Lately, the talk around the new Apple AirPods Pro® 2 has been hard to ignore. Customers have been asking me if they work as hearing aids, and many have mentioned a hearing test feature right within the app. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued, and as a longtime Apple® user, I was eager to dive in and see how well they live up to the hype.
What I discovered was surprising—there’s a range of applications for these AirPods that extend far beyond the traditional use of wireless earbuds. This post is just the beginning of my exploration, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences with you so far. The best part? It’s sparking a much-needed conversation about hearing health. People are using AirPods to check their hearing at home, which is an incredibly private and easy way to spot potential hearing issues—especially for those who are hesitant to seek help in a hearing center. Similarly, HearingLife offers a free online hearing test that can be taken from the comfort of home, providing a simple first step toward understanding your hearing health.
Fit and Comfort: A Key to Success
First, let’s talk about fit. I have very small ear canals, and many earbuds are simply too bulky or uncomfortable for me. The older AirPods fit comfortably in the outer ear, making them generally suitable for most people. However, AirPods Pro 2 are designed to go a little deeper into the ear, which is crucial for their noise reduction features. While the deeper fit is noticeable, it’s not uncomfortable for short periods of time. I did start to feel the pressure after an hour or two. However, there are four different tip sizes, so you can easily customize them for your ears.
The Hearing Test: A New Approach to Health Monitoring
When I first set up the AirPods Pro 2, I was prompted to take a hearing test. As a professional with almost 30 years of experience conducting hearing tests, I was intrigued by how this app‑based test would compare to the in-office process. The test involved listening to a few tones and pressing a button when I heard them—similar to a traditional hearing exam. However, I was unsure of how many frequencies were tested and it seemed like less compared to the eight or more typically used in a clinical setting. I also wasn’t in a controlled environment, though the app did recommend a quiet location.
The results showed I have normal hearing, which was mostly accurate. However, it would have been helpful to see the graph right away it to better understand the specifics. Overall, though, the hearing test was easy to use and could be a great starting point for anyone curious about their hearing health. It didn’t tell me what kind of loss I had or check any other specifics (such as conductive hearing loss), but it’s a good place to start to see if there was anything hearing-related to be concerned about.
Noise Reduction in Action: A Game Changer?
One feature I was particularly excited to try was the adaptive noise reduction. If you’ve ever tried to have a conversation in a noisy environment—like a bustling restaurant or a busy home with noisy kids—you know how challenging it can be. Even though my hearing is normal, I still find it difficult to focus on conversations in loud settings. AirPods Pro 2 offered a real solution.
When someone spoke directly to me, I noticed the noise reduction would ease off, which wasn’t instantaneous, but I could hear the volume gradually return to normal. It wasn’t as seamless as a hearing aid, where I typically don’t notice any transition between noise reduction and normal hearing, but for an over-the-counter product, it wasn’t too bad.
Real-World Testing: Adaptive Noise Reduction in Noisy Environments
I decided to test the noise reduction further at one of Portland’s loudest ramen spots—a place where the noise level often makes it hard to even hear yourself think. When I popped in AirPods Pro 2, the difference was immediate: the noise quieted significantly. However, the adaptive feature is a bit of a double-edged sword. While it worked wonders when no one was talking, it would occasionally switch on and off when conversations resumed, which was noticeable and at times startling. When I turned the noise reduction off, everything sounded dull, much like how people describe hearing without their hearing aids. But when I turned it on, the world became significantly quieter, and while I could still hear the kids, their voices were softer, more manageable, and a little unclear.
In comparison, when I wear hearing aids in similar settings, the transitions between quiet and noise aren’t as noticeable, which allows me to relax more easily in these environments. That said, the reduction in noise when no one was speaking was fantastic. If I wanted to have real conversations and was struggling to hear, I preferred the more complex noise reduction provided by hearing aids.
Potential for People with Hyperacusis
As I reflected on my experience, I started thinking about people with hyperacusis—a condition where normal sounds are perceived as uncomfortably or even painfully loud. Typically, hearing aids are used to help manage this, and I wondered if AirPods Pro 2 could be a more affordable alternative for those looking for noise reduction. You can turn off the adaptive noise feature entirely, making the environment consistently quieter, which could be a game-changer for those dealing with hyperacusis.
Final Thoughts: A Good Starting Point
To sum it up, AirPods Pro 2’s noise reduction features are a solid starting point for anyone looking to improve their hearing experience, especially in noisy environments. The hearing test is a simple and user-friendly tool, and while it’s not a replacement for a comprehensive exam, it can provide helpful insight into your hearing health. For those who struggle with noisy surroundings or discomfort with loud sounds, these AirPods could serve as a helpful, discreet, and effective tool.
Stay tuned for more as I continue to explore the potential of these AirPods in the realm of hearing health! And if you’re curious about your hearing and ready for a free professional hearing test, schedule one at your local HearingLife.
Key Takeaways:
- Not a substitute for hearing aids, but useful in mild hearing challenges or noisy environments
- The Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing test is helpful but not diagnostic
- Noise reduction is impressive, especially for casual use or sound sensitivity
- Potentially supportive for individuals with hyperacusis
- A great tool to start the conversation about hearing health
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