Apple iOS 18.1: How to take hearing health test on AirPods Pro 2

Recently, Apple rolled out the first major iOS 18 update to all eligible iPhones worldwide. Besides the new Apple Intelligence, the company also introduced the much-awaited hearing health test feature to AirPods Pro 2.

As per the latest World Health Organisation report, 1.5 billion-plus people are living with hearing loss globally.

Hearing loss worsens gradually over time, most people lead their lives unaware of the issue until it's too late. A medical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids are expensive and this is a major factor for most people to continue to live in isolation without any assistive support.

In India, a medical-grade hearing aid costs anywhere between Rs 37,000 and Rs 6.2 lakh. An AirPods Pro 2 (review) costs less than Rs 25,000.

Now, Apple has rolled out iOS 18.1 with firmware (v7B19) to AirPods Pro 2. With this, users can check their hearing health status and if needed, can turn their AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid as well.

It should be noted that the firmware updates are delivered automatically while the AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of the companion iPhone iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. So, if you have the latest iOS 18/iPadOS 18/macOS 15.1 on any of your Apple iPhone/iPad/Mac, your AirPods Pro will be updated to the latest firmware (v7B19).

You can check the firmware version by going to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version. It should be 7B19.

Hearing health test result.

Here's how to take hearing health test on AirPods Pro 2 via iPhone/iPad:

Step 1: Before you begin, make sure you’re in a quiet room. The test takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Wear your AirPods Pro 2, and make sure they’re connected to your device.

Step 3: Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen, tap Take a Hearing Test, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 4: If asked, find a quieter space or adjust the position of your AirPods. If you’ve made several adjustments to the position of your AirPods in your ears, you may need to use different-sized ear tips before you can start the test.

The hearing test results will indicate the user's hearing loss classification and recommend the next steps on the iPhone.

Reference points to understand the hearing health test result:

-- Up to 25 dBHL indicates little to no hearing loss.

--26-40 dBHL indicates mild hearing loss, where you can hear words spoken in a normal voice from three feet away.

--41-60 dBHL indicates moderate hearing loss, where you can hear words spoken in a raised voice from three feet away.

--61-80 dBHL indicates severe hearing loss, where you can hear some words when they’re shouted into your ear.

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