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Apple’s AirPods hearing test shows promise but cannot replace audiologists
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and 3 can run a hearing test in about five minutes, offering a convenient way to screen for hearing loss. Research suggests the test can be accurate under suitable conditions, but it is not a diagnosis and cannot replace an audiologist’s assessment.
A 2026 study found the test had clinically acceptable accuracy and reliability compared with standard audiometry, though studies so far have been small. The test measures responses to pure tones; a clinical appointment can also assess bone conduction and eardrum health. For a more dependable result, users need a quiet room and well-fitting ear tips. Sudden hearing changes, ear pain or worse hearing in one ear warrant prompt medical advice.
In short
- AirPods Pro can screen hearing in around five minutes.
- A 2026 study found clinically acceptable accuracy and reliability.
- The test cannot diagnose hearing loss or replace an audiologist.
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The case for
A quick test built into widely used earbuds could help people notice possible hearing loss sooner and make screening more accessible, especially for those who might otherwise delay seeking an assessment. Evidence of clinically acceptable accuracy under suitable conditions suggests it can be a useful first check, provided users understand that results are preliminary.
The case against
A screening result cannot capture everything an audiologist assesses, including bone conduction and eardrum health, and accuracy may depend on a quiet setting and well-fitting ear tips. The evidence remains limited, so treating the test as a substitute for professional assessment could miss or mischaracterise hearing problems, particularly when symptoms are sudden, painful or affect one ear more than the other.
Explained simply
Audiologists assess hearing using specialist equipment and can check how sound travels through the ear, as well as the health of the eardrum. Hearing tests can help identify changes that may affect communication and daily life.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and 3 offer a quick test that plays tones and asks users to respond. Research has compared its results with standard hearing tests, but the studies have been small, and accuracy can depend on quiet surroundings and well-fitting ear tips.
The AirPods test can be a convenient screen, but it does not provide a full diagnosis or replace an audiologist’s assessment. Sudden hearing changes, ear pain or noticeably worse hearing in one ear are reasons to seek medical advice promptly.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Your Apple AirPods Pro can test your hearing in five minutes, but are they accurate?”.