
Apple Expands AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Test to Nine More Countries | Image Source: www.macrumors.com
CUPERTINO, California, December 13, 2024 – ​Apple continues its commitment to accessibility and health innovations with the extension ​of its hearing testing function for AirPods Pro 2. ​Originally released in the United States and some regions with ​iOS 18.1 ​in October, this feature is now available in ​nine other ​countries from the iOS 18.2 update released on December 11. Recently included are Cyprus, the ​Czech Republic, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, the United ​Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, as announced by Apple on its ​website.
The review ​is designed to provide users with a ​clinical assessment of their hearing, taking advantage ​of the capabilities of the AirPods ​Pro 2 and the Apple health ecosystem. However, as Apple points out, ​this feature remains unavailable in some regions due to variable regulatory laws. To remedy this, Apple offers alternative methods to access the test in unsupported areas.
How the hearing exam works
The test ear uses state-of-the-art technology to assess the hearing capacity of both ears. To pass the test, users need AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware, an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.1 or later, a quiet environment, and about ​five minutes of uninterrupted time. The test measures the ability to perceive tones ​over ​a wide range of frequencies and at different volume levels, ensuring a complete evaluation.
As Apple described, users can access the test ​by browsing their AirPods ​Pro settings in the ​”Hearing Health” section and selecting ​”Take a hearing test”. The test begins with a series of preliminary questions ​on ​age and recent exposure to loud noise. An adjustment test follows to ensure that the ear ends are well sealed. During ​the test, participants press the screen ​of their ​device whenever they hear a tone, the ​test automatically changes ​between the ears for a complete evaluation.
Understanding results
The results of the tests are presented at decibel hearing levels (dBHL) and are classified into four categories: low or no hearing loss (up to 25 dBHL), ​mild hearing loss (26-40 dBHL), moderate ​hearing loss (41-60 dBHL) and ​severe hearing loss (61-80 ​dBHL). Users ​can see frequency breakdowns by frequency of their hearing capacity using a detailed audiogram. This breakdown allows users to define specific types of hearing loss ​and provides data that can be easily shared with health care providers ​through the Health app.
Apple insists on the accessibility of these results, specifying that users can review their hearing test data in the Health app. Options for exporting data ​in PDF format or sharing it directly with health care professionals make it ​a practical tool for ​continuous hearing management.
Unlocking Additional Features
Beyond hearing assessment, test results release improved functionality for AirPods Pro 2 mode, including media support and ​hearing aid. Media Assist adjusts audio output to optimize music, video and call experiences for users with mild to moderate hearing ​loss. ​This function can be enabled in the AirPods Pro configuration under “Hearing Health” switch to Media Assist and select “Use Hearing Test Results”
For users with larger hearing needs, AirPods Pro 2 can act as basic hearing aids. By allowing hearing aid mode in device accessibility settings, users can amplify environmental sounds and conversations. However, Apple states that the availability ​of ​these functions may vary by region, ​and that a complete list of supported territories is provided on its website.
Access to the test in non-subsidized areas
While the ear The test function ​is not officially available anywhere, Apple ​offers other forms of access. Users in unsupported areas can use a deep link to start the test ​in the Health ​app or download direct access to ​the Apple hearing test. Once the test is completed, ​the results will ​continue to ​appear in the Health app, although ​other hearing health features, such ​as media support and hearing aid, remain inaccessible ​until they are formally supported in these areas.
The user Reddit Special _ ​Lake240 highlighted the deep binding method, which consists of hitting the x-apple-health URL: / / HearingAppPlugin.healthplugin / HearingTest on Safari on an iPhone or iPad. This direct approach allows users around ​the world to benefit ​from Apple’s innovative hearing assessment tools, even though regulatory restrictions limit the availability of wider functionality.
As Apple ​continues to expand its offerings, the auditory test function highlights the company’s commitment to integrating health-based solutions into its ecosystem. With the increasing accessibility of tools such as media support and hearing aid, AirPods Pro 2 users can benefit ​from personalized audio enhancements and a better ​quality of life.