Apple is expanding its hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 users to Australia , Brazil , Saudi Arabia , Colombia, and Malaysia.
The core of these updates is the Hearing Test, which users can take to check for any hearing loss. If the test detects hearing issues, users can then activate a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature. This feature adjusts the sound around the user, amplifying voices and sounds for better clarity. It can also fine-tune music, videos, and phone calls to optimal sound levels using a personalized hearing profile.
Another major addition is Loud Sound Reduction, designed to protect the user’s hearing by minimizing exposure to loud noise. The AirPods Pro 2 use their H2 chip to passively reduce loud sounds 48,000 times per second, providing a smoother listening experience, especially in noisy environments. Loud Sound Reduction is automatically activated in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes, ensuring hearing protection is always on when needed.
Users in the supported countries can access these features through the Settings app on their iPhone once the AirPods Pro 2 are connected. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are only available to those with mild to moderate hearing loss, ensuring the best possible experience and safety for users.
The features will be available with the launch of iOS 18.4 and the latest firmware update. Apple began rolling out these tools with the release of iOS 18.1, and the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid are now available in over 100 countries and regions.
In addition to the hearing health updates, Apple has also introduced sleep apnea detection functionality for users in Malaysia.