Experimenting with the Health-Focused Functionality of AirPods Pro 2
Experimenting with the Health-Focused Functionality of AirPods Pro 2
This recent revelation at Apple's event, known as the Glowtime gathering, didn't exactly wow us with the presentation of the latest AirPods 4. However, there was another intriguing announcement: an upgrade to the hearing health features for the two-year-old AirPods Pro 2. At the most recent ceremony, Apple declared that its elderly AirPods Pro 2 earbuds would now be equipped with three hearing health enhancements.
First off, they now double as basic hearing aids for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing impairment. Secondly, they now boast a feature that reduces excessively loud and jarring sounds, like at a concert, for example, to spare your ears the damage. Lastly, you can conduct a hearing test on your iPhone, and the outcomes can be added to the iOS Health app. This test provides information about the current state of your hearing, and the hearing aids will automatically activate if you believe they're necessary.
Necessary Conditions for AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Features
To access the hearing health features on the AirPods Pro 2, you need to be operating on the latest iOS version, specifically version 18.1. iPhone models launched before the XR might encounter difficulties in meeting this requirement. However, all iPhone models released following the iPhone XR and the second and third generations of the iPhone SE are compatible with this iOS version.
The two-year-old AirPods Pro 2 are perfectly capable of running the new hearing features. Apple did not alter the device in any manner; instead, they provided the functionality to the 2022 AirPods Pro 2 via a firmware update. These updates are typically automatic, so you don't need to take any additional steps. Nonetheless, this can be viewed as both an advantage and a drawback. On the plus side, it means you don't need to put in any extra effort. However, failure to implement the update leaves you with no alternative methods for forcing it through.
Working Around Issues
Apple claimed that the firmware update would be handled automatically, much like with earlier versions. But finding yourself in a pickle may necessitate a few troubleshooting tips. Firstly, ensure you're running the required iOS 18.1 version. You can verify this under Settings > General > About > iOS Version. If you discover an older version in your device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to update it accordingly.
The latest firmware update for the AirPods, capable of enabling all the hearing health features, is version 7B19. To confirm your current version, proceed to Settings > your AirPods option at the top > scroll down until you locate Firmware > and review the numerical value that follows. If you discover that your AirPods haven't automatically updated, connect them to a charger while connected to Wi-Fi technology. This action should help facilitate the firmware update procedure.
If the aforementioned method fails to address the issue, consider hard resetting your AirPods. To accomplish this, place both AirPods within their case, wait for approximately 30 seconds, and then open the case's lid. Subsequently, press and hold the pairing button located at the rear of the case for 15 seconds, until the tiny LED light within the case flashes amber and subsequently transforms into white. Your AirPods have now been rebooted.
On rare occasions, your version may be up-to-date, but there may still be pending minor updates that require approval. This was my situation, as both my iOS and firmware were at their most recent versions. However, a few small updates were waiting to be acknowledged before I could access the hearing health features. Spend ample time perusing the Software Update page, as no manual intervention is required.
Executing the Hearing Test
If you've prepared your phone and AirPods for the hearing test, you should find the options within Settings > AirPods Pro > directly below the toggle switches for the noise control modes. Tap on "Take a Hearing test" and adhere to the instructions provided. The test should run for approximately 10 minutes, and you should ensure a quiet environment throughout the test. Failure to comply may necessitate retaking the entire test, as was the case with the sound of my breakfast cereal packet. I ultimately managed to complete the test by relocating to my bedroom and covering myself with a large blanket, successfully blocking out the disturbing sounds from the nearby playground.
Screenshot Credit: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
The test commences with a brief questionnaire, which aids you in navigating the subsequent steps. This involves verifying the snugness of your AirPods to ensure a proper fit. Once the test begins, you must tap the screen any time you hear a sound. The test will assess both ears individually and provide you with information regarding test completion.
Screenshot Credit: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
Screenshot Credit: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
Interpreting the Results
The outcome is presented as a graph, including respective dBHL (decibels hearing level) values for each ear, plus a brief explanation for individuals unfamiliar with these figures. My results revealed "Little to No Loss" for both ears (mercifully), along with a 6dBHL for my left ear and 5dBHL for the right. To learn more about how the dBHL values are calculated, simply tap on "Show Details."
If your hearing test comes out clear, the outcome page will mention "No Adjustments Required." However, if it shows mild to significant hearing impairment, it allows you to utilize the hearing aid and media enhancing features. Additionally, you can toggle on these features through Settings > AirPods Pro > Hearing Assistance. The hearing aid feature amplifies voices and surrounding sounds through your AirPods, while media assist improves audio clarity for music, videos, and calls.
The hearing protection feature, the third on the list, gets activated automatically with the update. However, to ensure it's working properly, you can check its settings by navigating to Settings > AirPods Pro > Hearing Protection > Loud Sound Reduction.
You can conduct a new hearing test as frequently as desired, and your iPhone will increasingly rely on the data for determining if it needs to activate the hearing assistance features.
Screenshot: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
In the future, this tech advancement in the AirPods Pro 2 could potentially revolutionize the audio industry, serving as a viable alternative for individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairment. Additionally, the integration of technology into hearing aids provides an opportunity for tech enthusiasts who appreciate combining stylish design with cutting-edge functionality.