Apple's groundbreaking update has reached Australian shores, enabling the AirPods Pro 2 to serve as clinical-grade hearing aids. As of March 26, 2025, users can access advanced hearing aid functionalities following approval from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last December. The integration of these features promises to provide an affordable alternative for many looking to enhance their hearing capabilities.
The hearing health features of AirPods Pro 2 truly cater to individuals aged 18 and older, making use of a simple five-minute hearing test that employs a clinical method known as pure-tone audiometry. This method evaluates eight frequencies, particularly focusing on four critical for speech recognition.
Once the test is completed, users can keep their results securely stored in the Health app on their iPhone or iPad. This data can be shared with healthcare professionals if needed, allowing for better informed decisions regarding hearing care. Furthermore, existing audiogram results from prior assessments can also be scanned into the device for individuals who may already have had professional evaluations.
Addressing concerns over the long wait for these features, many Australian consumers are expressing relief to finally utilize the long-awaited technology. Priced at $399, the AirPods Pro 2 offers a significantly lower cost option compared to traditional hearing aids which can often soar into the thousands of dollars.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.5 billion people globally are affected by hearing loss, a statistic that underscores the importance of making reliable audiological services accessible. With projections indicating that by 2050 more than 700 million individuals will face profound hearing loss, innovations like Apple's hearing aid capability could not have come at a better time for a growing population.
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of health, expressed delight in the roll-out of these features, encompassing the company's vision of providing accessible hearing health tools. “We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and centre,” she said. “We knew the results would literally change people’s lives, and democratise access to treatment for a condition that affects more than a billion people.”
In addition to the hearing test and aid functionalities, AirPods Pro 2 come equipped with a Hearing Protection feature, although its regulatory approval in Australia remains pending. Users in other regions can already benefit from this technology which is designed to proactively reduce ambient noise, especially in loud environments like concerts or sports events.
While many have welcomed the news, some Australian users expressed frustration at the delay in accessing these features. Kit Laughlin, a former competitive shooter, exemplified these feelings after purchasing AirPods Pro 2 with the expectation of using the hearing health functions immediately. He, like others, considered seeking overseas options to activate these capabilities.
Despite these complaints, the move represents a notable progression in individual health technology, bridging the gap between expensive products and accessible solutions for hearing loss patients. Apple has reiterated its commitment to elevating users’ health through its devices, framing access to auditory assistance as a fundamental right.
Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Apple Watch features aimed at detecting possible sleep apnoea are still under pressure, with Australian regulatory agencies yet to approve them, in doing so mirroring a larger delay in health technology approvals within Australia. Despite these delays, those with Apple Watch eagerly await functionalities that could provide insights into sleeping disorders which are linked closely to overall health.
As Apple continues to innovate, the expectation is that more life-enhancing features will be integrated into everyday products, making them valuable tools for personal health support.
In summary, as of March 26, the arrival of the hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 is a welcoming development for both Apple users and audiology professionals in Australia. This marks an important step towards integrating advanced technology into personal healthcare, allowing individuals to monitor their hearing health with unprecedented ease and accessibility.
