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10 Tech How-To

How to Take the Hearing Test with AirPods Pro

Guide 10-9147 · Updated · Step by step

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation) include a built-in Hearing Test that creates a personalized audiogram, which is then used to adjust sound for your specific hearing profile. This feature lives in the Health app on your iPhone and takes about five minutes. You’ll need a quiet room, your AirPods Pro, and an iPhone with iOS 17 or later (or iPadOS 17 or later).

What You’ll Need

  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with the latest firmware
  • An iPhone or iPad with iOS/iPadOS 17 or later
  • A quiet environment (no background noise, TV, or conversation)
  • Your device charged (at least 50% battery for the test)

Step-by-Step

  1. Update your device and AirPods. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone to ensure you have the latest iOS. Then put your AirPods Pro in the case, connect them to power, and keep your iPhone nearby so the firmware updates automatically. You can check the firmware by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping the “i� next to your AirPods, and looking at the Firmware Version. The test requires firmware 6F21 or later.
  2. Find the Hearing Test. Open the Health app on your iPhone. Tap the Browse tab at the bottom, then select Hearing. Under “Hearing Health,� tap Take a Hearing Test. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i� next to your AirPods, and scroll down to “Hearing Test.�
  3. Review the instructions. Read the on-screen information about what the test does and how it works. It explains that the test plays tones and asks you to tap when you hear them. Tap Get Started.
  4. Choose your AirPods. If you have multiple pairs of AirPods, select the ones you’re using. Make sure they are connected to your iPhone and that you’re wearing them correctly. The test will check the fit and seal before starting.
  5. Adjust the volume. The app will play a sample tone. Use the volume slider on your iPhone to set it to a comfortable level where you can clearly hear the tone. This step ensures the test is calibrated to your listening preference.
  6. Start the test. Tap Begin. You’ll hear a series of beeps at different volumes and frequencies. Each time you hear a beep, tap the screen. If you don’t hear anything, don’t tap. The test will automatically move through different tones.
  7. Complete the left ear test. The test runs one ear at a time. When the left ear is finished, you’ll see a brief pause, then the right ear test begins. Keep your AirPods in place and stay still.
  8. Get your results. After both ears are tested, you’ll see a summary screen showing your hearing loss level (mild, moderate, etc.) and an audiogram. Tap Save to add the results to your Health app. You can also choose to Apply the hearing aid feature if you have the AirPods Pro 2 with the FDA-cleared Hearing Aid feature.

Common Mistakes

  • Taking the test in a noisy room. Even subtle background noise like a fan or air conditioner can skew results. Wait until you’re in a completely quiet space.
  • Not adjusting the volume correctly. The initial volume calibration is crucial. If you set it too low, you’ll miss tones; too high, and you’ll hear everything, making your hearing appear better than it is.
  • Moving or touching the AirPods. Movement can change the seal and affect the test. Sit still and avoid adjusting the AirPods during the test.
  • Interrupting the test. The test takes about five minutes. If you receive a notification or a call, it will pause. Try to enable Do Not Disturb before starting.
  • Using the wrong AirPods. Only AirPods Pro 2nd generation support the Hearing Test. Earlier models or other earbuds won’t work.

Tips

  • Clean your AirPods before the test to ensure a proper seal. Earwax or debris can block the speaker.
  • Choose the right ear tip size. The test checks the fit, but you can also do a fit test in Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > Ear Tip Fit Test. A good seal is essential for accurate results.
  • Take the test twice. If you’re unsure about the results, wait a day and retake it. Your hearing can vary slightly with fatigue or congestion.
  • Keep your iPhone still. Place it on a table or hold it steady. The test uses the accelerometer to detect taps, so you don’t need to press hard—just a light tap.
  • Use the results to enable Conversation Boost or Media Assist. After saving, you can go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods and turn on “Media Assistâ€� to amplify sounds based on your audiogram.

Troubleshooting

  • The test won’t start. Make sure your AirPods are connected and the firmware is up to date. Restart your iPhone, then try again. If the option is missing, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap “iâ€� next to your AirPods, and check if “Hearing Testâ€� appears. If not, update iOS.
  • The test keeps pausing. This usually happens when you move or when the AirPods detect a change in fit. Stay still and avoid touching the stems. Also, turn off Automatic Ear Detection if it’s causing issues: Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > toggle off “Automatic Ear Detection.â€�
  • Results seem wrong. If you feel the results are inaccurate, check that the ear tips are clean and properly seated. Try a different size. Also, ensure you didn’t have any ear congestion (cold, allergies) during the test.
  • No sound during the test. Check that your AirPods are playing audio (try playing a song). If there’s no sound, disconnect and reconnect them. Also, check that the volume on your iPhone is not muted.
  • Can’t find the results in Health. After saving, the results appear under Browse > Hearing > Hearing Test Results. If they’re not there, you may have tapped “Don’t Saveâ€� at the end. Retake the test and save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a doctor’s prescription to take the hearing test?
A: No, the test is self-administered and doesn’t require a prescription. It’s designed for adults 18 and older who want a general hearing assessment.

Q: How accurate is the AirPods Pro hearing test?
A: Apple states it is clinically validated and comparable to a standard audiogram. However, it’s not a substitute for a professional evaluation by an audiologist, especially if you suspect significant hearing loss.

Q: Can I use the hearing test with AirPods Pro 1st generation?
A: No, the Hearing Test feature is only available on AirPods Pro 2nd generation (including the USB-C version). The hardware and firmware are different.

Q: What do the results mean?
A: The test gives you a hearing loss category: normal, mild, moderate, or severe. It also generates an audiogram that shows your hearing thresholds at different frequencies. This is used to personalize sound on your AirPods.

Q: Will the test work if I have hearing loss in one ear only?
A: Yes, the test tests each ear independently and will show different results for each ear. The audiogram will reflect the differences.

Q: Can I take the test multiple times?
A: Yes, you can take it as often as you like. It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours between tests to avoid fatigue or temporary changes in hearing.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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