AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 can run Apple’s guided Hearing Test and, where authorized, use a hearing profile for personalized sound adjustments. The test takes about five minutes in a quiet place; Hearing Aid is intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.
Both features require supported AirPods with current firmware and compatible, current Apple software. Availability differs by region, so check Apple’s current feature availability list before relying on them.
What happens from start to finish
Apple’s system has two related but distinct functions. The Hearing Test plays tones and estimates hearing thresholds, producing a classification and detailed audiogram. Hearing Aid uses a test result or suitable professional audiogram to personalize amplification of environmental sound. Media Assist applies hearing-based adjustments to music, video, and calls.
| Feature | What it adjusts | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing Test | Hearing thresholds | Plays tones and records responses to create an audiogram and recommendations. |
| Hearing Aid | Environmental sound | Applies personalized amplification in Transparency mode; includes controls such as amplification, balance, tone, and ambient noise reduction. |
| Media Assist | Music, video, and calls | Applies hearing-test-based audio adjustments across noise-control modes; music/video and calls/FaceTime can be configured separately. |
Apple’s Hearing Aid instructions describe these features and their controls. The Hearing Aid feature is intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. It is not appropriate for every hearing condition.
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Before you begin: check the requirements
- Compatible earbuds: Apple lists AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 with the latest firmware.
- Apple device: use a compatible iPhone or iPad running current software to take the test and complete setup. Apple also supports Hearing Aid on compatible Mac software.
- Age and intended use: the Hearing Test is intended for people aged 18 or older; Hearing Aid is intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Region: these are regulated health features and require authorization. Availability and the available Hearing Aid version can differ by country or region.
- Fit and setting: the AirPods should fit securely, and the test should be taken in a quiet place.
Apple’s Hearing Aid instructions and regional availability page are the best places to confirm current requirements. Apple says the Hearing Aid feature has received FDA authorization in its AirPods Pro 3 technical specifications; that does not mean the feature is authorized or available everywhere. Apple also explains how to check the feature version in its version guidance.
Stage 1: how Apple’s Hearing Test works
Apple describes the Hearing Test as a guided tone-based assessment. It plays tones across the range from 250 Hz to 8 kHz, including some at very low volumes, and you tap the screen when you hear them. The test takes approximately five minutes, according to Apple’s Hearing Test instructions.
Taking the test
- Connect and update. Pair supported AirPods Pro with a compatible, current iPhone or iPad and make sure the AirPods have current firmware.
- Start the Hearing Test. Follow the prompts in the AirPods controls or Health app; labels and entry points can vary by software version.
- Answer the screening questions. Follow Apple’s prompts about circumstances that could affect the result.
- Find a quiet place and check fit. Wear both AirPods with a complete, comfortable seal. The test may pause if the earbuds move or surrounding noise becomes loud.
- Tap when you hear a tone. Listen for the tones and respond on screen as instructed. Apple says tones are pulsed three times to allow a response.
- Review and save the result. The results include a value in dBHL, a classification, recommendations, and a detailed audiogram. Apple stores the audiogram in Health and lets you export it as a PDF to share with a hearing healthcare professional.
Apple’s test instructions advise taking the test in a quiet environment for its duration and ensuring the AirPods fit properly. A result is an assessment, not a diagnosis.
What the audiogram shows
The audiogram displays hearing results across frequencies from 250 Hz to 8 kHz. Results use dBHL, or decibels hearing level. Apple’s published interpretation bands are shown below; they are guidance for understanding the result, not an independent diagnosis.
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| Apple’s stated result | Classification |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 dBHL | Little to no hearing loss |
| 26–40 dBHL | Mild hearing loss |
| 41–60 dBHL | Moderate hearing loss |
| 61–80 dBHL | Severe hearing loss |
These ranges and the stated frequency range come from Apple’s Hearing Test instructions. If you have difficulty hearing, severe or profound hearing loss, or a sudden change in hearing, Apple advises talking to a doctor.
