AirPods can work as hearing aids through Live Listen and Conversation Boost, two built-in features that amplify sound around you and pipe it into your ears
Live Listen turns your iPhone or iPad into a remote microphone — you hold it near someone speaking or toward a sound source, and the audio streams directly to your AirPods. Conversation Boost amplifies voices in front of you and reduces background noise, making it easier to follow speech in noisy rooms. Neither feature requires a hearing aid prescription, and both work on any AirPods model that supports audio streaming.
These are not replacements for clinical hearing aids, which are fitted to your specific hearing loss and adjusted by an audiologist. But they can help you hear better in specific situations — a conversation at a restaurant, a lecture, a family gathering — without buying separate equipment. The setup takes about five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Live Listen requires an iPhone or iPad held near the sound source, and works best when you can position the device close to whoever is speaking.
- Conversation Boost works on your Mac or iPhone without needing to hold a device separately, and is better for ongoing use in noisy environments.
- Both features work only with AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or AirPods (3rd generation) — older AirPods models do not support them.
- You turn these features on in Settings under Accessibility, and they stay on until you turn them off manually.
How to set up Live Listen on iPhone
Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap Accessibility, then Hearing Devices. If you have not yet paired your AirPods, do that first by going to Settings > Bluetooth, finding your AirPods in the list, and tapping them. Once they are paired, go back to Hearing Devices and you should see them listed.
Tap your AirPods name, then toggle on Live Listen. A small ear icon will appear in the status bar at the top of your screen when Live Listen is active. Now hold your iPhone close to whoever is speaking or toward the sound you want to hear. The audio will stream into your AirPods in real time.
To stop Live Listen, tap the ear icon in the status bar and select Turn Off, or go back to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices and toggle Live Listen off. The feature does not drain your battery faster than normal use, but holding your phone steady for long periods can be tiring.
How to set up Conversation Boost on iPhone and Mac
On iPhone: Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then Hearing Devices. Tap your AirPods name, then toggle on Conversation Boost. A small ear icon appears in the status bar. Conversation Boost automatically amplifies voices in front of you and reduces side and background noise. You do not need to hold your phone in a specific position — it works as long as your AirPods are in your ears and connected.
On Mac: Open System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then Hearing Devices. Select your AirPods, then toggle on Conversation Boost. The feature works the same way — it amplifies speech and cuts background noise without you having to do anything after turning it on.
Conversation Boost is better than Live Listen for situations where you want to stay mobile or keep your hands free. It works in meetings, at family dinners, or anywhere you want to hear speech more clearly without holding a device. You can toggle it on and off as needed throughout the day.
Which AirPods models support hearing aid features
Only three AirPods models have Live Listen and Conversation Boost: AirPods Pro (both generations), AirPods Max, and AirPods (3rd generation). If you have AirPods (2nd generation) or the original AirPods, these features are not available on your model, and updating the firmware will not add them.
If you are considering buying AirPods specifically for hearing support, the AirPods Pro are the most affordable option that includes both features. AirPods Max are more expensive and designed primarily for music and video, though they do include the hearing features. AirPods (3rd generation) are cheaper than Pro but lack some other features like active noise cancellation.
How Conversation Boost differs from Live Listen in real use
Live Listen requires you to position your iPhone near the sound source — typically you hold it on a table during a conversation or point it toward a speaker. It is useful when you want to focus on one specific person or sound, and you can adjust the volume in real time by using your AirPods volume controls. The downside is that you have to manage the phone placement, and it is obvious to others that you are using it.
Conversation Boost works continuously once it is turned on, amplifying voices in front of you without requiring you to position anything. It is less noticeable to others and better for situations where you want to participate naturally in a group. The trade-off is that you have less control over what gets amplified — it is designed to prioritize speech and reduce noise automatically, not to let you focus on one specific voice.
For a one-on-one conversation, Live Listen often works better. For group settings or ongoing use, Conversation Boost is usually the right choice. You can use both features on the same day depending on the situation.
Adjusting volume and audio settings
When Live Listen is active, use the volume buttons on your AirPods or the volume slider in Control Center to adjust how loud the audio is in your ears. You can also adjust the microphone level in Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices > [Your AirPods] > Live Listen. A higher microphone level picks up more ambient sound; a lower level focuses more on sounds directly in front of the microphone.
Conversation Boost does not have a separate microphone level control — it automatically balances amplification and noise reduction. If it is too loud or too quiet, adjust the volume using your AirPods controls or Control Center, the same way you would for music or calls.
Both features respect your overall AirPods volume setting, so if you have your AirPods set to a low volume for music, they will also be quieter during Live Listen or Conversation Boost. Adjust your AirPods volume in Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] > Volume, or use the physical volume buttons on your device.
When to use these features and when to see an audiologist
Live Listen and Conversation Boost work well for temporary situations — a noisy restaurant, a lecture hall, a family gathering where you are struggling to hear. They are also useful for testing whether amplification helps you before investing in clinical hearing aids. If you find yourself using these features every day for normal conversation, that is a sign to see an audiologist.
An audiologist can test your hearing, identify which frequencies you struggle with, and fit you with hearing aids programmed specifically for your loss. Hearing aids are more powerful than AirPods features, work in a wider range of situations, and are designed to be worn all day. If you have noticed hearing loss that affects your work, relationships, or daily life, an audiologist visit is worth the time and cost.
These AirPods features are a useful tool, but they are not a substitute for professional hearing care if you have significant hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use Live Listen or Conversation Boost?
No. Once you pair your AirPods to your iPhone or Mac, they stay paired. You just turn Live Listen or Conversation Boost on in Settings when you need it, and your AirPods connect automatically. If your AirPods are in their case or turned off, they will not connect until you take them out or turn them back on.
Can I use Live Listen and Conversation Boost at the same time?
No. You can only use one at a time. If you turn on Live Listen while Conversation Boost is active, Conversation Boost turns off automatically, and vice versa. You can switch between them by toggling in Settings or using Control Center.
Will Live Listen or Conversation Boost work if my AirPods are low on battery?
Yes, but your AirPods will drain faster than normal use. If your AirPods battery is below 20 percent, you will get a low battery warning. It is a good idea to charge your AirPods before using these features for an extended period, especially Live Listen, which uses the microphone continuously.
Can other people hear what I am hearing through Live Listen?
No. The audio streams only to your AirPods. However, if you are holding your iPhone near someone to use Live Listen, they may notice and ask what you are doing. Conversation Boost is more private because you do not need to position a device.
What if Conversation Boost is not amplifying speech enough?
Increase the volume using your AirPods volume controls or Control Center. If maximum volume is still not enough, Conversation Boost may not be powerful enough for your hearing needs, and you should consider seeing an audiologist about clinical hearing aids.