Latest AirPods Pro 2 feature is ahead of its time in the best way – 9to5Mac

Apple has been on an impressive streak with updates for its three-year-old AirPods Pro 2. You’d have a hard time finding another set of earbuds that’s received so many new features entirely via software. Among the most recent additions, Hearing Protection stands out as AirPods Pro’s most ahead-of-its-time feature yet.

AirPods can now prevent hearing loss without you even knowing

Last fall, Apple introduced a trio of new AirPods Pro 2 features that were exclusive to the years-old hardware.

Hearing Aid, Hearing Test, and Hearing Protection launched in iOS 18.1 and brought AirPods clearly into health device territory.

For users with hearing loss, turning AirPods Pro into clinical-grade hearing aids had the potential to be transformative. And Hearing Test brought key, scientifically-validated data to users without the need for a doctor’s appointment or expensive testing.

Both features really impressed me, but the third addition—Hearing Protection—was more of an afterthought in my mind.

In time, though, and with a little research, I’ve started to see how powerful this one software change can be.

Recently I came across a World Health Organization report from a few months back. It outlines the massive threat of hearing loss facing the global population.

Here are two of the key findings:

• By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and more than 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
• Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

These numbers are pretty staggering, but they also highlight how much potential impact Apple’s Hearing Protection feature can have.

How Hearing Protection works on AirPods Pro 2

Hearing Protection works across all three of AirPods Pro 2’s different noise modes, and is on by default.

So whether you’re using Transparency, Adaptive, or Noise Cancellation mode, there is some level of Hearing Protection happening.

The goal, ultimately, is to protect your hearing when in loud environments. This could be a concert, fitness class, sports game, or any other situation where noise levels are high.

Apple explains how Hearing Protection adapts to different environments and noise modes so you can still fully engage in the activity while safeguarding your hearing.

• Transparency mode provides 11-15 decibels (dB) of attenuation (or the amount of sound reduced). Use this mode when you want to maintain situational awareness, like at a concert or a sporting event.
• Adaptive mode provides 25-29 dB of attenuation. Choose this mode when sound levels vary or are unpredictable, like with city traffic or while commuting.
• Noise Cancellation mode provides 25-30 dB of attenuation. Choose this mode for a consistent amount of hearing protection, like in situations where you want to avoid distractions.

When I did my AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Test last fall, it said I had no discernible hearing loss.

This was great news, of course. But I still get the occasional Noise app warnings on my Apple Watch about loud environments.

Knowing that my AirPods are automatically taking noises down a notch in those situations is a great source of comfort.

I’m also excited to see what kind of impact the feature can have on more users over time. Presumably Hearing Protection will expand to additional AirPods models in the years ahead, which could ultimately reduce the projected 2050 hearing loss numbers.

AirPods‘ Hearing Protection impact: wrap-up

New tech and software features are sometimes described as “ahead of their time” when the world’s not quite ready for them yet. But with AirPods Pro 2’s latest, the feature’s success itself may prevent the worst timeline from ever coming true in the first place.

It makes me think about Tim Cook’s repeated comment on Apple’s health impact being its overall biggest contribution to the world. This feature could prove a key part of that.

Have you noticed AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Protection feature in use? Let us know in the comments.

Best AirPods Pro deals and accessories

• AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249)
• Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
• Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
• AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
• Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro

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