Apple has released Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features for the AirPods Pro 2 in Australia. The update includes a scientifically validated Hearing Test, a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature and Loud Sound Reduction. This adds a pretty amazing capability to AirPods Pro 2. Not only are they awesome wireless earbuds they really do help as a hearing aid.
“Hearing loss can impact more than a person’s hearing. It can impact their communication at work, their social life, and their overall wellbeing. The new hearing features in AirPods Pro are an exciting advancement — they give people a way to check their hearing and set up hearing assistance at home using familiar devices,” says Nicky Chong-White, Principal Engineer at National Acoustic Laboratories.
By using AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone or iPad users can take the test in about five minutes at home. When a user completes the Hearing Test, they will see a summary of their results, including a number representing their hearing level in each ear, a classification, and recommendations. The results, which also include an audiogram, are stored privately and securely in the Health app on iPhone or iPad, and can be shared with a healthcare provider for further investigation.
After setup, the feature enables personalised dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them filled in and boosted in real time. This helps them better engage in conversations and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them. With the incredible audio quality of AirPods Pro 2, the user’s personalised hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across their devices, without needing to adjust any settings. Users can also set up the Hearing Aid feature with an audiogram created by a hearing health professional.
In order to help users minimise exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the entire dynamic range of what they’re listening to, Loud Sound Reduction is available on AirPods Pro 2. The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder noise at 48,000 times per second. On by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes, Loud Sound Reduction can be helpful in a variety of loud settings. Plus, with an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain even more natural and vibrant.
Here is Apple’s White Paper which details the scientific work behind AirPods Pro 2 and its hearing aid capabilities.
Full review video coming this week!
