Apple AirPods Archives

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

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

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How much radiation is coming from your smartphone?

It’s a known fact smartphones emit radiation. So, how worried should you be? Health and government experts say there’s no evidence of harm. A cancer surgeon friend of mine says the opposite. I’ll go with what he says and keep my phone away from my head whenever possible.

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Good stuff you’ll use all the time

From smart gadgets to handy accessories, these deals were too good not to share.

Portable phone charger: Never get caught with a dead battery again. (Under $25)
Wireless hand massager: Three levels of compression, combined with soothing heat, make this the perfect remedy for tired hands after hours at the computer. (Under $70; cheaper than a massage!)
Magnetic phone mount: Good for when your car doesn’t have a decent spot built in. (Under $15)
LED night-lights: This six-pack has dusk-to-dawn sensors so they auto-illuminate dark places in your house. (Under $10)
3-in-1 Apple charging station: Charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods in one spot. (57% off!)
Wi-Fi extender/booster: No more dead zones when you plug in this puppy! (Under $25)
Power strip: This one has six outlets and three USB ports, so no more fighting for an outlet. (Under $12)

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🎶 Update your AirPods: Too many models to list just got a firmware update. Apple says your AirPods will update when they connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. To make sure, charge ‘em both for 30 minutes.

Everything Apple does with your health data

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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!

Apple’s WWDC 2024 is all software: Next week, Apple won’t announce new gadgets, focusing instead on major updates for iOS 18, iPadOS, macOS 15, watchOS 11 and visionOS. You can expect hardware updates this fall. So, say it with me now: “I will not buy an Apple iPhone, laptop, AirPods, Vision Pro headset, watch, iPad or iMac right now.”

11 insider tricks for the tech you use every day

If you’re the person skipping updates on your devices … knock that off. You’re missing out on important security enhancements — like iOS 17.4, which adds better Stolen Device Protection and Android’s new Find My feature to locate your lost phone.

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Small-but-mighty household helpers

I love the little things that make life easier.

Toss this little silicone cactus (38% off) in the dryer. It gathers up hair, reduces wrinkles and softens fabric.
A magnetic cord for your AirPods when you want to be extra safe (like when traveling or during a jog).
A bestselling carpet cleaner that works on every kind of stain. It’s 59% off, too.
Skinny brushes (under $6) made for grout, windows and other slim spots. This is your sign to throw out the crusty toothbrush you’ve been using.
Love a good twofer — here’s a pretty coffee bag clip with a built-in scoop.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Apple's AirPod game changer

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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

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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.

32 hours of battery life: Hey, your old earbuds don’t have that! Raycons are so much more affordable than AirPods, have studio-quality sound and they fit securely in every ear. Score 15% off and free shipping right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim.They come with a 30-day happiness guarantee, too!

How to keep your AirPods in your ears

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Do your earbuds always seem to fall out? I’ve got a great trick to keep them in place.

In other Apple news: This is interesting. Apple has been adding Thread radios to Macs and iPads since September 2023, with no mention in the specs. What? Thread is a low-power protocol for mesh network connectivity, like Amazon’s Sidewalk tech. Apple will use this to boost the range of Find My and other to-be-announced stuff.

Top-of-the-line earbuds under $65: I just checked, and Apple’s AirPods are $129 for the lame basic model … and the ones you really want are almost $200. Try Raycon earbuds instead for studio-quality sound and a whopping 32 hours of battery life. Grab ‘em right now for 20% off (and free shipping!) at BuyRaycon.com/kim.

Fun Amazon finds

A few little retail pick-me-ups I found for us:

It’s a pen! It’s a level! It’s a screwdriver! It’s a bottle opener! It’s, like, 10 more things.
Just a good, old-fashioned foot massager. Imagine this under your desk. Monday just got better.
Check out this DIY slushie cup. You know the cure for brain freeze right? Push your tongue to the roof of your mouth!
A telescoping magnet for dropped screws — wonder if it’d work with AirPods, too.
Serrated butter knife for better butter spreading. I’ll toast to that.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Department of Corrections: A SWAT team wrongfully raided a St. Louis family’s home after the FindMy app pointed them there. How the heck did it happen? The stolen AirPods connected to a carjacking were lying on the street outside the home. You’d better believe the family’s lawyering up for damages.

Many big tech brands sell refurbished gadgets — not brand-new but fully checked and working. Apple has refurbished MacBooks, computers and AirPods with a one-year warranty. Amazon Renewed has everything from the 2022 Apple Watch model to Beats headphones and smart TVs.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🔊 Fun fact: AirPods can stand up to stomach acid for at least 9 hours. That’s how long it took to remove one from a gal named Moe Kennedy, who swallowed the earbud in her sleep. Get this: It worked just fine in her stomach and after her emergency endoscopy to remove it.

🎧 Upgrade your earbuds: The second-gen Apple AirPods Pro are $60 off right now on Amazon. They come with a MagSafe charging case and a USB-C option, so no more looking for another one of those Apple Lightning cords.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

How to clean your filthy AirPods

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Do you know what you’re actually putting in your ears? Find out the dirty details in this short podcast.