Apple has announced that the upcoming iOS 18.2 update will bring new hearing health features in AirPods Pro 2 headphones to users in the UAE.

The new hearing health features in AirPods Pro 2 allow users to take a home hearing test in just five minutes to assess the hearing status, and the test is based on the user's response to a series of different tones in frequency and volume, by interacting through the iPhone screen.

Upon completion of the test, the results are presented in a personal hearing file with a classification of the level of hearing loss if present, recommendations for next steps, or use the results to improve the listening experience, including improving the clarity of sound in phone calls and when listening to content through the speakers. Results are automatically stored on Apple devices in the Health app, which allows results to be shared with healthcare providers when needed.

Apple will make hearing testing available via AirPods Pro 2 and iPhones in other countries, such as Cyprus, Czechia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom. The feature was first launched in the United States and some other countries in late October.

Another benefit is the ability to use AirPods Pro 2 as a "medically aid," a feature that relies on special software designed to help users with mild to moderate hearing loss.

This feature makes personalized hearing adjustments and enhances ambient sounds in real time to improve hearing, after a rapid home hearing test. This feature is unique and has the approval of stakeholders, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

All of the hearing health features of AirPods Pro 2 are based on Update 7B19 and later, which is an automatic headphone update that installs automatically when the headphones are in charging mode, and within Bluetooth connectivity with any of Apple's internet-connected devices.

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