Apple is pushing the boundaries of audio technology once again with the upcoming release of a groundbreaking hearing test for the AirPods Pro 2. Slated for release alongside iOS 18.1 in late October 2024, this new feature offers users the ability to test their hearing from the comfort of home—an innovation that could revolutionize access to hearing care.
To showcase the development of this technology, Apple did something highly unusual: they opened the doors to Fantasia Lab, their top-secret audio testing facility. For the first time, cameras from ABC's "Good Morning America" were allowed inside this state-of-the-art lab in Cupertino.
The Sphere of Sound
At the heart of the testing process is a remarkable spherical array of 50 speakers, meticulously designed to simulate real-world environments. The speakers are mounted in a scaffolding-like structure that surrounds a chair in the lab's anechoic chamber—a space engineered to eliminate any external sound interference.
Apple's engineers used this setup to test various sound scenarios, including complex sound fields with multiple overlapping voices. Kuba Mazur, an Apple engineer, explained that testers were asked to repeat specific phrases spoken within this simulated noise environment. This allowed the team to better understand individual hearing abilities in different auditory conditions.
"Everyone’s hearing profile is slightly different," Mazur shared, "so we ran hundreds of people through dozens of tests in this chamber." The anechoic chamber is built on isolated springs and has its own separate foundation, allowing it to provide an almost unnerving level of quiet—so silent, in fact, that people inside can often hear their own heartbeat.
Democratizing Hearing Care
The hearing test will soon be available to millions of AirPods Pro 2 users, marking a significant step forward in accessibility. Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, emphasized the impact: “Seventy-five percent of people who have hearing loss do not get the help they need.” With this new feature, Apple is giving users a quick, private way to assess their hearing health and take proactive steps toward addressing potential hearing loss.
"It’s democratizing access to a test that would normally require a visit to a clinic," Dr. Desai added. This new tool will empower users not only to check their hearing at home but also to use the AirPods Pro 2 as hearing assistance devices if necessary—bridging the gap between technology and healthcare in an unprecedented way.
A Powerful Tool for Millions
This feature was first introduced during Apple’s September 2024 "Glowtime" event, alongside the launch of the iPhone 16 range. Following approval from the FDA, the AirPods Pro 2 hearing test is ready for its public debut. Early reviewers of the feature have praised its accuracy and ease of use, highlighting its potential to assist millions of users in identifying hearing issues.
By leveraging its hardware engineering prowess and cutting-edge AI technologies, Apple continues to lead the charge in creating consumer-friendly health solutions. With the launch of this hearing feature, the company aims to offer accessible, effective hearing care for anyone using the AirPods Pro 2—furthering its vision of integrating health and technology seamlessly into daily life.
