AirPods Pro 2 Gets New Health Features

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are set to receive a software update in iOS 18 that will add new health-focused features, making the earbuds powerful hearing aids and audio protection devices.

Among the updates are Hearing Protection, which is enabled by default to protect users from harmful sound levels, and a new Hearing Test that stores results privately in the Health app, allowing users to share them with their doctors.

AirPods Pro 2 also introduce a new Hearing Aid feature that uses the device’s adaptive EQ and conversation-enhancing capabilities to improve speech clarity, particularly in noisy settings. With personalized hearing profiles, the earbuds tailor audio settings to individual hearing needs, enhancing the overall listening experience.

These features are expected to receive clearance from the FDA soon in the U.S., Germany, and Japan, but there has been no mention of Canada, though.

Here are the new AirPods Pro 2 health features:

• Hearing Aid: Provides assistance similar to traditional hearing aids.
• Hearing Protection: Enabled by default to prevent exposure to harmful sound levels.
• Hearing Test: New feature to test hearing ability, results stored in the Health app.
• Personalized Hearing Profile: Tailors audio settings to individual hearing needs.
• Conversation Awareness: Enhances speech in noisy environments.
• Conversation Boost: Focuses on voices in front of the user for clearer conversations.
• Noise App: Monitors sound exposure and provides audio level feedback.
• Live Listen: Uses AirPods as a remote microphone for improved hearing.
• Media Assist: Optimizes media playback for better audio clarity.
• Headphone Audio Levels: Monitors safe listening levels with adaptive EQ adjustments.
• Adaptive EQ: Adjusts sound quality based on ear shape and listening environment.