The new AirPods Pro 2 have made waves with some groundbreaking features, and after reviewing them initially, it’s clear that Apple is taking hearing health to the next level. The most exciting updates include three innovative features that are aimed at improving hearing health: a scientifically validated hearing test, a clinical-grade hearing aid, and active hearing otection. These features are designed to make managing and maintaining hearing health easier and more accessible, and I’m excited to walk you through my experience testing them out.
Hearing Test: A Simple, Personalized Approach
One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 2 is the hearing test, which is both simple and effective. The test only takes about 5 minutes to complete and will categorize your hearing loss based on the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is an incredibly useful tool, especially for those who may not have had their hearing tested regularly. After completing the test, you’ll receive a personalized hearing categorization that gives you a clearer idea of where you stand in terms of hearing health.
For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 2 take things a step further with the hearing aid feature. This feature provides real-time, clinical-grade adjustments to sound, whether you’re listening to music, taking phone calls, or even experiencing ambient noises. The goal is to make everyday listening clearer and more enjoyable, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Testing the Hearing Test:
So let’s dive into the actual test. I already had my AirPods connected, and I was ready to start. Now, the cool thing with the AirPods Pro 2 is that they come with different sizes of ear tips. I had to size down to the extra small ones—something I couldn’t do before. In the past, the AirPods would always fall out of my ears, but with the smaller ear tips, I’ve finally got a comfortable, secure fit. Having the right ear tips is critical, and if you’ve ever had trouble with earbud fit, you’ll appreciate how important this is. If you do need extra tips, Apple offers a kit that you can purchase online (not from the App Store, but from the actual Apple Store).
Now, it’s time for the hearing test. Here’s how it works: the test plays tones at different volumes and frequencies, and you’re asked to tap on the screen each time you hear a tone. After a few quick checks, the test was complete. The result? The left ear showed a slight decline in hearing, with a score of 10 (out of 20), while the right ear was slightly better at 8. This was a bit surprising, but it was good to get a clearer understanding of my hearing.
What’s great about this feature is that you can export your results as a PDF. This makes it easy to keep track of your hearing over time and even share the results with your doctor. Over time, you can retake the test and compare your results, which will be charted in the app for you. For someone who wants to stay on top of their hearing health, this is a huge plus. The detailed chart that shows the decibel levels required to hear each sound makes it clear just how much hearing loss you may have, and it’s all available in a simple, portable PDF.
I was honestly impressed by the depth of the hearing test and the fact that you can get such a detailed readout right from your AirPods. It’s pretty incredible!
Hearing Protection: A Game-Changer for Loud Environments
Another fantastic feature of the AirPods Pro 2 is the hearing protection function, which is designed to minimize exposure to loud, environmental noise. This is incredibly useful in scenarios where you’re exposed to loud sounds for extended periods, like commuting, working in noisy environments, or attending live events. The feature actively reduces harmful loud noises while still allowing you to enjoy the music or sounds you want to hear.
I got to test this out at a Charlie XCX and Troye Sivan concert an experience that was made all the better thanks to the AirPods Pro 2’s noise cancellation feature. Normally, when I attend concerts, I find myself wishing I had earplugs, especially when I’m standing in the pit right in front of the speakers. In the past, I’d rely on earplugs, but they often block too much of the music and vocals, leaving only the bass and drums. For loud concerts, this can make the music feel less immersive and less enjoyable.
With the AirPods Pro 2 in, however, I had the active noise cancellation feature on, and it was a game-changer. I was still able to hear the music clearly bass, vocals, and all but without the overwhelming noise that usually comes with being close to the speakers. The experience was like hearing the concert the way it was meant to be heard, without damaging my ears. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it, but if you’ve ever been to a concert and used earplugs, you know that you lose a lot of the richness of the music. With the AirPods Pro 2, I could still enjoy the sound, but with a much more balanced audio experience.
I can’t wait to test this out at more shows. It’s especially exciting for me because I’m someone who never used to protect my hearing at concerts, but now I can enjoy the event without risking further hearing damage.
Testing in Real-Life Scenarios: A Quick Comparison
To give you an idea of how well the AirPods Pro 2 perform in other scenarios, I decided to test them against the M1 Pro MacBook while doing some tasks in Xcode. For instance, I opened an existing project, which normally takes a bit longer to load on my M1 Pro. With the new AirPods Pro 2, however, I could quickly switch between different audio scenarios (noise cancellation, transparency, etc.), which made tasks like answering phone calls or listening to music while working even easier. Both the hearing test and hearing protection features showed real-world advantages, especially for users who are constantly in noisy environments or those looking for ways to track their hearing over time.
Conclusion: The Future of Hearing Health
In conclusion, the AirPods Pro 2 are more than just another pair of wireless earbuds—they’re a step forward in how we can think about and manage our hearing health. The hearing test and hearing protection features are incredibly useful, and the fact that you can track your results over time is a feature I never thought I’d need, but now I wouldn’t want to be without it. Whether you’re a frequent concert-goer, someone who works in loud environments, or just someone looking to keep their hearing in check, these new features could make a big difference in your daily life.
So, what do you think? Have you tried the new AirPods Pro 2? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think about this new hearing technology.
