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AirPods Pro 2 lets you access the iOS 18.1 hearing aid feature — here’s how it works

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Enhance your auditory experience with the new hearing aid feature

Hearing test AirPods Pro 2
(Image credit: Future)

With the iOS 18.1 update, Apple has given AirPods Pro 2 owners access to the new "hearing aid" feature for the first time. This functionality lets the device amplify sounds, making it easier to hear conversations and navigate different environments.

This addition, Apple hopes, will empower users to take control of their hearing health in a convenient, user-friendly way, transforming everyday experiences into clearer, more engaging interactions. In addition to the hearing aid feature, iOS 18.1 brings in other useful capabilities like summarizing audio notes and phone call transcripts, sending Smart Replies, and the long-awaited Clean Up tool, Apple's answer to the Magic Eraser.

This update highlights Apple’s commitment to supporting users with hearing and accessibility challenges. In this guide, we'll show you how to turn on the hearing aid feature for your AirPods Pro 2. Let's dive in!

1. Access the Hearing Assistance settings

(Image: © Apple)

Go to Settings, then select AirPods, and tap on Hearing Assistance. Make sure you're wearing your AirPods.




2. Use your results

(Image: © Apple)

Tap Use a Prior Test Result to use any previously conducted hearing assessments. Then, answer the questions displayed on the screen and tap Next.

3. Select a compatible hearing test result

(Image: © Apple)

Choose a hearing test result that is compatible with your current needs, and tap Next to continue.

4. Set up your hearing aid

(Image: © Apple )

If your result indicates you do have mild to moderate hearing loss, Tap Set Up Hearing Aid and follow the prompts. When you’re ready, tap Turn On Hearing Aid to activate the feature.

5. Complete the setup

(Image: © Apple)

Finally, tap Done to finish the setup process and start using the hearing aid feature!

Now that you've learned how to take Apple's hearing test, why not explore other iOS 18.1 features? If you're looking to make the most of your moments, check out how to create a memory movie with Apple Intelligence. For help with documents and messages, Writing Tools is one of Apple Intelligence's most useful features — here's what it can do. And for less well-known features, check out iOS 18 Notes just got a major overhaul — here's how to use it.

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Kaycee Hill
Kaycee Hill
How-to Editor

Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that skip the fluff and get straight to what works. She writes across AI, homes, phones, and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. With years of experience in tech and content creation, she's built her reputation on turning complicated subjects into straightforward solutions. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books. Her debut collection is published by Bloodaxe, with a second book in the works.