Apple has (finally) made available to Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features it first introduced in September 2024 to Australians. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the features in December 2024 but it’s taken three months for the features to be enabled in Apple’s software.
Apple says the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are grounded in science and were validated through rigorous scientific studies.
To take advantage of the new features, you’ll need a pair of Apple AirPods 2 and a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4 and later. However, that update for iPad and iPhone has not been released yet. So, Apple’s statement that “Starting today, the all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2 is now available in Australia” is a bit of a stretch given the required software hasn’t quite hit Software Update yet.
The company says its Hearing Test is based on pure-tone audiometry and takes about five minutes. The Hearing Test leverages advanced acoustic science and provides users with a simple and convenient interactive experience.
Apple says:
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. 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.
The Hearing Test creates a personalised hearing profile that enables personalised dynamic adjustments. This enables users have the sounds around them filled in and boosted in real time to help them better engage in conversations and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them.
If you’ve had an audiologist create an audiogram, this can be used as well.
Once iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are released – they’re expected imminently as the beta versions have reached Release Candidate status – the new features will become available.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.