Apple Hearing Health features in AirPods Pro 2 bring hearing tests and even hearing aid capabilities into everyday life. With hearing loss on the rise, could this be a game-changer for accessible hearing care?
Hearing loss is often dismissed as an issue of ageing, but in Singapore, the reality is more complex. While hearing impairment is rising among older adults, jumping from 1.3% in 2013 to 9.2% in 2023 – it’s not just seniors who are affected.
With factors such as increased exposure to loud environments, personal audio devices, and even genetic predisposition playing a role, hearing impairment is no longer just an issue for the elderly.
This year, advancements in consumer technology are taking center stage in the conversation.
Apple, a brand already known for adding health features to its devices, has now turned the AirPods Pro 2 into more than just wireless earbuds. With built-in hearing tools, they are making it easier than ever for people to check and correct their hearing – all without needing specialised equipment.
Test Your Hearing with Your Airpods
One of the biggest barriers to hearing health is access. Many people don’t realise they have hearing loss until it significantly impacts their daily lives.
In Singapore, 87% of adults acknowledge the importance of hearing tests, yet 33% haven’t had one in over five years. Even more concerning, one in four would only seek treatment once their hearing loss affects daily life, according to the Healthy Ears, Healthy Years Survey by Cochlear, conducted by Wakefield Research.
Now, with a compatible iPhone or iPad, users can take a hearing test in the comfort of their own homes.
Trying Out The Hearing Test Feature
Curious to see how well this technology worked, we decided to try the hearing test ourselves. Setting it up was straightforward. The interface guided us through a series of tones at varying frequencies, and within minutes, the results were revealed.
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What was striking was the depth of insight the test provided. It ended with a summary of results, including recommendations and even an audiogram, which is stored securely in the Health app. This can be shared with a hearing specialist to have more informed conversations.
Apple didn’t take shortcuts when developing its hearing health features. To ensure accuracy, the company worked with leading audiologists and sound engineers, testing the technology in controlled lab environments and real-world settings.
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The AirPods Pro 2’s hearing test feature was validated against gold-standard audiometry, using advanced signal processing to deliver precise results. From highly specialised audio labs, to running clinical studies, Apple made sure that its hearing tools are not just convenient but also reliable enough to help users take meaningful action on their hearing health.
While this integration does not replace audiologists, but act as an early detection tool – much like how Apple’s ECG app and atrial fibrillation detection have encouraged more people to monitor their heart health proactively.
The AirPods Pro 2 as a Hearing Aid
For many years, hearing aids have been associated with high costs and social stigma, deterring many from using them even when needed.
In Singapore, 82% cite cost as a major barrier to seeking help for hearing loss, and 50% have not seen a specialist due to financial concerns. Among those who would benefit from hearing aids, 33% don’t own one due to the price.
Apple’s new Hearing Aid feature integrated into AirPods Pro 2 is a bold step toward democratising hearing assistance.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, which require professional fitting and can cost thousands of dollars, the AirPods Pro 2 offer clinical-grade sound adjustments for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
By analysing the user’s hearing profile (either from Apple’s own test or an uploaded audiogram), the earbuds customise sound amplification, balance, and tone to match the user’s unique needs.
While Apple has been clear that this is not a medical-grade hearing aid replacement, it offers an affordable and discreet alternative.
Looking Forward
The impact of early intervention is undeniable.
Among Singaporeans who have received treatment for hearing loss, 100% reported an improved quality of life, and 86% wished they had acted sooner. The challenge? Many don’t realise how much they’re missing until it’s too late.
By putting hearing health features into something as common as AirPods, they’re making it easier and less intimidating for people to check their hearing and take action.
Apple’s foray into hearing health represents a larger trend in consumer technology: health monitoring tools that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. Just like smartwatches got people to track their heart health, AirPods Pro 2 might just get more people thinking about their ears.
And in a world that’s only getting louder, that could be exactly what we need.
Hearing health is no longer a niche concern. It is just as important as your eyesight or heart health. With technology now making hearing care more convenient and accessible, there’s no excuse to ignore it.
So, as you pop in your earbuds today, ask yourself: are you listening to your ears as much as they listen to you?
