I Used the AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Health Features and Was Shocked at What I Found Out

Apple's latest update to its AirPods Pro 2 earbuds has brought with it a range of exciting new features, but perhaps one of the most important is the addition of hearing health features. These features, which include the ability to track personal audio levels, are designed to help users take better care of their hearing and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

So, how do these features work and what do they mean for users? Let's take a closer look.

To access the hearing health features on your AirPods Pro 2, you'll first need to make sure that your earbuds are running the latest software update. To do this, simply place your AirPods Pro 2 in their charging case, connect to a nearby iPhone or iPad, and follow the prompts to download and install the update.

Once the update has been installed, you can access the hearing health features by opening the Settings app on your connected iPhone or iPad and navigating to 'Sounds and Haptics' > 'Headphone Safety'.

From here, you'll be able to see a graph showing your recent audio exposure levels. This graph will be colored based on the decibel level of the audio you've been listening to, with green indicating safe levels (up to 75 decibels), yellow indicating moderate levels (76-80 decibels), and red indicating high levels (81 decibels or higher).

As well as tracking your audio levels, the AirPods Pro 2 also include a feature called 'Custom Transparency'. This feature allows users to customize the amount of external noise that is allowed to pass through the earbuds, making it easier to have conversations or be aware of your surroundings while still listening to audio.

This feature is a welcome addition, as it means that users can choose to balance their audio listening experience with the need to be aware of what's going on around them. This is especially useful in situations like commuting or working out.

However, it's worth noting that the hearing health features require an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16.3 or later, as well as AirPods Pro 2 earbuds with the latest firmware update.

Despite this, the inclusion of these features is a positive step by Apple, and they could prove to be a significant benefit for users who are looking to take better care of their hearing.