New Hearing Health Features Now Available On AirPods Pro 2 In Australia
A major hearing health update is now available for AirPods Pro (2nd generation), expanding their functionality beyond consumer audio into medically aligned hearing support. With a free software update, users in Australia can now access a full end-to-end hearing experience, including a scientifically validated hearing test, personalised hearing aid capabilities, and automatic loud sound reduction.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 1.5 billion people globally live with hearing loss, the majority with mild to moderate impairments. This update directly targets that demographic, offering tools that promote early detection, day-to-day assistance, and protection from further auditory damage.
Hearing Test At Home
The update introduces a self-administered hearing test based on pure-tone audiometry, the clinical gold standard. Performed via a compatible iPhone or iPad, the test takes around five minutes and generates an audiogram and classification for each ear. All results are stored securely in the Health app and can be shared with healthcare professionals.
The test works by playing a range of tones at different frequencies and asking users to indicate what they can hear. Once complete, the device generates a personalised hearing profile stored on-device. It uses this data to inform hearing adjustments across the AirPods Pro 2 system.
While not a replacement for a clinical exam, the test is backed by peer-reviewed research and validated as a reliable screening tool. It represents a significant step forward for accessible hearing care, especially for individuals reluctant to seek formal diagnosis or treatment.
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Functionality
AirPods Pro 2 can now act as clinical-grade hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Using the audiogram data, the earbuds adjust environmental audio in real time, boosting speech and reducing auditory gaps without requiring specialised equipment. These personalised settings carry over to phone calls, media, and app audio across Apple devices.
The feature works across all Transparency modes. Using the H2 chip, the earbuds scan environmental audio 48,000 times per second and adapt amplification in response to user needs. Speech becomes clearer, background noise less intrusive, and the system automatically shifts depending on the user’s surroundings.
Users can also import audiograms from third-party services, allowing integration of results from formal hearing clinics. The hearing aid feature is intended for situational use and is optimised for conversational clarity, not for full-day continuous amplification.
Loud Sound Reduction
A new sound protection feature reduces the impact of loud environmental noise without muting surrounding audio. Enabled by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio modes, the system uses the H2 chip to process and reduce loud sound peaks in real time. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while avoiding harmful exposure.
When active, the system automatically detects sudden spikes in environmental volume such as sirens, alarms or machinery and attenuates them without interrupting the broader sound field. This makes it possible to wear AirPods Pro 2 in dynamic sound environments without compromising long-term hearing health.
The protection is passive and does not require manual configuration. Apple states it analyses the sound waveform up to 48,000 times per second and responds instantly, preserving the signal’s integrity while reducing harmful peaks.
Existing Features Retained
All existing features of AirPods Pro 2 remain available. This includes Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Spatial Audio, Personalised Volume and Dynamic Head Tracking.
The hearing health update integrates directly into iOS, iPadOS and macOS via a standard firmware update. No hardware changes or accessories are required. All new features can be enabled or disabled in the AirPods settings menu.
Requirements & Device Compatibility
The hearing health features are available on AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C). Devices must be running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia or later. Users must be aged 18 or older to access the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid functions.
Support is currently available in over 100 countries, including Australia, where the update was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Apple confirms the rollout meets local compliance and medical device software standards for over-the-counter hearing support.
Privacy & Data Handling
Hearing profiles are stored securely within the Health app. Data remains encrypted on-device and in iCloud backups. Apple does not access, process or analyse hearing data unless explicitly permitted by the user. Audiograms can be shared with medical professionals via the Health Sharing feature.
As with all Health data, information is protected by Apple’s broader privacy framework. Users can delete their hearing data at any time and retain full control over how and where it is shared.
Social & Clinical Implications
The update reflects a growing trend toward medically aligned features in consumer technology. AirPods Pro 2 now join the Apple Watch in offering condition-specific support, this time targeting hearing instead of cardiovascular or movement health.
Early reactions from hearing professionals are cautious but optimistic. While AirPods Pro 2 are not positioned as a replacement for clinical hearing aids, they offer a low-cost, stigma-free alternative for users who might not otherwise seek treatment.
By integrating these tools into an existing, familiar device, Apple lowers the barrier to early detection and everyday hearing support. The approach is especially relevant for younger users, working adults, and individuals in regional areas without regular access to audiology services.
For Australians living with early-stage hearing loss, particularly those avoiding traditional hearing aids due to stigma or cost, this represents a significant shift. It offers an accessible, private and technically capable alternative within an everyday device.
Professional Reception
Clinical organisations have noted that while the AirPods Pro 2 update does not provide full-time medical-grade amplification, it meets a growing need for transitional hearing care. Some audiologists have begun advising tech-aware patients to trial the system as an introduction to managed hearing.
Local coverage in Australia has described the update as a significant moment in hearing tech. Approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration marks a key point of differentiation between Australia and other regions still evaluating regulatory pathways for over-the-counter hearing devices.
What Comes Next
Apple has signalled that hearing health will continue to play a role in future updates. Future support could include speech-to-text assistance, deeper integration with HealthKit, and proactive hearing monitoring alerts.
For now, the current update marks a complete end-to-end suite. Users can test, analyse, enhance and protect their hearing using AirPods Pro 2.
The update is available now via iOS, iPadOS and macOS software updates for compatible devices.
