Apple’s advanced wireless headphone model, AirPods Pro 2, has three important hearing features with the released iOS 18.1 update. won.
The first of these features is the hearing test, and Apple officially states the following about this new infrastructure: “Provides scientifically validated hearing test results from the comfort of your home (for users 18 and over)” The following was shared about the hearing aid feature offered with iOS 18.2: “Provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that automatically applies to sounds in your environment, as well as music, videos, and calls (for users 18 and over with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss).” Finally, the hearing protection feature is offered and the following is stated about it: “Helps users minimize their exposure to environmental noise (available in the United States and Canada).” The features require AirPods Pro 2 with firmware version 7B19 or later, and unfortunately the features are not available in all countries or regions.
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Apple had previously stated the following in detail on this subject: “This fall, the world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience will debut with AirPods Pro 2, featuring active Hearing Protection, scientifically validated Hearing Testing, and clinical-grade Hearing Aid features.” Making a statement, Apple explained the new infrastructure in detail as follows: “According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.5 billion people in the world suffer from hearing loss. Apple, which has been working on hearing health for years, such as the Noise app on Apple Watch, headphone volume levels on iPhone, hearing-related accessibility features and the Apple Hearing Study, offers an end-to-end experience focused on preventing, recognizing and providing assistance with hearing loss.
According to the Apple Hearing Study, one in three people are regularly exposed to loud noises in their environment that can affect their hearing health. Examples of these include taking the subway to work, mowing the lawn, attending a sporting event, and many other common scenarios. Hearing Protection feature is added to AirPods Pro to prevent users from being exposed to loud sounds around them, while also preserving the original qualities of the content they listen to.
While the earbuds passively reduce noise, the H2 chip helps actively reduce louder and intermittent sounds 48,000 times per second. The Hearing Protection feature, which is on by default in all listening modes, is beneficial in a variety of noisy environments. Additionally, thanks to the brand new multi-band high dynamic range algorithm, sounds sound natural and vibrant in live performances such as concerts. Thus, users do not miss any sound.
Apple is also introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature that can be used with AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad. Thanks to this feature, users can check their hearing health from home in just a few minutes. This test, which is easy to complete and offers users an interactive experience, utilizes a standard clinical approach called pure tone audiometry and advanced acoustic science.
Once users complete the test, they can see an easy-to-understand summary of their results in a personalized AirPods Pro hearing profile. These results are stored securely in the Health app without being shared with anyone else. In addition, users can share these results with healthcare professionals and have more informed conversations with them.
An innovative over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature has also been added to AirPods Pro for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Using the personalized hearing profile in Hearing Test, this new feature turns AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Thanks to the feature that offers personalized dynamic settings after installation, the sounds around the users are amplified in real time.
In this way, users can better participate in conversations and connect with people around them and everything else. The user’s personalized hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games and phone calls on all their devices, with incredible sound quality in AirPods Pro, without the need for any adjustments.
With this first-of-its-kind software-based Hearing Aid feature, users can make changes to their experience at any time and access hearing aid more easily than ever before at an affordable price. They can also adjust the Hearing Aid feature with an audiogram created by hearing healthcare professionals.
Both the Hearing Test and the Hearing Aid feature were developed on scientific basis and validated through meticulous scientific studies. It is expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon for the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features. These features will be available in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan, next fall.
Additionally, users who complete the Hearing Test can personalize their listening experience with AirPods Pro using their hearing profiles. More people, including those with mild hearing loss, can benefit from this opportunity and adjust the frequencies individually. Created to provide the best listening experience, the new Ambient Assist feature benefits an even wider audience by increasing the volume of certain parts of speech in phone calls or instruments in music.”
“While hearing health is an important part of our overall health, it can often be overlooked. According to the Apple Hearing Study, 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss do not receive treatment.” said Apple’s Vice President of Health, Dr. Sumbul Desai continues her words as follows: “With AirPods Pro, we’re excited to deliver breakthrough software features that put users’ hearing health at the center and create new ways to test and get help for hearing loss.”