Future Apple AirPods may be able to conduct hearing tests

In his most recent Power On newsletter, Gurman reports that the hearing test feature will play different tones and sounds. The AirPods can then use the results to figure out how good your hearing is and identify if you have some potential hearing issues.  

AirPods already offer some tools to help with hearing, including audiograms. These audio profiles can identify where your hearing may be weakest, and then adjust the audio balance accordingly. There are also features such as Conversation Boost (which helps to focus on the person talking in front of you) and Live Listen, which can help you hear a conversation in noisy environments. It’s worth noting, though, that these features have not received regulatory approval.  

Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration changed the rules around a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids, with a view to making these devices more affordable for consumers (hearing aids are classed as regulated medical devices, and more expensive as a result). In the UK, hearing aids are classed as Class IIa medical devices (the category used for low-risk devices). The change in US rules could mean that more development work goes into hearing aids, which could benefit UK consumers too.  

Companies such as Jabra have already launched earbuds that are focused on hearing enhancement, and Sony has aproduced something similar. Gurman also confirmed that Apple has hired engineers from traditional hearing aid makers. This suggests there is a concerted effort by Apple to produce suitable products. 

These features are still very much in development, and they may still be several years away. Apple has not yet confirmed any of these rumours, but they are certainly intriguing. If Apple does release new AirPods with these features, they could be a major step forward in the company’s health-tracking efforts. 

We contacted the RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), to ask its thoughts on the implications of this technology. Franki Oliver, audiology manager at RNID, told us:  

“Building a hearing check into consumer devices which people wear as part of daily life could be a helpful early warning system, encouraging people to seek support for hearing loss at an early stage. It’s exciting to see new technology develop, and we hope this opens up conversations about hearing loss and encourages more people to value their hearing as much as they value their eyes and their teeth.”  

Early intervention and treatment may help to lessen the impact of hearing loss in individuals. According to the RNID website, hearing loss affects 12 million adults (one in five) in the UK. More than 40% of over-fifties, and 70% of over-seventies, have some level of hearing loss. And one study has shown a link between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia. Interestingly, the same study suggests that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids have no increased risk of developing dementia.  

Of course, prevention is better than cure, and Oliver gave us some tips to help look after our hearing: “Some simple ways for everyone to look after their hearing include wearing earplugs at gigs and live music events, being careful not to exceed the safe volume levels on your phone when listening to music through headphones, and taking regular breaks.” 

If you want more information about hearing loss or ear health, you can visit RNID.org.uk. The charity also offers a free online hearing test, which may indicate whether you need to see a professional to check your hearing.