real-time sound adjustments via iOS devices. While they are not considered full replacements for traditional hearing aids, they offer a clinically validated hearing augmentation solution built into widely used consumer earbuds.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
How Apple AirPods Pro Hearing Aid Features Work
- The latest AirPods Pro models (2 and 3) support a Hearing Aid mode that uses computational audio and the H2 chip to boost speech clarity and reduce background noise.[7][3][5]
- A built-in hearing test on iPhone or iPad customizes the amplification profile for the user’s hearing loss.[2][1]
- The ear tips on AirPods Pro provide passive noise reduction, and Apple’s active noise cancellation further helps block unwanted sound.[7][2]
- The hearing aid mode is activated and managed through Accessibility and Hearing settings in iOS 18.1 or later.[8][9][1]
Limitations and Intended Use
- AirPods Pro hearing features are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and are considered OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aids.[5][6][2]
- These features do not fully replace dedicated hearing aids, especially for severe hearing loss, but they offer an affordable and convenient first step for those exploring amplification support.[4][6]
- Real-world tests show improved speech clarity but some amplification of unwanted noise in challenging environments.[10][3]
Important Points and Approvals
- AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 are the only Apple earbuds with these FDA-cleared hearing aid features; earlier models lack them.[9][11][1]
- Health Canada and other regulators have approved the AirPods hearing aid firmware as a Class II medical device.[12]
- Hearing health features include a hearing test, personalized amplification, Environmental Noise Reduction, Conversation Boost, and compatibility with audiograms generated by hearing professionals.[3][2][8]
Value and Pricing
- AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) cost around $249, offering highly competitive value among OTC hearing aids, with additional quality-of-life features like heart rate sensing and live translation exclusive to AirPods Pro 3.[13][14][1]
Apple's integration of hearing aid functionality into AirPods Pro delivers a powerful accessibility tool for users with mild to moderate hearing loss, though traditional hearing aids remain superior for more severe cases and long-term, high-precision augmentation.[6][3][4]
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- https://www.soundly.com/blog/airpods-as-hearing-aids
- https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2025/03/hearing-test-and-hearing-aid-features-available-today-with-airpods-pro-2/
- https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/otc/evaluating-apple-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-software-acoustic-measurements-and-insights
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/airpods-pro-2-hearing-aids-review/
- https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/462172/apple-airpods-translation-hearing-device-vision-google-diabetes
- https://audiologyisland.com/blog/apple-air-pods-as-hearing-aids-revolutionary-or-insufficient/
- https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/hearing-health/
- https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/airpods/devec5c64a16/web
- https://www.soundguys.com/how-to-set-up-your-apple-airpods-pro-as-hearing-aids-85802/
- https://forum.hearingtracker.com/t/lab-tested-airpods-pro-2-hearing-aid-feature/94378
- https://www.apple.com/ca/airpods-pro/feature-availability/
- https://www.sac-oac.ca/health-canada-approves-apple-airpods-pro-firmware-module-upgrades-implications-for-hearing-health/
- https://hearingup.com/blog/apple-airpods-pro-2-detailed-otc-hearing-aid-review
- https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/introducing-airpods-pro-3-the-ultimate-audio-experience/
- https://support.apple.com/en-ca/120992
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8RMJf_kotM
- https://www.reddit.com/r/HearingAids/comments/1fh28f2/apple_claim_that_airpod_pro_as_hearing_aid_is/
- http://www.larrysworld.com/apple-airpods-function-as-hearing-aids/
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/111777
- https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2025/02/hearing-aid-feature-available-today-with-airpods-pro-2/
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