Using AirPods as a Hearing Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apple continues to lead the charge in technology that enhances accessibility. Features like fall detection on the Apple Watch and Live Listen on AirPods can significantly improve daily experiences. In a recent development, Apple has enabled users to use their AirPods as hearing aids. This feature is FDA-approved and has been clinically validated, offering a budget-friendly substitute for over-the-counter hearing aids. If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, follow these steps to set up your AirPods as a hearing aid.

AirPods Compatible with Hearing Aid Functionality

Currently, the only models that support the hearing aid feature are the AirPods Pro 2nd generation, which includes:

• AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with Lightning connector
• AirPods Pro 2nd Generation with USB-C connector

Activating the Hearing Aid Feature on AirPods Pro

Before activating the hearing aid capability on your AirPods, it is necessary to complete a hearing assessment mandated by Apple. This test will evaluate your hearing abilities and help customize the hearing aid mode accordingly. Here’s how to proceed with the assessment.

First, remove your AirPods from their charging case and place them in your ears. Next, open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to the AirPods settings section. Select Take a Hearing Test.

Follow the prompts on the screen and respond to the questions accordingly. You will be instructed to tap the screen when you hear specific sounds. Upon completing the test, your results will be displayed.

If no considerable hearing loss is detected, simply tap the Done button to finish the test.

Turning On the Hearing Aid Feature

Once you’re finished, follow the on-screen instructions to select Turn On Hearing Aid on the final screen.

With this, your AirPods are now enabled to function like a hearing aid. Within the AirPods settings, locate the Hearing Assistance option to adjust various settings for your hearing aid. Here, you have the flexibility to switch the hearing aid feature on or off, modify amplification levels, and more.

We suggest experimenting with the settings to find what works best for you. If you’ve previously undergone a hearing test at a clinic, Apple provides an option to upload those results for further customization of your hearing aid settings.

Bonus: Activating Loud Sound Reduction

Excessive exposure to loud noises can be a major contributor to hearing loss. To help mitigate the risk of long-term exposure to high-decibel sounds, Apple has integrated a Loud Sound Reduction feature in iOS 18.1. We highly recommend activating this option for better auditory health.

To turn on this feature, remove your AirPods from the charging case and place them in your ears. Then, navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone and access the AirPods settings section. Scroll down until you find the toggle for Loud Sound Reduction and activate it.

Enhance Your Hearing

Regular headphone usage can lead to significant hearing impairment, a trend that has become increasingly prevalent as users often play music at high volumes. Thus, it is a remarkable advancement that Apple offers a feature to assess your hearing directly from home. Furthermore, utilizing AirPods as a hearing aid is groundbreaking because conventional hearing aids can be quite expensive, often exceeding $1,500-$2,000, whereas AirPods can be acquired at a much lower cost.

All images and screenshots provided by Sumukh Rao.

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Image Credits: Maketecheasier.com