Step 1: Make sure your devices are updated. The Hearing Aid mode is a software, not hardware, feature. That means AirPods Pro 2 owners still need to make sure their earphones are updated to the latest firmware, and that their connected iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 18.1. Step 2: Ensure your AirPods are charged above 10 percent.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 now have a “hearing aid feature”: a hearing test and the ability to amplify sound for mild or moderate hearing loss, with a free software update.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 can now perform ably – and cheaply – as over-the-counter hearing aids, but there are some flaws and compromises.