![\"Hearing](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Hearing-Loss-3-800x948.jpg\")
For many people, getting their hearing checked means making an appointment with an audiologist. Professional hearing assessments remain important, but newer technology is making it easier to take an initial look at your hearing from home.<\/p>\n
Apple, for example, has introduced hearing health features on its AirPods Pro that allow users to check their hearing, monitor exposure to loud sounds and, in certain Canadian provinces**, use their earbuds as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n
Check Your Hearing at Home with AirPods Pro<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Apple-health-Hearing-Test-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Apple-health-Hearing-Test-results-01.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Apple-health-Hearing-Test-results-02.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nOne of the most interesting developments is Apple’s Hearing Test feature, available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.<\/a>***<\/p>\nThe scientifically validated test**** uses an approach based on pure-tone audiometry, a method commonly used by hearing professionals. With compatible AirPods Pro and an iPhone or iPad, adults can complete the test in approximately five minutes.<\/p>\n
During the test, users listen for a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes, indicating when they hear each sound.<\/p>\n
Once completed, the results provide information about hearing levels in each ear, along with a classification and recommendations. An audiogram is also saved in Apple’s Health app, where users can review their results or share them with a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n
The Hearing Test feature is available across Canada, making it a convenient starting point for adults who are curious about their hearing health.<\/p>\n
DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Consider checking your hearing even if you haven’t noticed any obvious problems, particularly if you regularly spend time in noisy environments. An at-home test can be a useful first step, but it isn’t a substitute for a professional assessment, especially if you have symptoms or concerns.<\/p>\nCan AirPods Really Work as Hearing Aids?<\/h3>\n
For people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, Apple’s Hearing Aid feature offers another option.<\/p>\n
Using a personalized hearing profile, compatible AirPods Pro can make real-time adjustments to amplify certain sounds, helping users hear conversations and environmental sounds more clearly.<\/p>\n
The hearing profile can also be applied to music, movies and phone calls.<\/p>\n
In Canada, the Hearing Aid feature is currently available in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan, where over-the-counter hearing aid distribution is permitted.<\/p>\n
Apple is working toward expanding availability across the country.<\/p>\n
It’s important to understand that this feature isn’t intended for everyone. People with significant hearing loss or ongoing hearing difficulties should seek guidance from a licensed hearing healthcare professional.<\/p>\n
Making Conversations Easier to Hear<\/h3>\n
Anyone who has struggled to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant knows how frustrating background noise can be.<\/p>\n
Apple’s Conversation Boost feature helps address this challenge by focusing the AirPods’ microphones on the person speaking directly in front of the user.<\/p>\n
This can make face-to-face conversations easier to follow in environments where multiple people are talking.<\/p>\n
Apple also offers accessibility features such as Live Listen, which uses an iPhone’s microphone to transmit sound to compatible listening devices, and Live Captions, which can display real-time transcriptions of conversations and other audio.<\/p>\n
These tools can make everyday communication more accessible, particularly for people who find certain listening environments challenging.<\/p>\n
Protecting Your Hearing Before Problems Begin<\/h2>\n
While technology can help identify and manage hearing loss, prevention deserves just as much attention.<\/p>\n
Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common preventable causes of hearing loss. The risk depends on both how loud a sound is and how long you’re exposed to it.<\/p>\n
The challenge is that hearing damage isn’t always immediately noticeable. Repeated exposure to loud music, power tools, traffic or other noisy environments can gradually affect hearing.<\/p>\n
Here are some practical ways to help protect your ears.<\/p>\n
1. Turn Down the Volume<\/h3>\n
Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks, avoid keeping the volume unnecessarily high.<\/p>\n
A useful habit is to listen at a comfortable level and take regular breaks, particularly during extended headphone use.<\/p>\n
The World Health Organization recommends keeping personal audio listening levels below 60% of a device’s maximum volume as a general precaution, although actual safe listening levels depend on the device and listening environment.<\/p>\n
DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> If you regularly increase the volume to drown out background noise, consider using well-fitting noise-cancelling headphones like the Air Pod Pro 2 instead. They may help you listen comfortably at a lower volume.<\/p>\n2. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings<\/h3>\n
Concerts, sporting events, festivals and even some fitness classes can expose us to potentially harmful noise levels.<\/p>\n
Try to limit your time in these environments if possible.<\/p>\n
DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Keep a pair of musician’s earplugs handy for concerts or live events. They’re designed to reduce sound levels while maintaining better sound quality than many basic foam earplugs.<\/p>\n3. Use Your Smartwatch to Monitor Noise<\/h3>\n
You might be surprised by how loud some everyday environments can be.<\/p>\n
If you have an Apple Watch<\/a>, the Noise Notifications can measure environmental sound levels and notify you when noise may be loud enough to affect your hearing.<\/p>\nYou can also review historical sound exposure information through the Health app on your iPhone.<\/p>\n
This can be especially helpful if you regularly attend loud events, work in noisy spaces or simply want to understand your daily exposure.<\/p>\n
DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Pay attention to noise notifications rather than automatically dismissing them. They’re an opportunity to move somewhere quieter, reduce the volume or use appropriate hearing protection. Take a look at what sets it off. Everything from whistling stove-top kettles, blenders and even family get-togethers can trigger an alert.<\/p>\n4. Give Your Ears a Break<\/h3>\n
After spending time in a loud environment, try to give your ears some quiet time.<\/p>\n
Reducing additional noise exposure can help limit further strain on your hearing.<\/p>\n
If your ears are ringing or sounds seem muffled after a concert or event, don’t assume it’s harmless simply because the symptoms eventually disappear. These can be warning signs of excessive noise exposure.<\/p>\n
5. Be Careful When Cleaning Your Ears<\/h3>\n
Cotton swabs may seem like an easy way to clean your ears, but inserting them into the ear canal can push wax farther inside or damage delicate structures.<\/p>\n
In most cases, ears are self-cleaning.<\/p>\n
If you suspect earwax buildup is affecting your hearing, speak with a healthcare professional about safe removal.<\/p>\n
6. Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Hearing<\/h3>\n
Hearing loss isn’t always obvious.<\/p>\n
Some early signs include:<\/p>\n
\n- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves<\/li>\n
- Having difficulty following conversations in noisy places<\/li>\n
- Turning up the television or phone volume<\/li>\n
- Feeling unusually tired after conversations because listening requires more concentration<\/li>\n
- Experiencing persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you notice changes, arrange a professional hearing assessment. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n
Why Hearing Health Is About More Than Sound<\/h2>\n
One of the less discussed consequences of hearing loss is how it can affect relationships and social connections.<\/p>\n
When following conversations becomes difficult, people may begin avoiding restaurants, parties or other social situations. Over time, this can contribute to loneliness and isolation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHearing loss can have a real impact on people\u2019s everyday lives. I see patients who find conversations increasingly difficult or exhausting, and over time, that can lead them to pull back from social situations,\u201d said Dr. Vincent Lin, Department of Otolaryngology\u2013Head & Neck Surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s encouraging about the hearing health features on AirPods Pro is that they give Canadians a more convenient way to check their hearing and take steps toward getting support. Making these tools available on a device people already use can help make hearing care more accessible and less intimidating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrea Bull, CEO of Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, also emphasizes the importance of making hearing technology more approachable.<\/p>\n
\u201cInnovations that raise awareness of hearing health and normalize the use of hearing technology can help reduce stigma and empower more people to embrace communication supports.\u201d<\/p>\n
Make Hearing Health Part of Your Wellness Routine<\/h2>\n
We routinely check our eyesight, monitor our blood pressure and pay attention to changes in our physical health. Hearing deserves the same consideration.<\/p>\n
Technology such as Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features can help make hearing health more accessible, but these tools work best alongside healthy listening habits and professional care when needed.<\/p>\n
Whether it’s turning down the volume, wearing earplugs at a concert, monitoring your daily noise exposure or scheduling a hearing assessment, small steps today can help protect your hearing for years to come.<\/p>\n
After all, hearing well isn’t just about sound. It’s about staying connected to the conversations, experiences and people that matter most.<\/p>\n
