UK AirPods Get Groundbreaking Feature Today - News Directory 3

UK AirPods Get Groundbreaking Feature Today

February 24, 2025 Catherine Williams Tech
News Context
At a glance
  • A groundbreaking new Apple feature has finally arrived in the UK, months after its launch in the United States.
  • A third of adults in the UK face issues with hearing loss or tinnitus.
  • The hearing aid function allows users to take a personalised, five-minute hearing test, which then adjusts the AirPods Pro 2 to the specific hearing needs, real time.
Original source: thesun.ie

Apple’s New Hearing Feature for AirPods Pro 2 Lands in the UK

Table of Contents

Apple’s groundbreaking hearing aid feature is now available for AirPods Pro 2 users in the UK.

A groundbreaking new Apple feature has finally arrived in the UK, months after its launch in the United States. This innovative feature allows users with a pair of AirPods Pro 2 earbuds to access a free, clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid. This development is poised to transform the lives of tens of thousands of people in the UK who experience hearing loss or tinnitus.

AirPods Pro shown on a phone screen with hearing aid functionality.
Individuals in the UK have been limited to hearing tests, but recent regulatory approvals enable the full use of the hearing aid feature, enhancing accessibility and reliability.

A third of adults in the UK face issues with hearing loss or tinnitus. Clinician-grade hearing aids were available in certain states in the U.S from October 2024, while those in the UK had been waiting for regulatory clearances. The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, commented that recent regulatory changes “will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK.” For Health professionals this has been long overdue, according to some. Now, stakeholders are looking forward to a range of other devices on the market soon.

The hearing aid function allows users to take a personalised, five-minute hearing test, which then adjusts the AirPods Pro 2 to the specific hearing needs, real time. This feature not only amplifies sounds like conversations, music, and phone calls, but it also offers the Loud Sound Reduction feature to safeguard users from potentially harmful noises. This could be particularly useful in high-volume settings like concerts or large family gatherings.

As of right now, Apple stresses that while you don’t want just higher volume, impeccable crystal clarity in a noisy room requires multiple changes in settings. Apple users in the UK can enable the hearing aid feature now by ensuring their AirPods Pro 2 have the latest firmware update. Simply connect the AirPods to an online iPhone, iPad, or Mac, close the charging case for at least 30 minutes to receive the firmware update. Older versions AirPods rely on a mix of connected devices and external Android devices currently do not support this.

Why has it taken so long for regulators to approve hearing aids on over-the-counter devices?

While Apple users in the U.S. have enjoyed the full hearing aid feature since last October, the regulatory process in the UK has historically been slower. “”At Apple, we believe that technology can help people live healthier lives, and we’re delighted to bring the Hearing Aid feature to the UK, offering our users an end-to-end hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2,”” said Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of Health.

recently The Sun’s Head of Technology and Science, Sean Keach,advised on the importance of conducting the hearing test in a quiet room, as background noise such as airflow from an HVAC system or even footsteps could disrupt the test.

The National Health Service (NHS)says:

The Signs of Hearing Loss

  • difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
  • asking people to repeat themselves
  • listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher Than is ok for other people
  • difficulty hearing on the phone
  • finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
  • feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening

Hearing Aid Providers

There are numerous options for individuals seeking a hearing test. Here are some of the most popular providers:

  • Your General Practioner (GP)

    Your doctor is a good first point of call. They can offer advice on where to go, but can also do some more tests to see if anything else is causing the problem and your hearing loss.

  • Specsavers

    Another high-street placement. Specsavers offers optical services and hearing tests that are completely free for anyone over 18. Description of some common ear conditions, can be discussed,as well as booking your test, is available through their site.

    • Boots

    High-street favorite, that offers free, 15-minute hearing assessments. Again, they suggest visiting your MD doctor to make sure there isn’t an additional underlying health condition. But if you’ve done that they have clinics to check the hearing.

  • Hidden Hearing

    Hidden Hearing has numerous clinics all over. The opportunity to try a hearing aid for 60 risk-free days is available.


iPhone screen showing moderate hearing loss test results and information about using AirPods Pro as a hearing aid.
It is critical to check the firmware version of your device after updating, to ensure that the new feature has been enabled properly.

