How to use AirPods as hearing aids

AirPods are already some of the best-selling earbuds in the world.

Now, Apple is taking them a step further. With just a simple software update, you can turn them into clinical-grade hearing aids.

“We always want to think about ways that we can help people improve their lives, impact their life in a really positive way with the devices that they’re using every day,” said Deidre Caldbeck, Senior Director for Health & Apple Watch Product Marketing.

The company says the new feature can help the billion or so people living with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Right now, it’s available on the AirPods Pro 2 models, which have been sold since 2022.

If you’re unsure what model you have, go into Bluetooth settings, tap the (i) next to your AirPods and scroll down to find the model number.

It must match one of these: A3047, A3048, A3049, A2931, A2699, A2698.

Now, update the software on your iPhone to iOS 18.1.

Then, open Settings, tap the name of your AirPods and choose the option to take a hearing test.

“We have validated this against kind of the gold standard of a pure tone audiometry test,” explained Caldbeck.

The test has you tap the screen as your hear various tones and takes just a few minutes.

You’ll get the results immediately on your screen.

“If you receive an audiogram that shows perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, then you can use the hearing aid feature. And so it will seamlessly transform those same AirPods into clinical grade hearing aids,” said Caldbeck.

Apple’s hearing aid feature works with both outside sounds and the audio you play on your iPhone.

“So it will actually not only assist you with hearing, but it has other features like conversation boost, which will actually boost the conversation that’s happening around you so you can hear that better. You can use this even if you’re just listening to music or podcasts or the radio,” said Caldbeck.

Even if you don’t need the hearing aid feature, “hearing protection” is now turned on by default. This sort of transforms your AirPods into earplugs, using both their seal and software to reduce loud environmental sounds.

“Use them you can also use them at a concert maybe. So you can actually still get that great sound quality, but your hearing is protected and assisted if you have hearing loss,” concluded Caldbeck.

The battery lasts about six hours when used as hearing aids. The AirPods Pro 2 retail for $250 but are often on sale for less.

AirPods are already some of the best-selling earbuds in the world. Now, Apple is taking them a step further. With just a simple software update, you can turn them into clinical-grade hearing aids. “We always want to think about ways that we can help people improve their lives, impact their life in a really positive […]