How to take Apple’s hearing test – and what to do if your hearing loss is more than mild

November 11, 2024

By Kim Komando

Apple really pulled off a great feat. You can now test your hearing with your AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone running iOS 18. It’s a groundbreaking feature, FDA-approved and perfect for catching mild to moderate hearing loss early.

First, to take the hearing test, you’ll need:

• Apple AirPods Pro 2: Only specific models work (A2931, A2699, A2698, A3047, A3048, A3049). To see your model number, on your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Find your AirPods in the list (e.g., “Kim’s AirPods”). Tap the More Info button next to them.
• An iOS 18-compatible iPhone or iPad: Scroll to the very bottom of this page to see if yours is on the list.

Once you have your earbuds and iPhone or iPad ready to go:

• Confirm your AirPods Pro 2 firmware version is 7B19: (More info here.) If not, place your AirPods Pro 2 in their charging case, close the lid, and connect the case to a power source. Keep your paired iPhone, iPad or Mac nearby, connected to Wi-Fi and with Bluetooth enabled. Leave your AirPods Pro 2 near your paired device for at least an hour — maybe even days. No, you can’t force the firmware update.

👂 Now, let’s take the hearing test: On your paired device, go to Settings > AirPods Pro > Take a Hearing Test. In 10 minutes, you’ll have a clear picture of your hearing health. If hearing loss is detected, try Apple’s hearing aid features. Find these under Settings > AirPods Pro > Hearing Assistance.

Apple’s solution only works for mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing issues go beyond mild to moderate, it’s time to explore more advanced options.

If you’re on Android

There are no FDA-approved hearing apps or earbuds like Apple’s AirPods, but there are tools for getting a quick sense of how well you’re hearing:

• Sennheiser Hearing Test: Got headphones? This app takes less than 5 minutes to check your hearing and gives you clear insights into your hearing ability.
• Hearing Test by e-audiologia.pl: This app’s a double feature, offering pure-tone audiometry and digits-in-noise tests. Bonus: It also has a noise meter to make sure your testing environment is quiet enough.

These are perfect for a quick hearing health check. If you notice any issues, though, don’t skip the professionals; get a full evaluation from a hearing expert.

Different levels of hearing loss

Here’s the thing: Untreated hearing loss isn’t just inconvenient; it can lead to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and even physical frailty. Hearing loss comes in levels, measured in decibels (dB), and understanding where you or a loved one falls is crucial.

• Normal (0 to 25 dB): Whispers, chirping birds and conversations come through clearly, even in noisy spots.
• Mild (26 to 40 dB): Whispers and soft sounds fade away. Busy places like restaurants make keeping up with conversations tough.
• Moderate (41 to 55 dB): Repeating becomes common, and subtle sounds like ticking clocks or birds are hard to hear.
• Moderately severe (56 to 70 dB): Voices sound muffled, and quiet noises like rustling leaves often go unheard.
• Severe (71 to 90 dB): Shouts or loud sounds like car horns are audible, but regular conversations are nearly impossible.
• Profound (91 dB and above): Only very loud noises, like fireworks, register faintly.

If you or someone you love is dealing with anything beyond mild hearing loss, let me introduce you to the Horizon IX hearing aids.

Not your grandparents’ hearing aids

Forget clunky, old-school hearing aids. Horizon IX hearing aids are sleek, smart and packed with cutting-edge tech:

• Crystal-clear sound: Two powerful chips process speech and background noise independently.
• Smartphone connectivity: Stream music, take calls and listen to podcasts right from your hearing aids.
• Discreet design: These look more like modern earbuds than bulky medical devices.

• Highly rated: The company behind the Horizon IX hearing aids has an A+ BBB rating and a 4.9 out of 5 rating with Consumer Affairs.
• Affordable: Insurance and financing options make them accessible.
• No risk: The Horizon IX hearing aids have a 100% money-back guarantee and a free 45-day trial.

Take the next step

✅ Get a free hearing evaluation from a doctor, and see if you qualify for a 45-day no-risk trial of the Horizon IX hearing aids right now.

💛 Do your loved ones a favor and share this if there’s someone in your life who could use it. FYI, I don’t get any residuals or kickbacks when you buy. I’ve seen how big a difference the right hearing aids can make with folks in my life, and I want that for you, too!

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