*Statistics Canada 2022 canadianaudiologist.ca\/universal-design-for-hearing<\/a>.<\/h5>\n\n\n**The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are supported in permitted provinces in Canada on AirPods Pro 2 or later with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 27.2 or iPadOS 27.2 or later, and are intended for people 18 years old or older. The Hearing Aid feature is also supported on a compatible Mac with macOS Sequoia or later. It is intended for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are for general informational and personal use only. They are not offered as part of a healthcare service or the practice of medicine and are not intended to diagnose hearing loss or any medical condition. For any hearing concerns, please consult a licensed hearing or medical professional. Hearing health features are subject to change, and some features may not be available in all regions or all languages. To check whether features are supported in a region, visit apple.com\/ca\/airpods-pro\/feature-availability<\/a>.<\/h5>\n***The Hearing Protection feature works with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest operating system software. See support.apple.com\/en-ca\/120850<\/a> for total attenuation and more information.<\/h5>\n****The study was conducted and sponsored by Apple and titled \u201cUsing AirPods Pro 2 with iPhone and iPad to Help Protect, Assess, and Assist Hearing<\/a>,\u201d dated October 2024.<\/h5>\n<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nOne of the most interesting developments is Apple’s Hearing Test feature, available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.<\/a>***<\/p>\n The scientifically validated test**** uses an approach based on pure-tone audiometry, a method commonly used by hearing professionals. With compatible AirPods Pro and an iPhone or iPad, adults can complete the test in approximately five minutes.<\/p>\n During the test, users listen for a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes, indicating when they hear each sound.<\/p>\n Once completed, the results provide information about hearing levels in each ear, along with a classification and recommendations. An audiogram is also saved in Apple’s Health app, where users can review their results or share them with a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n The Hearing Test feature is available across Canada, making it a convenient starting point for adults who are curious about their hearing health.<\/p>\n DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Consider checking your hearing even if you haven’t noticed any obvious problems, particularly if you regularly spend time in noisy environments. An at-home test can be a useful first step, but it isn’t a substitute for a professional assessment, especially if you have symptoms or concerns.<\/p>\n For people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, Apple’s Hearing Aid feature offers another option.<\/p>\n Using a personalized hearing profile, compatible AirPods Pro can make real-time adjustments to amplify certain sounds, helping users hear conversations and environmental sounds more clearly.<\/p>\n The hearing profile can also be applied to music, movies and phone calls.<\/p>\n In Canada, the Hearing Aid feature is currently available in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan, where over-the-counter hearing aid distribution is permitted.<\/p>\n Apple is working toward expanding availability across the country.<\/p>\n It’s important to understand that this feature isn’t intended for everyone. People with significant hearing loss or ongoing hearing difficulties should seek guidance from a licensed hearing healthcare professional.<\/p>\n Anyone who has struggled to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant knows how frustrating background noise can be.<\/p>\n Apple’s Conversation Boost feature helps address this challenge by focusing the AirPods’ microphones on the person speaking directly in front of the user.<\/p>\n This can make face-to-face conversations easier to follow in environments where multiple people are talking.<\/p>\n Apple also offers accessibility features such as Live Listen, which uses an iPhone’s microphone to transmit sound to compatible listening devices, and Live Captions, which can display real-time transcriptions of conversations and other audio.<\/p>\n These tools can make everyday communication more accessible, particularly for people who find certain listening environments challenging.<\/p>\n While technology can help identify and manage hearing loss, prevention deserves just as much attention.<\/p>\n Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common preventable causes of hearing loss. The risk depends on both how loud a sound is and how long you’re exposed to it.<\/p>\n The challenge is that hearing damage isn’t always immediately noticeable. Repeated exposure to loud music, power tools, traffic or other noisy environments can gradually affect hearing.<\/p>\n Here are some practical ways to help protect your ears.<\/p>\n Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks, avoid keeping the volume unnecessarily high.<\/p>\n A useful habit is to listen at a comfortable level and take regular breaks, particularly during extended headphone use.<\/p>\n The World Health Organization recommends keeping personal audio listening levels below 60% of a device’s maximum volume as a general precaution, although actual safe listening levels depend on the device and listening environment.<\/p>\n DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> If you regularly increase the volume to drown out background noise, consider using well-fitting noise-cancelling headphones like the Air Pod Pro 2 instead. They may help you listen comfortably at a lower volume.<\/p>\n Concerts, sporting events, festivals and even some fitness classes can expose us to potentially harmful noise levels.<\/p>\n Try to limit your time in these environments if possible.<\/p>\n DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Keep a pair of musician’s earplugs handy for concerts or live events. They’re designed to reduce sound levels while maintaining better sound quality than many basic foam earplugs.<\/p>\n You might be surprised by how loud some everyday environments can be.<\/p>\n If you have an Apple Watch<\/a>, the Noise Notifications can measure environmental sound levels and notify you when noise may be loud enough to affect your hearing.