Action we’re taking will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK.

– Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health

Apple’s New Hearing Feature for AirPods Pro 2 Lands in the UK

Q: what is Apple’s new hearing feature for AirPods Pro 2 and who can benefit from it?

A: Apple’s groundbreaking hearing feature for AirPods Pro 2, now available in the UK, introduces a free, clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid. This feature is transformative for users with hearing loss or tinnitus, offering improved accessibility and reliability with recent regulatory approvals. Approximately a third of adults in the UK experience issues with hearing loss or tinnitus, making this advancement especially significant for this demographic. users can access a personalized hearing test and real-time adjustments tailored to their specific hearing needs.

Keywords: AirPods Pro 2, Apple, hearing feature, UK, hearing loss, tinnitus

Q: How does the hearing aid function of the AirPods Pro 2 work?

A: The hearing aid function of the AirPods Pro 2 involves a five-minute personalized hearing test conducted using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Based on the test results,the AirPods adjust to enhance the user’s hearing by amplifying sounds such as conversations,music,and phone calls.Additionally, it includes a Loud Sound Reduction feature to protect users in high-volume settings like concerts or family gatherings. it’s noteworthy that this feature requires the latest firmware update, which can be applied by connecting the AirPods to a compatible device and closing the charging case for 30 minutes. However, older versions of AirPods and Android devices do not support this upgrade.

Keywords: hearing test, clinical-grade, personalized, real-time adjustments, Loud Sound Reduction

Q: Why did it take so long for the UK regulatory approval of over-the-counter hearing aids?

A: The approval process for over-the-counter hearing aids in the UK has been slower compared to other countries like the U.S. This is partly due to historically more stringent regulatory standards. Apple’s vice president of Health, Sumbul Desai, highlighted that Apple sees technology as a tool for healthier living, and this feature is part of their vision for an end-to-end hearing health experience. Recent regulatory updates by UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting have expedited the process, paving the way for the introduction of additional devices soon. Users are advised to conduct the hearing test in a quiet room to ensure accuracy.

Keywords: UK regulations, hearing aids, apple, Wes Streeting, regulatory approval

Q: What are some common signs of hearing loss according to the National Health Service (NHS)?

A: The NHS identifies several signs of hearing loss, which include:

  • Difficulty hearing and misunderstanding people in noisy environments.
  • Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
  • Needing to listen to music or TV at higher volumes than others find pleasant.
  • Struggling with hearing on the phone.
  • having trouble keeping up with conversations.
  • Feeling tired or stressed due to the effort of listening.

Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for the effective management of hearing loss.

Keywords: NHS, hearing loss, signs, symptoms

Q: Where can individuals in the UK get a hearing test?

A: there are several popular providers for hearing tests in the UK, including:

  • General Practitioner (GP): A GP can provide initial advice and conduct tests to rule out other causes of hearing issues.
  • Specsavers: Offers free optical and hearing test services for individuals over 18, with more information available on their website.
  • Boots: Provides free 15-minute hearing assessments and recommends a medical check afterward.
  • Hidden Hearing: Operates numerous clinics across the UK, allowing individuals to trial hearing aids for 60 days risk-free.

Keywords: hearing test, providers, UK, Specsavers, Boots, Hidden Hearing

Q: What are the next steps to enable the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the UK?

A: To enable the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the UK, ensure the device has the latest firmware update. Connect the AirPods to an iOS device or Mac with the necessary operating system, and place them in the charging case, closing it for at least 30 minutes to complete the update. Checking the firmware version post-update is essential to confirm the feature’s activation. Older AirPods models and external Android devices do not support this feature.

keywords: firmware update, enable hearing aid, iOS, Mac, AirPods Pro 2

This article provides a structured overview of apple’s new hearing feature for AirPods Pro 2, offering detailed insights into its functionality, availability, and the subsequent regulatory journey in the UK. By focusing on these key aspects,users and stakeholders can better understand the impact and utility of this innovative feature.

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