AirPods Pro get new features in a free software update!
This fall, Apple are launching a free software update to AirPods Pro 2, enabling new hearing health features.
Apple’s most popular and the best-selling headphones in the world, AirPods Pro first launched around five years ago and since, have improved over time, with free software updates. This fall, the second generation AirPods Pro are receiving another update that should really benefit those with hearing loss, as well as provide further insight, protection and customization for all users.
According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 billion people around the world are living with hearing loss. Apple are launching the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience on AirPods Pro 2, to help test, aid and protect your hearing, making hearing health more approachable for more people. This includes a scientifically validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid and active Hearing Protection features.
Expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features will be available for AirPods Pro 2 users, when connected with a compatible iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS or iPadOS, in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany and Japan. Hearing Protection will be available when AirPods Pro 2 are paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac, running the latest operating system, in the US and Canada only.
For decades, Apple has led the way in designing products for everyone and supporting users with a broad spectrum of hearing abilities. These features on AirPods Pro will make an impact on so many people by driving more awareness around hearing health and empowering individuals with new customizable tools to help them stay connected.
Sarah Herrlinger, senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Apple
What is Hearing Protection on AirPods Pro 2
One in three people are regularly exposed to loud environmental noise which could impact hearing. Hearing Protections hopes to minimize exposure to loud environments, such as commuting, mowing the lawn and live events. AirPods Pro 2 reduces noise while preserving the dynamic range of what you’re listening to, so sounds remain natural and vibrant. This setting will be on by default across all listening modes.
Apple does not recommend using AirPods Pro 2 for extremely loud impulse sounds such as gunfire, fireworks or jackhammers, or for sustained sounds louder than 110 dBA.
What is Hearing Test on AirPods Pro 2
Hearing health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing. Protecting and preserving our hearing enhances our quality of life both in the short-term and long-term. I’m thrilled Apple is introducing important tools to support people’s hearing health. These tools will help people protect their ears from noise pollution, be aware of changes in their hearing over time, and have important conversations with their healthcare providers when they need additional support.
Rick Neitzel, University of Michigan School of Public Health’s professor of Environmental Health Sciences and principal investigator of the Apple Hearing Study
80% of adults in the US have not had their hearing checked in the last five years. Hearing Test on the AirPods Pro 2 and compatible iPhone or iPad provides insight to hearing health. Apple uses an interactive, five-minute check that you can take from home, following a standard clinical approach. Using pure-tone audiometry and advanced acoustic science, users simply need to tap when they hear a series of tones at different volumes and frequencies.
The Health app provides an easy-to-understand summary of your results, showing the hearing loss of each ear, a classification, recommendations and an audiogram. This information is kept private unless you choose to share it with a healthcare provider.
What is Hearing Aid on AirPods Pro 2
Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated. We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and center, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss.
Sumbul Desai, M.D., vice president of Health, Apple
One billion people are living with mild to moderate hearing loss. This feature turns your AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade, first-of-its-kind software-based hearing aid. Based on the results of your test, personalized dynamic adjustments boosts specfic sounds in your environment in real-time, such as parts of speech. Hearing Aid is also applied automatically to music, movies, games and phone calls.
Using Media Assist, you can fully personalize your AirPods Pro listening experience, by making specific adjustments to individual frequencies at anytime. This lets you tweak and boost certain parts of speech on a phone call or instruments within a soundtrack.
These new features come as a free update to AirPods Pro 2, and join features such as ANC, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, Siri, USB-C and a wireless charging case. Get the AirPods Pro 2 on Amazon now for $189.99