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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYes—compatible AirPods Pro 2 can function as an FDA-authorized over-the-counter hearing aid for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The capability arrived through software updates in late 2024; it is not a promise that every AirPods model automatically becomes a hearing aid. You need compatible AirPods firmware, an eligible iPhone or iPad, current software, and a region where Apple’s regulated hearing features are authorized.
The feature is useful for some people who want discreet, self-fitted hearing support, but it is not a universal replacement for a hearing evaluation or professionally fitted hearing aids.
What changed?
Apple announced the AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features on September 9, 2024. The US Food and Drug Administration authorized Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature on September 12, 2024, and Apple began rolling it out in authorized markets later that year.
The FDA describes it as the first over-the-counter hearing-aid software device. The regulated product is the Hearing Aid Feature software working with compatible AirPods hardware—not every pair of AirPods and not the earbuds considered in isolation. See the FDA authorization and Apple’s current support instructions.
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- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
The five related features
- Hearing Test: A self-administered pure-tone test using AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad.
- Hearing Aid: Uses the hearing profile produced by the test, or compatible audiogram data, to personalize environmental-sound amplification.
- Hearing Protection: Helps reduce exposure to loud environmental sound.
- Media Assist: Applies hearing-profile adjustments to supported music, video, phone calls, and FaceTime audio.
- Conversation Boost: Focuses amplification toward a speaker in front of the wearer.
The Hearing Aid feature amplifies surrounding sound while the earbuds are in Transparency mode. Media Assist can apply the profile to supported media and calls across available noise-control modes.
Is it a real hearing aid or just an accessibility setting?
In the United States, it is legally an FDA-authorized OTC hearing-aid software feature, rather than merely a volume control or general accessibility setting. The FDA reviewed it through the De Novo pathway for adults aged 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing impairment.
That legal description has limits. FDA authorization for this defined OTC use does not mean AirPods Pro 2 are equivalent in every respect to prescription hearing aids, suitable for every type of hearing loss, or a substitute for medical diagnosis.
Who can use it?
It is primarily intended for:
- Adults 18 and older.
- People who perceive mild-to-moderate hearing difficulty.
- Users able to complete the Hearing Test or provide compatible audiogram results.
- People with a supported Apple device, current operating system, compatible AirPods model, and current firmware.
Do not use the feature as your only response to sudden hearing loss, one-sided or sharply unequal hearing loss, ear pain, drainage, persistent pressure, significant dizziness, hearing loss after an injury, new or severe one-sided tinnitus, or suspected severe or profound loss. Those symptoms call for a physician or hearing professional. If amplification does not make speech clearer, an audiology evaluation is also appropriate.
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Requirements and compatibility
You need:
- AirPods Pro 2 with compatible firmware.
- A compatible iPhone or iPad for setup.
- Current iOS or iPadOS software.
- Charged AirPods and charging case.
- A supported region where Apple’s hearing features have received local authorization.
Apple’s regulatory documentation has listed AirPods Pro 2 compatibility with iPhone XS or later and specified recent iPad families. Its newer documentation refers to devices compatible with iOS/iPadOS 26 or later. Requirements and menu names can change as Apple adds models and updates its operating systems, so check the current regional support page before buying.
An Apple device is needed to configure and adjust the feature. Once configured, settings are stored on the AirPods, so the paired iPhone does not have to remain nearby for the settings to operate.
As of 2026, Apple’s support documentation also covers AirPods Pro 3. Existing AirPods Pro 2 owners generally do not need to upgrade solely to obtain the core Hearing Aid feature, because Pro 2 remains supported.
How to turn on the Hearing Aid feature
- Put the AirPods Pro 2 in your ears and connect them to your iPhone or iPad.
- Open Settings.
- Tap the connected AirPods near the top of the screen.
- Open Hearing Health or Hearing Assistance. The label varies by software version and region.
- Select Hearing Test and complete it in a quiet environment.
- Return to the hearing settings after the test.
- Tap Set Up Hearing Aid, then Get Started, Next, and Turn On Hearing Aid.
- Adjust amplification, left-right balance, tone, and Conversation Boost gradually.
You can also import compatible existing audiogram results instead of taking the test with the AirPods. If the test results fall outside the profile intended for the Hearing Aid feature, Apple may direct you to Media Assist rather than enable hearing-aid amplification.
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- Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted background noise
- Adaptive Transparency lets outside sounds in while reducing loud environmental noise
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Multiple ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
- Touch control lets you swipe to adjust volume, press to direct media playback, answer or end calls, and press and hold to switch between listening modes
Where to adjust it later
- iPhone or iPad: Settings → connected AirPods → Hearing Assistance or Hearing Health.
- Quick controls: Control Center → Hearing control → Hearing Assistance.
- Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → AirPods → Hearing Health.
- Conversation Boost: Hearing Assistance → Adjustments → Conversation Boost.
How strong is the “clinical-grade” claim?
