Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has approved the hearing test and hearing aid features for the AirPods Pro 2. The device, which was released two years ago, was touted during WWDC 2024 as offering this health benefit but relies on certification or endorsement by national health regulators.
A quick look at the Specsavers website reveals that hearing aids range in price from almost $1500 all the way to $3495. In contrast, AirPods Pro 2 cost less than $400 and are sometimes discounted.
The Hearing Aid Feature is a software-only mobile medical application that is intended to be used with compatible wearable electronic products. The feature is intended to amplify sound for individuals 18 years of age or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. The Hearing Aid Feature utilizes a self-fitting strategy and is adjusted by the user to meet their hearing needs without the assistance of a hearing professional. The device is intended for Over-the-Counter use.
How to use the new Hearing Aid feature
To use the new Hearing Aid feature you’ll need
An iPhone running iOS 18.1 or later or an iPad running iPadOS 18.1 or later
AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware
It’s important to note that the new feature doesn’t work with all AirPods. The muster be AirPods Pro 2 (and presumably later models when they are released.
If you have a set of AirPods Pro 2, and following an iPad/iPhone software update excepted to come from Apple – most likely with iOS/iPadOS 18.3 – the new feature will be enabled.
To access the new Hearing Aid features:
Make sure your AirPods Pro 2 are charged and place them in your ears and ensure they are paired with the iPad or iPhone you’ll use to configure Hearing Aid functions.
Open Settings, tap on the settings for your AirPods Pro 2 and tap Hearing Assistance.
Use the Take a Hearing Test option to test your hearing. Alternately, if you have a recent audiogram from an audiologist, you can add the results.
Tap Set Up Hearing Aid, then tap Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.
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.
