Apple made headlines in 2024 by adding clinical-grade hearing aid features to AirPods Pro 2. It's impressive technology that's made hearing assistance more accessible. But there's a lot of confusion about what these features actually do and who they're for.
Important for Canadians: As of late 2025, Apple's hearing aid features are only available in the United States. Canadian AirPods Pro users cannot access the hearing aid mode, hearing test, or custom hearing profiles. This may change in the future, but for now, these features aren't an option for Canadians.
What Apple Added to AirPods Pro (US Only)
With iOS 18 and AirPods Pro 2, Apple introduced three hearing health features:
1. Hearing Test
You can take a clinically validated hearing test right on your iPhone. The test takes about 5 minutes and measures your hearing across different frequencies.
2. Hearing Aid Feature
Based on your hearing test results, AirPods Pro can amplify sounds in real-time to compensate for mild to moderate hearing loss. This is an actual hearing aid feature, not just amplification.
3. Hearing Protection
AirPods Pro can monitor your sound exposure and reduce loud sounds to protect your hearing over time.
The Impressive Parts
Credit where it's due - Apple did something meaningful here:
Accessibility: Getting hearing assistance no longer requires a $4,000+ investment in prescription hearing aids. For people with mild hearing loss who might never have bought hearing aids, this is genuinely helpful.
Reduced stigma: Many people resist hearing aids because of stigma. AirPods look like normal earbuds that millions of people wear.
Clinical validation: Apple worked with audiologists and got FDA clearance. This isn't snake oil - the hearing aid feature actually works for its intended purpose.
Free if you have the hardware: If you already own AirPods Pro 2 and an iPhone, the hearing features cost nothing extra.
The Significant Limitations
Here's what Apple doesn't emphasize in their marketing:
The Apple Ecosystem Requirement
To use AirPods Pro hearing features, you need:
- AirPods Pro 2 (not original AirPods Pro, not regular AirPods) - $329 CAD
- iPhone 12 or newer - Many people, especially seniors, have older phones
- iOS 18 or later - Requires updating software
If you're not in Apple's ecosystem, you're looking at $329 minimum for earbuds plus potentially $600+ for a compatible iPhone. That's a significant barrier.
For many Canadians - particularly seniors who are most likely to need hearing assistance - this is a dealbreaker.
Battery Life: 4-6 Hours
AirPods Pro last 4-6 hours per charge. The case provides additional charges, but you're still limited in continuous use.
Compare this to:
- Prescription hearing aids: 12-24 hours
- Personal sound amplifiers: 15-30+ hours
If you want all-day hearing assistance, AirPods require charging breaks that prescription aids don't.
Comfort for All-Day Wear
AirPods Pro are designed for music and calls, not wearing 12+ hours daily. Many users report:
- Ear fatigue after extended wear
- Discomfort after 2-3 hours
- Fit issues with different ear shapes
- Silicone tips that need regular replacement
Prescription hearing aids are custom-fitted for all-day comfort. PSAPs designed for extended wear also prioritize comfort differently than AirPods.
Only Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
Apple's hearing aid feature is approved for mild to moderate hearing loss only. If you have:
- Severe hearing loss
- Profound hearing loss
- Complex hearing profiles
- Hearing loss that varies significantly between ears
You'll still need prescription hearing aids with professional fitting.
No Professional Support
When you buy prescription hearing aids, you get:
- Professional hearing assessment
- Custom fitting and adjustment
- Follow-up appointments
- Ongoing tuning as your hearing changes
- Expert troubleshooting
With AirPods, you're on your own with Apple's automated system. For some people, that's fine. For others, professional support is essential.
In-Ear Design Only
AirPods Pro are in-ear earbuds. There's no behind-the-ear option, no custom mold option, no choice in form factor. If you don't like or can't use in-ear devices, AirPods aren't for you.
Who AirPods Pro Hearing Features Are Good For
The ideal candidate:
- Already owns or wants AirPods Pro 2
- Has an iPhone 12 or newer
- Has mild to moderate hearing loss
- Wants hearing assistance for specific situations, not all day
- Is comfortable with technology and Apple devices
- Would never buy traditional hearing aids
- Wants one device for music, calls, and hearing assistance
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Don't own Apple devices or prefer not to be locked into Apple's ecosystem
- Need all-day hearing assistance
- Have more than moderate hearing loss
- Want professional fitting and support
- Find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable
- Are buying for an elderly parent who isn't tech-savvy
- Need something simpler than managing Bluetooth connections
PSAPs vs AirPods Pro: A Comparison
Personal Sound Amplifiers like those from HearHelp offer a different value proposition:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 | HearHelp PSAPs | |---------|---------------|----------------| | Price | $329 (plus iPhone required) | Under $200 | | Ecosystem required | Yes (Apple) | No | | Battery life | 4-6 hours | 15-30+ hours | | All-day comfort | Limited | Designed for it | | Professional fitting | No | No | | Best for | Tech-savvy Apple users | Anyone needing amplification |
The Honest Bottom Line
Apple's AirPods Pro hearing features are genuinely useful technology - for the right person in the right country. If you're in the US, already in the Apple ecosystem, and have mild hearing challenges, they're worth trying.
But for Canadians, it's a non-starter right now. The hearing aid features simply aren't available here. Even when they do arrive, they'll require significant hardware investment, work only within Apple's ecosystem, and have real limitations around battery life and comfort.
For Canadians who need help hearing today, a dedicated personal sound amplifier remains the practical choice:
- Works without requiring specific phone brands
- Longer battery life for extended use
- Designed for all-day comfort
- Simpler operation without Bluetooth pairing hassles
- Lower total cost
HearHelp offers PSAPs with a 30-day trial. If you're not sure whether AirPods Pro or a dedicated PSAP is right for you, try what works for your situation and your technology comfort level.
The best hearing solution is the one you'll actually use. For some people, that's AirPods. For many others, it's something simpler.