“Clinical-grade” needs context. Apple and the FDA-authorized product description use clinical and regulatory language, but that does not establish that AirPods Pro 2 outperform prescription hearing aids or work equally well for every listener.
The FDA-described clinical evaluation included 118 subjects with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It reported similar perceived benefit between self-fitting and professional fitting of the same device, comparable amplification measurements, and comparable speech-in-noise performance measures. No device-related adverse events were observed in that study.
Those findings support the authorized OTC use. They do not turn the Hearing Test into a complete diagnosis or prove that the feature is appropriate for severe, asymmetric, medically complicated, or rapidly changing hearing loss.
Apple’s regulatory technical documentation lists, for the AirPods Pro 2 configuration, a maximum OSPL90 of 106 dB SPL, 27 dB full-on gain, less than 1% total harmonic distortion at specified frequencies, and a 100–10,000 Hz frequency-response bandwidth. These are regulatory specifications, not guarantees of identical real-world results in every ear or environment.
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- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
What it is like in everyday use
AirPods Pro 2 can be attractive because one familiar product combines hearing support with music, calls, Transparency mode, noise cancellation, and media personalization. For someone who already owns the earbuds, trying the feature may involve no separate hardware purchase.
Performance is more situation-dependent than the simple phrase “turns AirPods into hearing aids” suggests. Wind, restaurants, crowds, reverberant rooms, and competing speakers can challenge the microphones and processing. More amplification is not automatically better: excessive gain can make background noise louder without making speech clearer.
Ear-tip fit matters. The silicone tips need a good seal, but an in-ear earbud may still be uncomfortable or impractical for all-day wear. Adapt gradually and make small adjustments rather than immediately selecting maximum amplification.
Battery life is a major difference
Apple rates AirPods Pro 2 for up to six hours of listening per charge with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Actual Hearing Aid use varies with settings and conditions. That is substantially different from the all-day-wear expectations of many dedicated hearing aids: you must remove and recharge the earbuds and keep the case available.
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- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
AirPods Pro 2 versus dedicated hearing aids
| Criterion | AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid feature | Dedicated OTC hearing aids | Prescription hearing aids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Adults with perceived mild-to-moderate loss | Generally mild-to-moderate loss | Broader range, depending on model and evaluation |
| Setup | Self-fitting through an Apple device | Self-fitting or professional support | Usually professional fitting and follow-up |
| Phone ecosystem | Requires Apple hardware for setup and adjustment | Usually broader compatibility, depending on product | Varies by manufacturer |
| Battery | Rechargeable earbuds and case; Apple rates up to six hours with ANC | Often designed for longer daily wear | Often designed for all-day wear |
| Extra functions | Music, calls, ANC, Transparency, and hearing features | Hearing-focused controls and apps | Advanced fitting, processing, and professional support |
| Clinical support | Limited compared with audiologist care | Varies by vendor | Professional evaluation and adjustment |
No category is automatically best. AirPods Pro 2 make the most sense for an iPhone user who wants a low-friction, discreet option and also wants premium earbuds. A dedicated OTC device may be better for non-Apple users, longer daily wear, or hearing-specific design. Prescription aids and professional care are the better path when the loss is severe, asymmetric, medically complicated, or difficult to manage.
Why the feature may not appear
Missing Hearing Aid controls
Check these in order:
- Confirm the earbuds are AirPods Pro 2, not another AirPods model.
- Update the iPhone or iPad.
- Charge the AirPods and case.
- Leave the AirPods connected and charging near the paired Apple device to allow firmware updates.
- Check whether the feature is authorized in your country or region.
- Re-pair the AirPods if the controls remain absent.
A US purchase does not guarantee that the same regulated feature will be available in another country. Apple’s product information notes that hearing-health availability varies by region.
Whistling or squealing
Feedback usually points to a poor ear-tip seal, excessive amplification, or incorrect placement. Try a different ear-tip size, reseat both earbuds, reduce amplification, and test in a quiet setting. Apple’s instructions for use include fit and whistling troubleshooting.
Amplified noise but unclear speech
Possible causes include an inaccurate hearing profile, loss outside the feature’s intended range, a poor seal, or a noisy and reverberant environment. Try small adjustments and a quieter test. If speech remains unclear, stop increasing the volume and seek professional fitting or evaluation.
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Consider them if you are 18 or older, use an iPhone or iPad, perceive mild-to-moderate hearing difficulty, want occasional conversation help, and also value music, calls, noise cancellation, and Transparency mode.
Choose a different route if you do not use Apple devices, need dependable all-day amplification without frequent charging, dislike silicone in-ear buds, need advanced custom programming, or have severe, sudden, one-sided, or medically complex hearing loss.
AirPods Pro 2 were listed by Apple at $249 in the US source provided for this article, but price, availability, and reimbursement can change. Insurance coverage is not guaranteed; check your plan. For alternatives, the FDA’s OTC hearing-aid guide explains the category, while an audiologist can assess whether prescription technology is more appropriate.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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