The FDA just approved new Apple health features — AirPods as hearing aids, Apple Watches detecting sleep apnea. But what’s happening with your health info? I’ve got the details!
How to take Apple’s hearing test – and what to do if your hearing loss is more than mild
Apple.com, hear.com
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
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🎧 Drown out distractions on your Mac: If you’re in a loud place, turn on background sounds to mask unwanted noise. Go to Accessibility > Audio > Background Sounds > Choose, then pick from Rain, Ocean and more. Pair this with noise canceling earbuds (like the Apple AirPods Pro 2) for an even better experience.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Apple's AirPod game changer
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 just got FDA approval to double as hearing aids. But can they really pull it off? Find out what makes these earbuds more than just a great way to listen to music.
AI is running for mayor
A guy tried getting ChatGPT elected as the mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, but voters shut that down fast. Google secretly scraped $5 billion worth of data, moped thieves stealing AirPods Max, and Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming platform.
How to keep your AirPods in your ears
Do your earbuds always seem to fall out? I’ve got a great trick to keep them in place.
How to clean your filthy AirPods
Do you know what you’re actually putting in your ears? Find out the dirty details in this short podcast.
Doordash's bad tipper crackdown, iOS 17 laundry tool & spot deepfake pics
Plus, is talking with AirPods on considered rude? We talk about it. Apple’s new marketing campaign has an unlikely star: a throat singer. Google introduces .ing domains — expect some odd new websites. Ways to trace your photos across the web, and how to take care of your cords.
AirPods as hearing aids, PayPal warning, Twitter alternatives
Got a messy photo gallery? Use these tricks to clean it up. Plus, the best Twitter alternatives, hidden privacy report for your phone, YouTube’s new jingle, Google Maps update shows where EV stations are and an urgent Black Friday warning for shoppers with PayPal accounts. Also, Netflix now lets you cut off freeloaders and Apple AirPods can work as more affordable hearing aids.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apple's science fiction is reality
Apple’s new second-generation AirPods Pro blow the previous model out of the water. In 60 seconds, here’s a look at the incredible tech behind them.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Apple announced in 60 seconds
Are you excited about Apple’s new iPhones, AirPods and Watches? Listen to this one-minute podcast for the inside scoop.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Insider AirPod trick you'll wish you knew sooner
Want to make the most out of your Apple AirPods? Listen now for a nifty trick to try out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Digital Life Hack: Your earbuds are gross. Here's how to clean them
When’s the last time you cleaned your Apple AirPods? Listen now for a quick and easy way to clean out the ear gunk.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Digital Life Hack: Your AirPods are a secret spy tool
Not too many people know that Apple AirPods have a “Live Listen Mode” that lets you secretly spy on conversations.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Delete this app, AirPods mishap, photo storage 101
The Google Play Store just pulled a dangerous app with 10 million downloads. Is it on your phone? Plus, the mother of all data leaks could put you at risk and a cautionary tale before you fall asleep with earbuds in. Then, the team dives into digital photo storage and a Valentine’s Day gift no one wants.
Apple's new over-the-ear headphones coming next month (for $400)
Apple’s AirPods took the world by storm in 2016. For years, it was hard to even get your hands on a pair. Now Apple is launching over-the-ear headphones for the first time — and if insiders are right, they’ll be here very soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The secret Apple failed to tell customers who bought AirPods
Did you spring for Apple’s pricey (and easy to misplace) AirPods? If so, I’ve got bad news for you. Sure, they sound good, but there’s an important reason you should keep your receipt handy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do AirPods cause cancer?
We thought smoking cigarettes was safe back in the day. Now we know better. But consider new tech like AirPods. Are they safe, or will we one day discover they cause cancer? Kim gives her thoughts on the matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 things that every Apple fan needs to know
Every year we wait in anticipation to hear what new Apple products are coming. We talk to expert Rob Walch with Libsyn about the latest Apple rumor mill. Expect to see new AirPods with rumored health benefits, not to mention that men over 45 will particularly love them, and you won’t believe why! You’ll hear about the new MacBook Pro, the 6K display, a service they are calling the “Netflix of News” and other new gadgets from Apple. Plus – we give advice on how to become a successful podcaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don’t buy an iPad, Mac or AirPods... right now.
Apple comes out with new hardware closer to the holidays and this year is no exception. But what can we expect to see? In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim talks about when is the best time to buy new Apple products and what new gadgets we can expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices