New Hearing Features Available in AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Pro 2 from Apple is no longer an earpiece meant only for listening to music. It is now used as a hearing aid. I got a chance to try the new software developed by Apple for this purpose. The software provides relief to those plagued by hearing problems. Besides, it has features for protection from loud sound exposure. As per Apple, all these features will be launched soon.

What’s New with AirPods Pro 2?

It has been two years since Apple launched the AirPods Pro 2. This will radically change how you hear through these earbuds. In preparation for testing, I had to have hearing tests in order to first understand the features. I compared these with a professional audiogram test by a doctor. Through this experience, I learned much about hearing aids and the possibilities that technology from Apple could help with.

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How to Pass the Hearing Test

When you update your AirPods, you may notice a new section referred to as “Hearing Health” in settings. There, you can take the hearing test. The hearing test needs to be carried out in a very quiet room. It takes about 10 minutes for the whole test. It checks how exactly the ear tips fit into your ear. You need to tap your screen for every beep you hear. It sometimes breaks at the test if the test hears noises in the room. You can attempt the test several times over for you if you want to.

Interpreting the Results

When I went ahead and took the test, it turns out I had a small case of hearing loss. This led me to turn on the feature of the hearing aid. The mode hearing aids amplify the sounds that were hard for me to hear. It is somewhat like the transparency mode of AirPods, but rather a better version for improving your listening of outside environmental sounds.

It affects the way I listen to my videos and music. It increases the voice clarity, and therefore, my listening is significantly much better. I could even control the volume of these outside and media sounds with controls on the phone.

Comparison with a Professional Test

To test how well my AirPods worked, I visited a hospital to take a professional hearing test. A quiet room was provided where an audiologist carried out the test. They used this time to raise my hand whenever I heard sounds. The results were pretty close to what I got with my AirPods. If you get a professional test, you can scan the results into your phone and use them with your AirPods.

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Significance of Testing the Ability to Hear

There are many apps that can be used at home to test a person’s hearing. According to Dr. Justin Gallb, an audiologist, not all of them are good. Apple’s app is worth using and very easy to use. Many people can now test their hearing from the comfort of their own homes and without visiting an office.

Cost and Accessibility

Prescription hearing aids can be expensive, with prices ranging from $2,000 to as much as $7,000. AirPods Pro 2, by contrast, costs around $250. This puts it within many budgets. And if you already own AirPods, you just need to update the software to be a hearing aid!

Hearing Protection Features

Another feature the new software has is protecting your ears from loud noises. The AirPods will reduce them to a safe volume if it hurts your ears in case they detect loud noises. This is useful for things such as loud music. However, they won’t protect you from very loud sounds such as gunfire or fireworks.

Testing Hearing Protection

I tested this feature while my husband is playing the piano. AirPods had low volume, while music was perfectly clear. This reduces the risk of hearing loss due to loud sound.

New Hearing Features Available in AirPods Pro 2
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Everyday Use and Conversation Boost

I also used them in a busy sushi bar to check how they performed in this type of environment, and I found it very productive since the noise was not disturbing at all. The noise levels did not require them to adjust.
The other interesting feature is the “Conversation Boost.” This ensures you can hear a fellow person even in a noisy place. I observed it was easier to hear my friend, Richard, even in a car while he was talking as opposed to before he activated the device.

To understand how the AirPods work for real users, I met Tara Brown and her mother Nancy. Nancy has used hearing aids for ten years. She compared the results with mine; her test showed more hearing loss. She needs her hearing aids all day, whereas AirPods could last about six hours.

Conclusion

Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be a fantastic aid for mild hearing loss patients as a trigger for conversation initiation about hearing health. They might encourage an individual to undergo a test of his or her hearing. They are not meant to be a replacement for hearing aids, but still, they are a fabulous entry point to adopting the latest hearing aid systems. If you feel the need for some hearing assistance, test these AirPods Pro 2. Perhaps they will turn out to be just the perfect step!

New Hearing Features Available in AirPods Pro 2
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Remember, if a person suffers from serious hearing problems it is better to see a professional audiologist for proper evaluation and care.

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