Here's Everything You Need to Know
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Clinical-Grade Hearing Aid Functionality: AirPods Pro 2 will offer hearing aid support via iOS 18.1, transforming them into assistive devices and reducing stigma.
Hearing Test on iPhone: A new iPhone hearing test checks hearing health, using random tone sequences and gaps to prevent gaming the system.
Hearing Protection Features: AirPods Pro 2 now provide hearing protection in noise canceling, transparency, and adaptive audio modes, no concert mode needed.
Reduction in Earbud Stigma: With earbuds as hearing aids, social norms may shift, normalizing assistive audio tech and encouraging wider adoption.
Noise Limitations: The hearing protection feature works well in most environments but struggles with sustained noises above 110dBA, common in some clubs and concerts.
Usability Tips: Users should stay calm during the hearing test even if there are moments of complete silence, focusing on the tones as they come.
Adaptive Listening for Live Events: Adaptive audio allows users to fine-tune how much noise cancellation or passthrough they prefer in various environments.
Enhanced Ear Health Awareness: Apple highlights that 80% of adults in the U.S. haven’t had their hearing checked in over five years, emphasizing the importance of the new hearing test.
Firmware and Software Integration: Hearing features will activate with iOS 18.1 and an AirPods firmware update, expanding Apple's hardware via software.
Limitations in Hearing Protection: While effective for most loud settings, the AirPods Pro 2 can’t protect against extreme noises such as gunfire or construction tools like jackhammers.
Potential Shift in Social Norms: As AirPods Pro 2 become more common as hearing aids, there might be a cultural shift in how people perceive wearing earbuds during conversations or in social settings.
Support for Older Generations: These features could appeal to older adults who might prefer using AirPods over traditional hearing aids due to their familiarity and aesthetics.