Stage 2: how the audiogram becomes a hearing profile
Hearing Aid can use a result from Apple’s Hearing Test or a suitable audiogram from a hearing healthcare professional. During setup, choose an available result or add a professional audiogram as prompted. Apple’s instructions describe storing and selecting hearing results through the Health app.
The profile personalizes sound adjustments to the measured hearing pattern; it is not simply a generic volume increase. Apple recommends making small changes over time while adjusting to Hearing Aid.
Stage 3: how Hearing Aid and Media Assist work
Hearing Aid amplifies environmental sound when AirPods are in Transparency mode. Its controls include amplification level, left-right balance, tone, and ambient noise reduction. Apple says the settings are stored on the AirPods and continue using the most recent settings when the paired iPhone or iPad is not nearby. Conversation Boost can focus on a person speaking in front of the listener.
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Media Assist is different: it applies hearing-test-based adjustments to music, video, and calls across noise-control modes. Apple lets users enable adjustments for music and video separately from calls and FaceTime. Do not assume that Hearing Aid and Media Assist affect the same sounds or operate in the same way; consult Apple’s feature instructions for setup details.
What the evidence does—and does not—establish
The sources reviewed for this article are Apple’s support instructions, availability information, and technical specifications. They describe the features, published result bands, and compatibility conditions, but do not establish independent clinical accuracy data or comparative performance between AirPods Pro generations. The Hearing Test result should not be treated as a full clinical evaluation.
Apple’s technical specifications state that the Hearing Aid feature has received FDA authorization. That statement is from Apple’s specifications; regional authorization and availability still vary.
When to seek professional care
Apple advises talking to a doctor if you have severe or profound hearing loss, difficulty hearing, or a sudden change in hearing. Do not rely on self-testing or amplification instead of seeking care when hearing changes suddenly or your symptoms concern you. A hearing healthcare professional can evaluate causes that a tone-based test does not assess.
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Hearing Aid is intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, not every degree or cause of hearing difficulty. If the result does not match your experience, or you are unsure what it means, discuss it with a professional.
How conditions and fit can affect the test
Room noise
Take the test somewhere quiet and avoid interruptions. Background sound can make tones harder to hear, and Apple says the test may pause if surrounding noise becomes loud.
AirPods fit
Wear the AirPods securely and follow Apple’s fit guidance. A complete seal and stable fit help provide the conditions the test expects. If the earbuds move during testing, follow the prompts before continuing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hearing Aid use an audiogram from an audiologist?
Yes. Apple says Hearing Aid can use either results from the AirPods Hearing Test or a suitable audiogram from a hearing healthcare professional. Follow the setup prompts to select or add the audiogram.
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Does the Hearing Test replace a hearing professional?
No. It produces a hearing assessment and audiogram, but it is not a complete clinical evaluation. Apple advises people with difficulty hearing, severe or profound loss, or sudden hearing changes to talk to a doctor.
What is the difference between Hearing Aid and Media Assist?
Hearing Aid amplifies environmental sound in Transparency mode. Media Assist applies hearing-based adjustments to music, video, and calls across noise-control modes.
Do all AirPods Pro models and regions support these features?
No. Apple lists AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 with current firmware, compatible current Apple software, and regional authorization as conditions. Check Apple’s current availability information for your location.
The practical decision
AirPods Pro’s hearing features may be useful for an adult considering a hearing assessment or personalized sound adjustments, provided the model, software, fit, and region are supported. The sensible sequence is:
Quick Recap
- Confirm your AirPods model, firmware, Apple-device compatibility, and regional availability.
- Take the test in a quiet place with a secure fit and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Review the audiogram, classification, and recommendations; export the PDF if you want to share it with a hearing healthcare professional.
- If using Hearing Aid, select a test result or suitable professional audiogram and adjust settings gradually.
- Use Media Assist settings separately for music, video, calls, or FaceTime as needed.
- Seek professional care for difficulty hearing, severe or profound loss, sudden changes, or questions about your result.
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