Your Apple AirPods Pro can test your hearing in five minutes, but are they accurate?

Apple's AirPods Pro are equipped with a built-in hearing test and hearing aid features, introduced in October 2024 with iOS 18.1. These features, described by Apple as "clinical-grade," can be completed in just five minutes. Despite commercial devices like heart rate monitors varying in effectiveness, Apple's hearing test is believed to deliver accurate results under appropriate conditions.

To achieve FDA authorization, Apple conducted a clinical study of the hearing aid features, after which the hearing test also underwent scrutiny. A 2026 study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery confirmed the AirPods Pro demonstrated clinically acceptable accuracy and reliability when compared to standard audiometry tests.

The study highlighted the advantage of AirPods Pro's quick and easy-to-perform hearing test, potentially encouraging more people to prioritize their hearing health. However, it is crucial to note that while Apple's hearing test is a valid screening tool, it cannot substitute for a doctor's visit. The test is based on pure-tone audiometry, measuring how well one perceives various sound frequencies.

In-office exams, conducted by audiologists, involve additional tests such as bone conduction and eardrum health, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of hearing and potential causes of hearing loss. The AirPods Pro hearing test relies on pure-tone audiometry, which may not fully capture the nuances of a professional examination.

Additionally, the effectiveness of the test depends on proper seal formation in the ears and a noise-free environment. In a doctor's office, the test would yield more reliable results. Apple's hearing test is designed to screen for age-related hearing loss, which everyone experiences to some extent as they get older. If there are sudden changes in hearing, ear pain, or if hearing is worse in one ear compared to the other, seeking medical attention is strongly advised.

In summary, Apple's AirPods Pro provide a convenient and accessible tool for screening hearing loss, but they should not replace professional medical advice and diagnostics.