AirPods Pro 2 are the only AirPods that function as hearing aids

Only AirPods Pro (2nd generation) include hearing aid features. Apple added this capability through a software update in late 2023, making them the first consumer headphones from Apple to offer this function. The feature is called Hearing Aid Mode, and it amplifies sound around you so you can hear conversations and environmental noise more clearly.

AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st generation), and AirPods 2 do not have hearing aid functionality. If you own an older model and need this feature, you would need to upgrade to AirPods Pro 2.

The hearing aid feature works on both iPhone and iPad, as long as your device runs iOS 17.1 or later (or iPadOS 17.1 or later). You do not need a prescription or audiologist referral to use it — it is built into the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the only AirPods model with hearing aid features, added through a software update in late 2023.
  • The hearing aid mode amplifies ambient sound so you can hear conversations and environmental noise more clearly without a prescription.
  • You need iOS 17.1 or later on your iPhone or iPad to use the hearing aid feature.
  • This feature does not replace a medical hearing aid but can help people with mild to moderate hearing loss in everyday situations.

How the hearing aid feature works in AirPods Pro 2

When you turn on Hearing Aid Mode, the microphones on your AirPods Pro 2 pick up sound from your environment and send it through the speakers directly into your ears. You can adjust how much sound gets amplified using a slider in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. The amplification is real-time, meaning you hear the boosted sound immediately as it happens around you.

The feature uses the same microphone system that powers conversation boost and noise cancellation, so it integrates with your existing AirPods settings. You can switch between Hearing Aid Mode and other listening modes (like Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode) depending on what you need in the moment.

Unlike some hearing aids, this feature does not require a hearing test or personal calibration. Everyone who uses it gets the same amplification curve, which is designed to help with mild to moderate hearing loss across a range of frequencies.

Setting up Hearing Aid Mode on your device

To enable Hearing Aid Mode, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then go to Accessibility. Tap Audio/Visual, then select Hearing Devices. You should see your AirPods Pro 2 listed if they are paired and nearby. Tap on them, then toggle on Hearing Aid Mode.

Once it is on, you will see a slider that lets you adjust the amplification level. Start with a lower setting and increase it gradually until conversations sound clear without being uncomfortable. The setting you choose saves automatically, so your AirPods will use that amplification level the next time you turn on Hearing Aid Mode.

You can also control Hearing Aid Mode through the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad by adding the Hearing Devices control. This lets you turn the feature on and off without opening Settings each time.

Limitations and what this feature does not do

Hearing Aid Mode is not a replacement for a prescription hearing aid. A medical hearing aid is custom-fitted to your ears, programmed based on your specific hearing loss pattern (determined by an audiologist), and designed to work in a much wider range of situations. AirPods Pro 2 use a one-size-fits-all amplification that works for general hearing support but cannot address individual hearing loss profiles.

The feature also does not include features that medical hearing aids offer, such as directional microphones that focus on sound in front of you, feedback suppression tuned to your ear shape, or the ability to adjust amplification for different frequencies based on your audiogram. If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss by an audiologist, a prescription hearing aid will likely serve you better for daily use.

Hearing Aid Mode works best in quieter to moderately noisy environments. In very loud settings, the amplification may not be as useful, and you might find Transparency Mode (which lets outside sound through without amplification) more practical.

When Hearing Aid Mode might be useful for you

This feature can help if you have mild hearing loss and want a low-cost way to amplify everyday sounds without committing to a prescription hearing aid. It is also useful if you have normal hearing but sometimes struggle to hear in specific situations — like during a quiet conversation or when watching TV at a volume others find comfortable.

Some people use it temporarily while waiting for a hearing aid appointment or as a trial to see whether amplification helps them before investing in a medical device. Others use it situationally — turning it on during phone calls or meetings where they need extra clarity, then switching it off the rest of the time.

If you already own AirPods Pro 2, trying Hearing Aid Mode costs nothing beyond the device you have already purchased. This makes it worth testing if you are curious whether amplification would help you, even if you are not sure whether you need a full hearing aid.

How AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features compare to other options

Several other consumer headphone brands now offer hearing aid-like features, including Samsung Galaxy Buds and some models from other manufacturers. These work similarly to AirPods Pro 2 — they amplify ambient sound without requiring a prescription. The main differences are in sound quality, fit, battery life, and how the amplification sounds to your ears.

Prescription hearing aids from companies like Phonak, Widex, and Starkey offer much more customization and typically work better for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. They cost significantly more (usually $1,000 to $6,000 per pair) but are often partially covered by insurance or Medicare, depending on your plan and state.

Over-the-counter hearing aids, which became available in the United States in 2022, sit between consumer headphones and prescription devices in terms of price and customization. They do not require a prescription but are more sophisticated than AirPods Pro 2 and may work better if you have already been diagnosed with hearing loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hearing test to use Hearing Aid Mode on AirPods Pro 2?

No. Hearing Aid Mode does not require a hearing test, prescription, or audiologist visit. You can turn it on and adjust the amplification level yourself through your device settings. However, if you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, a hearing test can help you decide whether a prescription hearing aid might work better for your specific needs.

Can I use Hearing Aid Mode with only one AirPod?

Yes. You can wear just one AirPod Pro 2 and use Hearing Aid Mode with it. The feature will amplify sound into that ear only. This can be useful if you have hearing loss in one ear or if you want to stay aware of your surroundings while keeping one ear open.

Will Hearing Aid Mode drain the battery faster on AirPods Pro 2?

Hearing Aid Mode does use more battery than passive listening because the microphones and processors are actively amplifying sound. Battery drain varies depending on how high you set the amplification, but you should expect shorter listening time when the feature is on compared to when it is off.

Can I use Hearing Aid Mode with Android phones?

No. Hearing Aid Mode only works on iPhone and iPad running iOS 17.1 or later. Android devices do not support this feature, even if you pair AirPods Pro 2 with them. You would need an iPhone or iPad to use the hearing aid functionality.

Is Hearing Aid Mode covered by insurance?

No. Because AirPods Pro 2 are consumer electronics and not medical devices, insurance does not cover them or the hearing aid feature. You pay the full retail price for the AirPods. If you need a prescription hearing aid, some insurance plans and Medicare may cover part of that cost, but coverage varies widely by plan and state.