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Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature is FDA-authorized software for compatible AirPods Pro, not an authorization of every AirPods model as a hearing aid. Apple currently lists AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 as compatible, subject to current firmware, a compatible iPhone or iPad, and regional availability. The feature is intended for adults aged 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment.
The FDA authorized Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature on September 12, 2024, as an over-the-counter hearing-aid software device. It is not a universal replacement for prescription hearing aids or professional evaluation, especially for people who may have severe or profound hearing loss.
The FDA’s announcement describes the authorization and its intended population. Availability and exact requirements vary by country or region.
What the AirPods Pro hearing-aid feature does
The Hearing Aid Feature applies a personalized hearing profile to compatible AirPods Pro. Apple’s current instructions let users set it up using results from Apple’s Hearing Test or an audiogram from a hearing-health professional.
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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.*
Apple’s instructions expose adjustments including:
- Amplification
- Left-right balance
- Tone
- Ambient-noise reduction
Environmental amplification works in Transparency mode. Apple also describes Media Assist as a distinct capability for adjusting music, video, and calls; do not confuse it with the FDA-authorized hearing-aid function.
Setup and controls require a compatible Apple device, but the FDA describes the feature as self-fitting, allowing users to adjust it without a hearing professional. Follow Apple’s instructions for your model and software, and remember that it can take time to settle on comfortable settings.
What “FDA-authorized” means
The FDA authorized the Hearing Aid Feature software for use with compatible AirPods Pro. The authorized population is adults aged 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. The authorization does not mean every AirPods model is a hearing aid, nor does it establish that the feature is suitable for every hearing need.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that its clinical study included 118 subjects with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss at multiple U.S. sites. The FDA said people using the self-fitting approach reported similar perceived benefit to people professionally fitted with the same device, with comparable results on specified amplification and speech-in-noise measures. No device-related adverse events were observed in that study, according to the FDA.
Those findings describe the study, not a guarantee of benefit or safety for every user. They also do not show that AirPods Pro are equivalent to every prescription hearing aid or suitable for severe or profound hearing loss.
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Which AirPods support the Hearing Aid Feature?
| Model | Current compatibility | Important context |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 2 | Listed by Apple as compatible, subject to current firmware, compatible iPhone or iPad software, and regional availability. | This was the model in Apple’s original 2024 hearing-health announcement. |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Also listed by Apple as compatible, subject to current firmware, compatible iPhone or iPad software, and regional availability. | This is a later compatible model, not the hardware involved in the original 2024 authorization announcement. |
Do not assume regular AirPods or older AirPods Pro models support the feature. Check Apple’s current Hearing Aid Feature instructions for requirements. Apple links to a separate country and region availability list, so check that before relying on the feature in a particular location.
How to set up AirPods Pro as a hearing aid
- Confirm compatibility. Apple currently lists AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. You also need current AirPods firmware and a compatible iPhone or iPad running current software.
- Choose a hearing profile. Use Apple Hearing Test results or add an audiogram supplied by a hearing-health professional.
- Follow Apple’s Hearing Aid setup prompts. Set up the feature using the instructions for your model and software version.
- Adjust gradually. Try the settings in everyday situations and make small changes over time rather than assuming the highest amplification is best.
- Check regional availability. If the option does not appear, consult Apple’s current compatibility and availability information; software, firmware, device, or region may affect access.
Apple’s setup and compatibility instructions are the best reference if a Hearing Test or Hearing Aid option does not appear.
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What the Hearing Test can and cannot tell you
Apple’s Hearing Test is based on pure-tone audiometry and can provide information for a hearing profile. It is not a complete medical examination of the ear or hearing system. An audiogram from a hearing-health professional is another way to configure the feature.
A result suggesting hearing loss is not proof that AirPods are the right treatment or an explanation of its cause. If you are uncertain about the result or the feature does not adequately address your difficulty, seek advice from a hearing-health professional.
Who should not rely on this feature?
FDA OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. People who suspect severe or profound hearing loss should consult a licensed hearing-health professional. People younger than 18 need prescription hearing aids and medical care, according to FDA guidance.
Seek professional advice rather than relying only on an OTC device if you suspect more serious hearing loss or need an assessment. The FDA’s OTC hearing-aid guidance explains the intended population and when professional help is appropriate.
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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.*
AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3?
Both AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are currently listed by Apple as compatible with the Hearing Aid Feature. AirPods Pro 2 is the model associated with Apple’s original 2024 announcement, while AirPods Pro 3 is a later compatible option. For a product search, Apple AirPods Pro 2 is one relevant phrase, but compatibility alone does not make either model a suitable choice for every hearing need.
Consider whether your model, Apple device, software, and region are supported, and whether your needs fit the OTC category. If you suspect severe or profound hearing loss or need professional evaluation, consult a hearing-health professional rather than choosing by model number alone.
Regional availability and software requirements
Apple’s current support instructions make compatibility subject to current firmware and iPhone or iPad software, and link to a separate country and region availability list. Do not assume the feature is available everywhere or that compatible AirPods purchased in one country will provide access in another.
If the option is missing, check Apple’s feature availability information and current support instructions before troubleshooting. The dossier does not establish current availability for any particular country.
How the feature arrived
- September 9, 2024: Apple announced a hearing-health experience for AirPods Pro 2, including Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid features. The announcement said the Hearing Aid feature was pending marketing authorization from global authorities.
- September 12, 2024: The FDA announced authorization of Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature software as an OTC hearing-aid software device.
- By Apple’s current support instructions: AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are listed as compatible, subject to current device, software, firmware, and regional requirements.
What this means in practical terms
For an adult with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment, compatible AirPods Pro can provide access to a self-fitting hearing-aid software feature. Its usefulness depends on compatibility, regional availability, and whether the feature meets the person’s needs.
It is not intended for children or people who suspect severe or profound hearing loss, and it does not replace professional assessment when that is needed. The FDA’s study findings apply to the studied group; they are not proof of equivalent results for every user or every hearing aid.
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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.*
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FAQ
Can AirPods Pro be used as hearing aids?
Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature can be used with compatible AirPods Pro as an OTC hearing-aid software feature for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. It is not a blanket conversion of all AirPods into hearing aids.
Which AirPods Pro support the Hearing Aid Feature?
Apple currently lists AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 as compatible. Current firmware, compatible iPhone or iPad software, and regional availability also apply.
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It is intended for adults aged 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. People who suspect severe or profound loss should consult a licensed hearing-health professional; people younger than 18 need prescription hearing aids and medical care.
Do I need an iPhone to set up the Hearing Aid Feature?
Apple’s instructions require a compatible iPhone or iPad running current software, as well as current AirPods firmware. Check Apple’s current support instructions for the requirements that apply to your devices.
Is the feature available in my country?
Availability depends on country or region. Check Apple’s current feature availability information rather than assuming the feature is enabled everywhere.
Does FDA authorization mean AirPods Pro replace prescription hearing aids?
No. The feature is intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. It is not evidence that AirPods Pro are equivalent to every prescription hearing aid or appropriate for severe or profound loss.
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