18
With modern AirPods, especially AirPods Pro 3, it is now possible to perform a relatively reliable hearing test at home—quickly, conveniently, and with useful follow-up functions such as hearing aid functionality or automatic conversation amplification.
Basics: What is the AirPods hearing test?
In the latest versions of iOS and with newer AirPods models (especially AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3), Apple has integrated features that allow you to perform a hearing test in your own home. This is a so-called hearing test that provides you with validated results and, if necessary, also activates hearing support functions.
- The test is a type of pure-tone audiometry: tones are played at different frequencies and levels, and you respond when you hear them.
- Before the test, the system checks, among other things, whether the AirPods are positioned correctly (good fit of the ear tips) and how loud the environment is – so that the conditions are as quiet as possible.
- At the end, you will receive a result, e.g., a classification of your hearing ability and, if necessary, tips/recommendations, e.g., on how to use the “Hearing Aid” feature.
- The test does not replace a complete audiological assessment (e.g., in cases of severe hearing loss or complex problems). It is intended for mild to moderate hearing problems or as an early warning system.
- Compatible hardware and software are required: AirPods Pro 2 or newer, latest firmware, iPhone or iPad with the appropriate iOS version (e.g., iOS 18 or later), and the feature must be available in your region.
How to perform the hearing test at home (including AirPods Pro 3)
Below is a practical guide on how to perform the test step by step with AirPods Pro 3 (or Pro 2).
- Make sure your AirPods are fully charged and connected to your iPhone or iPad.
- Ensure you are in a quiet environment: no background noise, no loud devices.
- Check the fit of the AirPods/ear tips: The Ear Tip Fit Test can be helpful in ensuring that the AirPods seal properly. A poor seal will affect the test results.
- On your device (iPhone or iPad), open Settings → select your AirPods (e.g., under “My AirPods”) or open the Health app, depending on where the feature is displayed.
- Tap “Take a Hearing Test” or a similarly named feature. On AirPods Pro 3, this is part of the Hearing Health features.
- Follow the instructions on the screen: This usually involves checking the environment (ambient noise) and the fit of the AirPods. Sounds are played at different frequencies; you tap when you hear them. If necessary, change the ear tips or adjust the position. (Total duration: about 5 minutes)
- You will receive a hearing profile showing whether and to what extent certain frequencies are impaired.
- You can use these results to activate various features: The hearing aid feature amplifies quieter or spoken sounds and improves speech intelligibility. AirPods Pro 3 supports this.
- You can also use the hearing profile to customize music, videos, and calls, and with Pro 3, you can even benefit from Automatic Conversation Boost. This means that if you are in a noisy environment, for example, the voice of the person in front of you is automatically amplified and background noise is reduced.
Tips and hints: What you should pay attention to
To ensure that the test is reliable and that the functions can be used effectively afterwards, the following things are important:
- Quiet & environment: Even moderate noise can distort the result. It is best to close doors, turn off devices, or go to a room that is as quiet as possible.
- Earpieces & cleanliness: Dirt or a poor fit will impair the seal, which will affect how deeply and clearly you hear the tones.
- Test regularly: Your hearing can change over time. Once you have taken a test, it is a good idea to repeat it at regular intervals, e.g., every six months or when you notice changes.
- Know the limits of the system: If you have severe hearing loss, discomfort, or unilateral problems, you should visit a hearing care professional or ENT doctor. In addition, some features are only available for mild to moderate hearing problems. Furthermore, not all regions have access to all features (e.g., “hearing aid” or certain regulatory approvals).
- Keep your software up to date: The latest iOS/firmware versions are required for new features (especially for AirPods Pro 3) to work.
