AirPods Pro: The Hearing Revolution

Apple's new Hearing Test feature on its AirPods Pro earbuds makes it possible to take a hearing test from the comfort of your own home without the need for bulky equipment or a trip to the doctor. But is this innovative technology a game-changer or just a gimmick? Apple's Hearing Test is a clinically validated tool that's been developed using 150,000 real-world audiograms and millions of simulations. It's designed to be quick and easy to use, taking just about five minutes to complete. Apple claims its test is accurate, but what if it's not? What if the results are skewed because of the quiet environment needed for the test? Once you've taken the test, you'll receive immediate results on your phone, including the level of hearing loss (if any) in each ear. If you have minimal hearing loss, the software will recommend some tweaks in the Media Assist settings for entertainment audio and calls. But if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, the Hearing Aid feature will be available to improve your daily life. The Hearing Aid feature is a software-based solution that boosts certain frequencies to enhance certain sounds on AirPods Pro. It's a first-of-its-kind submission to the FDA, and a tool that allows you to customize the amplification, balance, and tone at any time in the settings. Both Hearing Aid and Hearing Test should be available this fall, pending FDA approval, as part of an iOS 18 update. Will you be giving them a try?