AirPods Pro 2 are the only model that functions as a hearing aid

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the only AirPods that include hearing aid features. Apple added this capability in a software update in late 2023, making them the first mainstream consumer earbuds to offer clinical-grade hearing support. The feature works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac — you do not need a prescription or a doctor's referral to turn it on.

The other AirPods models — AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro (1st generation) — do not have hearing aid functionality, even with the latest software. If you own an older model and want access to these features, you would need to purchase AirPods Pro 2.

The hearing aid feature is called Hearing Aid Mode, and it amplifies sound in real time while you wear the earbuds. It also includes a hearing test you can run at home to measure your hearing in each ear, though the test is not a medical diagnosis — it is informational only.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AirPods Pro (2nd generation) include hearing aid features; other AirPods models do not support this function.
  • You can turn on Hearing Aid Mode in Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without visiting a doctor or getting a prescription.
  • The built-in hearing test measures your hearing in each ear separately and shows results in decibels, but it is not a medical diagnosis.
  • Hearing Aid Mode amplifies sound across all apps and phone calls, and you can adjust the strength of amplification to your comfort level.

How to turn on Hearing Aid Mode on your iPhone

Open Settings and tap Accessibility. Scroll down and select Hearing Devices. You will see a list of your paired AirPods — tap the AirPods Pro 2 you want to use. Under the device name, tap Hearing Aid Mode and toggle it on.

Once Hearing Aid Mode is on, your AirPods will amplify sound when ready. You will hear a small chime in each earbud to confirm the mode is active. The amplification applies to all sound — phone calls, music, videos, and ambient noise around you.

If you want to adjust how much amplification you receive, stay in the same menu and look for Hearing Aid Adjustment. Tap this option and you will see a slider. Move it left to reduce amplification or right to increase it. The slider shows you the decibel level of amplification in real time as you adjust.

How to run a hearing test with AirPods Pro 2

The hearing test is built into the same Hearing Devices menu. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then Hearing Devices, and select your AirPods Pro 2. Scroll down and tap Hearing Test.

The test takes about three minutes. You will hear a series of tones at different pitches and volumes through each earbud. When you hear a tone, tap the screen — do this even if the tone is very quiet. The test measures the quietest sound you can hear in each ear across a range of frequencies.

After the test completes, you will see your results displayed as an audiogram — a graph showing your hearing sensitivity at different frequencies. The results are color-coded: green means normal hearing, yellow means mild loss, orange means moderate loss, and red means significant loss. You can save these results and compare them over time by running the test again later.

Remember that this test is informational and not a medical diagnosis. If you are concerned about hearing loss, these results can be useful to show a doctor or audiologist, but they should not replace a professional hearing evaluation.

Setting up Hearing Aid Mode on iPad and Mac

The process on iPad is identical to iPhone. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, select Hearing Devices, choose your AirPods Pro 2, and toggle on Hearing Aid Mode.

On Mac, the steps are slightly different. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then Accessibility. Click Hearing Devices in the left sidebar, select your AirPods Pro 2, and check the box next to Hearing Aid Mode. You can adjust amplification using the same slider that appears on iPhone and iPad.

Your Hearing Aid Mode settings sync across all your devices if you are signed into the same Apple ID. This means if you adjust the amplification level on your iPhone, that same level will be active when you switch to your iPad or Mac.

What Hearing Aid Mode does and does not do

Hearing Aid Mode amplifies all incoming sound in real time. This includes voices during conversations, background noise, music, and environmental sounds like traffic or wind. The amplification is continuous while the mode is on and the AirPods are in your ears.

Hearing Aid Mode does not replace a prescription hearing aid. Prescription devices are calibrated to your specific hearing loss pattern by an audiologist and often include features like directional microphones that focus on speech in front of you while reducing noise from behind. AirPods Pro 2 amplify everything equally.

The feature also does not diagnose hearing loss or determine whether you need medical treatment. If you notice changes in your hearing or have concerns, a doctor or audiologist should evaluate you in person. The home hearing test is useful for tracking changes over time, but it cannot replace a professional assessment.

Troubleshooting common issues with Hearing Aid Mode

If Hearing Aid Mode is on but you do not hear amplification, first check that your AirPods Pro 2 are fully charged and properly seated in your ears. Remove them and reinsert them, making sure they click into place. Then open Settings and toggle Hearing Aid Mode off and back on.

If the amplification sounds distorted or uncomfortable, lower the amplification slider in Hearing Devices settings. Start at a lower level and increase it gradually until you find a comfortable volume. Distortion often means the amplification is too high for your current environment.

If the hearing test will not start or stops partway through, make sure you are in a quiet room with minimal background noise. The test is sensitive to ambient sound, and loud environments can interfere with results. Close other apps on your device and try again.

If Hearing Aid Mode is not appearing in your Hearing Devices menu at all, check that your AirPods Pro 2 are running the latest firmware. Connect them to your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, go to Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to your AirPods, and look for a firmware version number. If an update is available, it will read automatically when your AirPods are charging and near your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to use Hearing Aid Mode on AirPods Pro 2?

No. Hearing Aid Mode is a built-in accessibility feature that you can turn on yourself through Settings. You do not need to see a doctor or get a prescription. However, if you suspect you have hearing loss, a professional evaluation is still recommended.

Can I use Hearing Aid Mode with only one AirPod?

Yes. Hearing Aid Mode works with a single earbud in your ear. The amplification will come through whichever earbud you are wearing. If you wear only one, you will hear amplified sound in that ear only.

Will Hearing Aid Mode drain my AirPods battery faster?

Yes, Hearing Aid Mode uses more battery than normal listening because it is processing and amplifying sound continuously. You may notice your AirPods need charging sooner when the mode is active for extended periods.

Can I use Hearing Aid Mode while playing music or watching videos?

Yes. Hearing Aid Mode amplifies all audio, including music and video sound. If you find the amplification too strong while listening to music, lower the amplification slider or turn off Hearing Aid Mode temporarily.

What is the difference between Hearing Aid Mode and the regular volume control?

Regular volume control adjusts how loud your audio plays. Hearing Aid Mode amplifies all sound — including quiet sounds you might otherwise miss — across a range of frequencies. It is designed to make soft sounds more audible, not just make everything louder.