Yes, and it's actually pretty amazing! Apple got FDA approval for AirPods Pro 2 to work as over-the-counter hearing aids, which is a huge deal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
How It Actually Works
You start by taking a hearing test right on your iPhone—no doctor's office needed. It takes about 5-10 minutes and tests how well you hear different frequencies. Your iPhone then creates a custom 'hearing profile' that automatically adjusts all audio to work better for your specific hearing needs.
The cool part? This profile works for everything—music, phone calls, videos, even environmental sounds when you're using Transparency mode.
What You Get
Media Assist makes phone calls and music clearer based on your hearing test results. Conversation Boost is great for noisy restaurants—it amplifies voices so you can actually hear what people are saying. The environmental sound enhancement helps you stay aware of what's happening around you.
The Reality Check
Here's the thing—this is designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have serious hearing problems, you're still going to need real hearing aids from an audiologist. Some people also say environmental sounds can sound a bit 'hollow' or weird when using the hearing aid features.
Also, using these features will definitely drain your battery faster than normal.
Is It Worth It?
For many people with mild hearing issues, this is incredibly convenient. No stigma, no obvious hearing aids, and you probably already have them for music anyway. But don't skip seeing a professional if you think you have significant hearing loss—this is more of a helpful tool than a medical solution.
For comparison, traditional hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, making the AirPods Pro 2 an accessible entry point for hearing assistance.
