Apple has released a new software update, iOS 18.1, which includes Apple Intelligence as well as some powerful new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 users. The update brings three new capabilities to AirPods Pro 2: Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection, which are designed to help users better understand and manage their hearing health.

AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid function. | Image credit – Apple

• Hearing test: Provides scientifically validated hearing test results from the comfort of your home (intended for users aged 18 and over)
• Hearing aids: Provides personalized, clinical-grade assistance that is automatically applied to sounds in your environment, as well as music, video and calls (intended for users 18 years or older with mild to moderate perceived hearing loss)
• Hearing protection: Helps users minimize exposure to loud ambient noise in all listening modes (available in the United States and Canada)

To use these new features, AirPods Pro 2 users must be running firmware 7B19 and iOS 18.1 on their iPhone. The hearing test feature can be accessed through the Health app, while the hearing aids and hearing protection features can be accessed through the Control Center. These new features are a welcome addition for AirPods Pro 2 users. The Hearing Test feature is especially useful for those who may be concerned about their hearing health. The hearing aid function can be a game changer for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, and the hearing protection function is a great way to protect your hearing from loud noises.

As impressive and innovative as the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are, I think Hearing Protection is the important bedroom feature here. It can be especially useful for users who attend concerts, sporting events or other noisy environments – which can be a very large part of the population. By minimizing exposure to loud noises, this feature can help prevent hearing damage and maintain hearing health over time.