<\/p>\n You can also review historical sound exposure information through the Health app on your iPhone.<\/p>\n This can be especially helpful if you regularly attend loud events, work in noisy spaces or simply want to understand your daily exposure.<\/p>\n DIVINE Tip:<\/strong> Pay attention to noise notifications rather than automatically dismissing them. They’re an opportunity to move somewhere quieter, reduce the volume or use appropriate hearing protection. Take a look at what sets it off. Everything from whistling stove-top kettles, blenders and even family get-togethers can trigger an alert.<\/p>\n After spending time in a loud environment, try to give your ears some quiet time.<\/p>\n Reducing additional noise exposure can help limit further strain on your hearing.<\/p>\n If your ears are ringing or sounds seem muffled after a concert or event, don’t assume it’s harmless simply because the symptoms eventually disappear. These can be warning signs of excessive noise exposure.<\/p>\n Cotton swabs may seem like an easy way to clean your ears, but inserting them into the ear canal can push wax farther inside or damage delicate structures.<\/p>\n In most cases, ears are self-cleaning.<\/p>\n If you suspect earwax buildup is affecting your hearing, speak with a healthcare professional about safe removal.<\/p>\n Hearing loss isn’t always obvious.<\/p>\n Some early signs include:<\/p>\n If you notice changes, arrange a professional hearing assessment. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n One of the less discussed consequences of hearing loss is how it can affect relationships and social connections.<\/p>\n When following conversations becomes difficult, people may begin avoiding restaurants, parties or other social situations. Over time, this can contribute to loneliness and isolation.<\/p>\n \u201cHearing loss can have a real impact on people\u2019s everyday lives. I see patients who find conversations increasingly difficult or exhausting, and over time, that can lead them to pull back from social situations,\u201d said Dr. Vincent Lin, Department of Otolaryngology\u2013Head & Neck Surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s encouraging about the hearing health features on AirPods Pro is that they give Canadians a more convenient way to check their hearing and take steps toward getting support. Making these tools available on a device people already use can help make hearing care more accessible and less intimidating.\u201d<\/p>\n Andrea Bull, CEO of Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, also emphasizes the importance of making hearing technology more approachable.<\/p>\n \u201cInnovations that raise awareness of hearing health and normalize the use of hearing technology can help reduce stigma and empower more people to embrace communication supports.\u201d<\/p>\n We routinely check our eyesight, monitor our blood pressure and pay attention to changes in our physical health. Hearing deserves the same consideration.<\/p>\n Technology such as Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features can help make hearing health more accessible, but these tools work best alongside healthy listening habits and professional care when needed.<\/p>\n Whether it’s turning down the volume, wearing earplugs at a concert, monitoring your daily noise exposure or scheduling a hearing assessment, small steps today can help protect your hearing for years to come.<\/p>\n After all, hearing well isn’t just about sound. It’s about staying connected to the conversations, experiences and people that matter most.<\/p>\nCan AirPods Really Work as Hearing Aids?<\/h3>\n
Making Conversations Easier to Hear<\/h3>\n
Protecting Your Hearing Before Problems Begin<\/h2>\n
1. Turn Down the Volume<\/h3>\n
2. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings<\/h3>\n
3. Use Your Smartwatch to Monitor Noise<\/h3>\n
4. Give Your Ears a Break<\/h3>\n
5. Be Careful When Cleaning Your Ears<\/h3>\n
6. Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Hearing<\/h3>\n
\n
Why Hearing Health Is About More Than Sound<\/h2>\n
Make Hearing Health Part of Your Wellness Routine<\/h2>\n
*Statistics Canada 2022 canadianaudiologist.ca\/universal-design-for-hearing<\/a>.<\/h5>\n
**The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are supported in permitted provinces in Canada on AirPods Pro 2 or later with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 27.2 or iPadOS 27.2 or later, and are intended for people 18 years old or older. The Hearing Aid feature is also supported on a compatible Mac with macOS Sequoia or later. It is intended for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are for general informational and personal use only. They are not offered as part of a healthcare service or the practice of medicine and are not intended to diagnose hearing loss or any medical condition. For any hearing concerns, please consult a licensed hearing or medical professional. Hearing health features are subject to change, and some features may not be available in all regions or all languages. To check whether features are supported in a region, visit apple.com\/ca\/airpods-pro\/feature-availability<\/a>.<\/h5>\n
***The Hearing Protection feature works with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest operating system software. See support.apple.com\/en-ca\/120850<\/a> for total attenuation and more information.<\/h5>\n
****The study was conducted and sponsored by Apple and titled \u201cUsing AirPods Pro 2 with iPhone and iPad to Help Protect, Assess, and Assist Hearing<\/a>,\u201d dated October 2024.<\/h5>\n
<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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