With iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a clinical-grade hearing test feature for AirPods Pro 2, allowing users to assess their hearing health conveniently at home. If you’re concerned about hearing loss, this built-in tool offers an easy and accurate way to measure your auditory range and tailor your audio settings.
This guide walks you through how to take a hearing test with AirPods Pro 2, understand your results, and use advanced features like Media Assist and Hearing Aid Mode.
Requirements to Use the Hearing Test
Before taking the test, make sure you have:
- AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware
- iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 or later
- A quiet environment free from noise or distractions
- At least 5 minutes of uninterrupted time
Steps to Take a Hearing Test With AirPods Pro 2
Follow these instructions to begin the test:
- Ensure your AirPods Pro 2 are charged and securely in your ears.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your AirPods Pro name listed at the top of Settings.
- Under the Hearing Health section, tap Take a Hearing Test.
- Answer the preliminary questions about age and exposure to loud noise.
- Complete the ear fit test to ensure a proper ear tip seal.
- When the test begins, tap the screen each time you hear a tone.
- The test will automatically switch ears and complete both sides.
Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
The results are measured in dBHL (decibel hearing level) and categorized as follows:
- 0–25 dBHL: Normal hearing
- 26–40 dBHL: Mild hearing loss
- 41–60 dBHL: Moderate hearing loss
- 61–80 dBHL: Severe hearing loss
Tap Show Details to view a frequency-by-frequency breakdown from 250 Hz to 8 kHz. This audiogram mirrors what audiologists use and can be shared with healthcare professionals.
To view results later, go to:
Health app → Browse → Hearing → Hearing Test Results
You can Export as PDF or tap Share to send the report.
After the Test: Enable Advanced Audio Features
1. Media Assist
If your test reveals mild to moderate hearing loss, you can enable Media Assist:
- Go to Settings → [Your AirPods] → Hearing Health → Media Assist
- Toggle Media Assist On
- Select Use Hearing Test Results to optimize sound
- Or choose Custom Setup to adjust manually
This feature boosts frequencies you struggle to hear during music, calls, and media playback.
2. Hearing Aid Mode
You can also activate Hearing Aid Mode to amplify your environment:
- Open Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Devices
- Enable Hearing Aid Mode
Note: This feature is only available in select regions. Check Apple’s official list to confirm if it’s supported in your area.
Taking the Test in Unsupported Regions
If Apple hasn’t officially launched the hearing test in your region, you can still access it manually:
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
- Paste and visit this deep link:
x-apple-health://HearingAppPlugin.healthplugin/HearingTest
Alternatively, download the Apple Hearing Test Shortcut and run it with your AirPods Pro 2 connected. Your results will still appear in the Health app, but features like Media Assist won’t be unlocked without official regional support.
Conclusion
Apple’s Hearing Test for AirPods Pro 2 is a powerful, easy-to-use feature that brings audiology-grade analysis to your pocket. Whether you’re just curious or facing hearing challenges, taking the test helps you better understand your auditory health and unlocks features to enhance your listening experience.
Start today—take a hearing test in just minutes and tune your AirPods to your unique hearing profile.
